JOB OPPORTUNITY // EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (MATERNITY COVER)

The gist

We are looking for an exceptional individual to join us. The Executive Director is a key member of the Strike A Light team, working alongside the Artistic Director and Trustees to lead the organisation. 

We want someone to join the team who is excited about the work Strike A Light does, that can hold, shape, support and drive the organisation in partnership with the Artistic Director and the wider team. Someone who shares our principles and believes in the importance of arts in Gloucester.

The ROLE

The individual will be covering the maternity leave of the current Executive Director and we want someone who can calmly steer the ship with sound experience in financial management, fundraising and the skills to lead an organisation. The individual will need to navigate the organisation through an NPO round so an ability to bring the team together to shape and write a bid, is essential.

About you

We’re after someone who’s confident with financial management, has a solid understanding of Arts Council England and NPO reporting, and knows their way around fundraising. It’s important that you’ve got experience managing reports and policies, and that you’re comfortable working across things like HR, safeguarding, and equality and diversity. You’ll need great attention to detail, but also the ability to see the bigger picture, communicate clearly, and keep everything on track.

The Details

» Download the application pack to read the full person specification and job description

(There’s A LOT of info in there and the whole lot might look pretty daunting – but it’s because we’re trying to make sure we’ve covered everything that might be included. Ultimately, we’re looking for the right person and what YOU can bring – so please do talk to us about the role even if you don’t feel sure about every single bullet point on the list!)

Salary and contract

The role is offered on a 0.6 – 0.8 contract at £42,000 pro rata. Fixed term till Thursday 23 July 2026.

We operate on a hybrid model with Strike A Light offices open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the Executive Director is expected to be in the office on those days.

The other working days can be worked  flexibly between Monday and Thursday. The office is closed on a Friday.

We are offering flexibility in the number of the days (3 or 4 days) for this role as it offers itself to be supported elsewhere.

If you would like to discuss the working days in more detail at the application stage, please get in touch with recruitment@strikealight.org.uk.

The process // How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, a Cover Letter (no longer than 2 A4 pages) and the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form* to Kate at recruitment@strikealight.org.uk

(Please include your full name in the attachment file names).

*this information will be separated from your application and is used for monitoring purposes only, not as part of the shortlisting process

>> Download the equal opportunities monitoring form

If you would like to apply via a different format (e.g audio or video) please get in touch to arrange.

If you would like to have a chat to find out more about the role and ask any questions you might have, contact Kate on recruitment@strikealight.org.uk .

You will receive an email to confirm the safe receipt of your application; if you don’t receive this within 3 days of sending your application please email again (do check your junk mail first)

APPLICATION GUIDANCE

Your cover letter should tell us why you are interested in the role, why you like Strike A Light, how your experience relates to the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in the job description and why you think you’d be a good fit for Strike A Light in reference to the person specification. 

» Download the full application pack to read the full person specification and job description (PDF)

>> Download the text only application pack (word doc)

Gloucester is a diverse city and we value having a range of experiences and perspectives to make things better.  Everyone is welcome to apply.  However, owing to the underrepresentation of these identities and characteristics across our sector at large, we are particularly interested in hearing from people who identify as D/deaf and/or disabled, those from low socio-economic backgrounds and Global Majority* candidates. 

*In using the term ‘Global Majority’ we refer to people who identify as Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, indigenous to the global south, and or have been racialised as ‘ethnic minorities’. (Rosemary Campbell-Stephens, 2020)

Deadline for applications: Monday 30 june 2025, 10am

THE INTERVIEW

If you are shortlisted for interview, we will contact you by email on Wednesday 2 July. If you are not shortlisted we will let you know by email later that week. 

Where possible, interviews will happen in person, in our office in Gloucester. The interview questions will be provided in advance. We may also give a short unseen task if we decide it is important to the process – we will inform you of this before this interview.  Reasonable travel expenses will be covered. 

Your interview will be with Lynette Dakin (Executive Director), Emma-Jane Benning (Artistic Director) and one of our trustees.

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 July 2025

ACCESS

• Strike A Light aims to be an inclusive organisation, and we welcome applications from people who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent 
• Access provision and reasonable adjustments will be made available (both at interview and employment stages) for any candidates that require it
• Please indicate any access requirements you have in your application (this information will not be used as part of the shortlisting process)

If you require any part of the application process in an alternative format accessible to you, please contact recruitment@strikealight.org.uk