Job Description
CEO Role Summary:
The CEO provides strategic leadership, ensuring high-quality inclusive arts provision whilst overseeing operations, staff, fundraising, compliance and partnerships. They act as the organisation s ambassador and contribute to the planning and delivery of both our charitable and business orientated objectives, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic, Leadership and Planning -
Lead organisation, strategic management and business development
Develop programmes aligned with community s needs
Review and direct a clear business plan with Trustees
Represent CF at events, in the media and with stakeholders
Liaise with beneficiaries, Council/NHS staff, Charity Commission, Companies House
Programme and Partnership Oversight -
Support staff in designing inclusive arts initiatives
Identify new partnership opportunities
Lead on events, exhibitions, and partnership development
Ensure programme quality, legal compliance and impact reporting
People and HR Management -
Line manage senior staff (Project, Fundraising, Comms, etc.)
Lead and supervise Salesforce and/or any other appropriate database systems
Oversee recruitment, performance, training and appraisals
Implement and update HR policies and procedures (GDPR, Safeguarding, H&S, etc.)
Foster a positive, inclusive, collaborative staff culture
Fundraising and Communications -
Lead fundraising strategy, applications with Fundraising Manager and other staff
Cultivate new relationships with funding bodies and stakeholders
Represent CF to funders, media, and the public
Approve marketing and promotional materials
Attend networking events to explore collaborative funding
Operations and Compliance -
Oversee facilities, H&S compliance and sustainability
Incorporate all Charity Commission and Companies House updates
Maintain tenancy relationship with Barnet Council
Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and Data Protection Officer (ICO)
Ensure all risk assessments and safeguarding incidents are documented
Finance and Governance -
Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports
Oversee financial control, resource efficiency, and long-term planning
Lead on new business income generation strategies, including art sales
Report financial and strategic performance to the Board of Trustees quarterly
Ensure timely delivery of board papers and assist trustees/directors development
Personal Specification
Essential:
- Demonstratable senior leadership experience in arts, community or inclusive sectors
- Strategic, empathetic, and confident leadership
- Proven fundraising, HR, and financial planning experience
- Knowledge of safeguarding, H&S, and regulatory compliance
- Skilled in managing staff, freelancers, and creative practitioners
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Have a creative mindset with a passion for arts and culture
Desirable:
- Experience in London Borough of Barnet or other local networks
- Knowledge of Arts Council England (ACE), DCMS and other major third sector funders
- Experience working with Social Services, plus neurodivergent or disabled communities
- Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion best practices
This Job Description reflects the current requirements. It does not prevent CF from making any changes or additions that might be required in the future. CF welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applicants from Black, Asian, ethnic minority, and/or disabled applicants as these groups are currently underrepresented in the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector.
