Director

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The Common Guild is Seeking a Director

Application deadline: Not listed
Salary: £50,100-£57,100 per annum, depending on skills and experience
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Purpose of the Role

The Director will lead The Common Guild’s artistic, strategic and organisational development, ensuring its continued relevance, impact and sustainability. They will have overall responsibility for the organisation’s programme, finances, operations and external relationships, working closely with the Board, staff, artists, partners and funders to deliver the organisation’s ambitions and to maintain its long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide inspiring and effective leadership for The Common Guild across all areas of activity.
Develop and implement the organisation’s artistic vision, strategic direction and business plan.
Lead the organisation’s long-term development, maintaining organisational integrity while ensuring sustainability and financial resilience.
Act as the principal ambassador and advocate for The Common Guild.
Maintain and enhance the organisation’s reputation for artistic excellence and innovation.

Artistic Programme and Public Engagement

Lead the development and delivery of a distinctive, ambitious and critically engaged programme of exhibitions, commissions, events and public activities.
Work closely with the Curator and artists to realise new commissions, exhibitions, projects and events.
Identify opportunities for collaboration and partnership that enhance artistic impact and reach.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with artists, curators and visual arts professionals locally, nationally and internationally.
Articulate and communicate a compelling artistic vision for the organisation.
Contribute actively to contemporary visual arts discourse, advocacy and sector development.
Identify opportunities to grow and enhance public engagement at a local and community level.

Organisational Leadership and Management

Lead, support and manage the staff team, fostering a positive, collaborative and inclusive organisational culture.
Directly oversee the work of the Curator, Finance Manager and Company Manager and ensure the effective development and management of all staff.
Maintain robust financial, administrative and operational systems and ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements.
Promote equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility across all aspects of the organisation’s work.
Champion Fair Work principles across the organisation, and demonstrate best practice when working with artists and freelancers.
Embed environmental sustainability within organisational planning, operations and programme delivery.

Fundraising and Resource Development

Lead fundraising activity across public funding, trusts and foundations, philanthropy, sponsorship and other income streams, in line with the organisation’s values and ethical fundraising principles.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, donors, supporters and strategic partners.
Identify and pursue new opportunities for investment and partnership.
Lead the development of high-quality funding applications, proposals and reports.
Ensure the organisation is financially sustainable and appropriately resourced to deliver its ambitions.
Maintain productive relationships with landlords and co-tenants, to ensure a sustainable and accessible home for the organisation.

Governance

Work closely with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and strategic decision-making.
Prepare reports and present organisational updates to the Board.
Support Board development, recruitment and induction.
Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and governance frameworks are maintained and regularly reviewed.
Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements to funders and regulatory bodies.

Communications and External Relations

Oversee the organisation’s communications strategy and public profile.
Build and maintain productive relationships with cultural organisations, educational institutions, local communities and strategic partners.
Represent The Common Guild at events, conferences, sector forums and public engagements.
Promote and strengthen the organisation’s profile and influence across the contemporary visual arts sector.

Person Specification

Essential

Significant leadership experience within the contemporary visual arts sector.
A commitment to supporting artists and the integrity of their work.
A strong track record of developing and delivering ambitious artistic programmes.
Demonstrable experience of organisational leadership, strategic planning and team management.
Proven success in fundraising and securing support from public funders, trusts, foundations and individual donors.
Excellent financial and organisational management skills.
Strong understanding of governance and charity management.
Experience of working effectively with a Board of Trustees.
Strong knowledge of contemporary visual arts in Scotland and beyond.
Extensive professional networks within the visual arts and cultural sectors.
Outstanding communication, advocacy and relationship-building skills.
Commitment to equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, Fair Work and environmental sustainability.
Demonstrable alignment with The Common Guild’s values.

Desirable

Experience of leading a Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funded organisation or comparable cultural organisation.
Experience of organisational change, strategic growth or business development.
Experience of developing international partnerships and collaborations.
Knowledge of cultural policy and public funding in Scotland.

About The Common Guild

The Common Guild is one of Scotland’s most respected contemporary visual arts organisations, holding a unique position at local, national, and international levels. Established in 2006, it presents a distinctive programme, working closely with artists to help them realise ambitious work. With an international outlook and a diverse range of voices and perspectives, The Common Guild aims to create engaging experiences and unique events that foster meaningful encounters between artists, audiences and ideas.

This description was edited, for further details about the role and the application process, please visit the link below.

Image credits: Via The Common Guild website