Chief Executive Officer

Hastings International Piano; Hastings; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious cultural institution in Hastings is seeking a Chief Executive to lead their operations and artistic programming. The ideal candidate will have significant senior leadership experience and a strong understanding of the cultural sector. Responsibilities include providing strategic leadership, fostering collaboration, and ensuring financial sustainability. The position offers a part-time, permanent contract with hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary range of £70,000–£80,000 FTE.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior leadership within the cultural sector.
• Ability to balance artistic ambition with financial resilience.
• Skill in contributing strategically to income generation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the institution in strategic development and governance.
• Foster collaboration and excellence within the team and community.
• Ensure sustainable growth through disciplined planning.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Strategic planning

Financial management

Organisational development

Partnership-building

Understanding of fundraising

Job description

Part-time (four-day week), permanent.

Salary: £70,000–£80,000 FTE.

Location: Hastings with hybrid working.

Hastings International Piano (HIP) invites applications for the role of Chief Executive to lead this celebrated institution, renowned for its internationally respected Piano Competition and a wider commitment to nurturing outstanding emerging pianists. With roots extending over a century, HIP is deeply embedded in the cultural life of Hastings, a town characterised by creativity, resilience, and a strong civic spirit. Alongside its acclaimed Competition, HIP delivers an ambitious year‑round artistic programme including a learning and participation offer that brings high‑quality music‑making into schools, SEN settings, care homes, and public spaces across the region.

The Chief Executive will play a pivotal role in shaping HIP’s next phase of development, providing strategic leadership that balances artistic ambition with financial resilience, operational clarity, and strong governance. They will lead a small expert team and a highly engaged volunteer community, foster a culture of collaboration and excellence, and ensure sustainable growth through disciplined planning, timely decision‑making, and careful stewardship of partners and supporters.

The successful candidate will bring senior leadership experience within the cultural sector, together with proven skill in strategic planning, financial management, organisational development, and partnership‑building. They will understand the fundraising landscape and contribute strategically to income generation across philanthropic, public, and private sources.

A visionary yet pragmatic leader, the new Chief Executive will lead with integrity, resilience, and the credibility to represent HIP to artists, funders, partners, the international piano community, and the wider cultural sector. A deep belief in the power of music to enrich and strengthen communities is vital.

Hastings International Piano’s executive search partners in this appointment are AEM International Limited. For further information about the role and how to apply, please visit AEM International’s website at www.aeminternational.co.uk/current-opportunities.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 23 January 2026. Hastings International Piano is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from candidates from all backgrounds, particularly those that are underrepresented in the cultural sector.