Interim General Manager

Who Are BLINK?

BLINK cares. A lot.

BLINK is reimagining a world without barriers.

BLINK is radically challenging who gets to lead.

We are Learning Disabled and neurodivergent people, and we lead our organisation, shape our art, and drive our workshops in schools. Everything we do is by, for and with our communities. We believe accessibility fuels innovation, and when leadership is inclusive, art and learning thrive.

Artistically, our work is rooted in the rhythms of London life, its banter, and everyday street interactions. Through play we find poignancy and universal topics that bring people together both inside and outside the inclusive arts community.

Accessibility is not an add-on; it is central to everything we create, and we stand up for what is needed to make our work possible. We strive to lead the field of inclusive arts, continually inventing new ways to remove barriers, for ourselves and for the people we work alongside. Find out more about how we work together here .

What We're Looking For

If you're excited by what we do, have experience in general management/ operations, and want to support our mission to centre Neurodivergent and Learning Disabled voices in an arts organisation, you could be a great fit!

Days per week: 5 days - but we open to adjusting the role to suit a part-time delivery of the role.

Annual leave: 28 days pro rata.

Start date: As soon as possible, for an initial fixed term period.

Location: Hybrid - working from home/at our studio in Nine Elms.

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 annual equivalent, depending on experience.

Responsible to: Co-Directors and Board of Trustees.

Line manager to: Access and Inclusion Manager, Communications and Impact Manager, Operations Manager.

Role Context and Overview

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to join us on an interim basis while we recruit a long-term Executive Director. The role will oversee BLINK's operations, work closely with the Artistic Co-Directors on strategy, and help sustain the cohesion, creativity, and momentum of our small, dynamic team. There is also potential for the successful candidate to step into the more senior Executive role at the end of the interim period.

BLINK is in a good financial position, with support from a new finance consultant who will oversee financial management and a finance assistant who manages bookkeeping. We are also supported by an experienced and passionate team leading key departments (see more here ). A key part of the role will be supporting the team to continue their excellent work while strengthening the structures that underpin it.

Areas of Work

Operational Strategy and Finance

• Oversight of operations including how we conduct our meetings, our internal processes, maintaining efficiency and clarity across the organisation.

• Working closely with our experienced finance consultant to ensure our finances are managed effectively and appropriately according to BLINK's business plan, bridging the gap between them and the departmental budget holders.

• Contributing to BLINK's strategy, alongside our Artistic Co-Directors.

• Building connections with local stakeholders.

• Leading the operations at our new studio space in Nine Elms.

• Responsible for the oversight of the organisational calendar, supporting the team to minimise busy periods.

Marketing

• Oversight and input on marketing strategy and timeline, alongside our Communications and Impact Manager and PR company.

People and HR

• Oversight of recruitment and contracting, alongside our Producing and Operations Manager.

• Creating and updating policies in line with relevant legal and charity commission requirements.

• Leading, mentoring, and supporting BLINK's staff as a line manager.

• Managing team holidays and the leave taking processes.

• Co-lead contact for any Safeguarding concerns.

• Oversight of health and safety alongside Producing and Operations Manager.

• Planning and overseeing team days.

Producing

• Oversight of the management of productions and events, alongside the Producing and Operations Manager to make sure they are well supported and productions are well resourced and run.

Fundraising and Income Generation

• Arts Council NPO main contact for Relationship Manager, and responsible for ensuring reporting requirements are met, and the NPO re-application is managed well alongside our Communications and Impact Manager.

• Oversight of all current and pipelined funding applications, working closely with our long-time fundraising bid writer.

• Diversifying income lines, building individual giving and training income.

Governance and Board

• Main contact for the Board, responsible for organising quarterly Board meetings and keeping the charity commission up to date.

• Support with trustee recruitment.

• Prepare papers for Board meetings.

• To contribute actively to Board meetings and any agreed sub-committees, bringing insight, curiosity and challenge as appropriate.

• Ensure the theatre complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

The deadline to apply is 10am on Tuesday 7th April.