Executive Director

DisabilityArtsOnline Limited; Bristol; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tobacco Factory Theatres in Bristol is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organisation, combining strategic leadership with active involvement in the practical realities of a dynamic theatre charity.

The role exercises significant delegated authority across the organisation, requiring composure, sound judgment and the ability to work closely with the Artistic Director & CEO and the Board; we value leaders who are decisive yet collaborative and comfortable with complexity.

Job description

The Executive Director is part of a team of three Directors who share responsibility for the leadership of Tobacco Factory Theatres. Together, they ensure that artistic ambition, public benefit, commercial resilience and organisational capability strengthen one another in pursuit of our mission.

The Executive Director leads the organisational conditions. This role combines strategic leadership with direct involvement. Alongside shaping long-term organisational development, the Executive Director will remain actively engaged in the practical realities of leading a dynamic theatre charity, modelling high standards and contributing directly where their expertise, judgement and leadership add the greatest value.

The Executive Director exercises significant delegated authority across the organisation. This role demands composure, sound judgement and the confidence to lead independently within agreed strategic parameters, whilst recognising when decisions benefit from collective discussion or require the agreement of the Artistic Director & CEO or the Board.

We value leaders who are confident in making decisions, comfortable with complexity and thoughtful in knowing when to consult.

The next Executive Director joins Tobacco Factory Theatres at an exciting moment in our journey. We have a strong artistic reputation, an ambitious vision for our future and a clear commitment to strengthening the organisational foundations that will enable creativity to flourish for years to come. This is a rare opportunity to help shape not only the future of a much-loved cultural institution, but the way in which it serves Bristol, its artists, audiences and communities. If this sounds exciting, we'd love to hear from you.

Success in this role will be measured not simply by operational effectiveness, but by the strength of the organisation that is being built.

Ultimately, success will be reflected in Tobacco Factory Theatres' ability to continue growing in impact and long-term sustainability as a Place of Welcome and Wonder.

Deadline for application: 10am Thursday 3rd September 2026