Executive Director

East London Dance; Greater London; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

East London Dance is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic, operational and financial leadership, partnering with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and ensure sustainability. The role leads people, governance, risk, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, turning artistic ambitions into a resilient, community-focused programme.

You will build strong funder relationships, develop strategic partnerships and foster an inclusive, values-led culture across

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience (Director/Deputy CEO or equivalent).
• Proven track record in fundraising, income generation and funder relationships.
• Knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO.
• Translate the Business Plan into action; lead staff, freelancers and consultants; foster inclusive culture.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, fundraising and stakeholder engagement; support the Board.

Skills

Senior leadership

Fundraising

Governance

Financial acumen

Board engagement

Diversity & inclusion

Communication

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

East London Dance champions and grows east London’s vibrant dance scene through a wide range of artistic and community-focused activity. From its state-of-the-art home, the Talent House—a converted historic warehouse at the edge of the Olympic Park—the organisation supports artists, producers, and participants to become creative leaders in their communities. East London Dance is committed to co-creation, inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and representing the diverse communities it serves. The Talent House is also a key creative hub, offering flexible spaces and facilities that can be hired for dance, performance, and events, making it a central part of east London’s cultural landscape.

The Role:

The Executive Director will provide strategic, operational and financial leadership for East London Dance, working in close partnership with the Creative Director & CEO to deliver the organisation’s vision and business plan, strengthening its position as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The role leads people, culture, finance, governance, risk, operations, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and equipped to deliver high-quality artistic and community programmes.

As a senior ambassador, the Executive Director builds strong relationships with funders, partners, trustees and stakeholders, while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture. The role creates the conditions for a thriving team, turning creative ambition into organisational reality and supporting East London Dance’s long-term success.

We’re looking for someone who can help turn our ambition into a sustainable, thriving future – building the relationships and the funding that will carry us forward, and doing it alongside a team that already cares deeply about the organisation.

Salary:

£48-50k (Full Time)

Job requirements:

Must bring substantial senior leadership experience, ideally Director, Deputy CEO or equivalent level, with evidence of strategic planning, organisational growth and performance management. Must have a proven track record in fundraising, business development and income generation, including securing funding, managing funder relationships and identifying new commercial or partnership opportunities; experience leading high-performing teams, managing change and strengthening organisational culture; strong financial acumen, including understanding budgets, balance sheets and financial decision-making; knowledge of charity governance, safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and risk management frameworks; experience working with Boards of Trustees. Must demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be confident using Microsoft Suite, and have knowledge of ACE funding and reporting requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

Provides strategic, operational and financial leadership with Creative Director & CEO. The role translates the Business Plan into action, leads staff, freelancers and consultants, and develops an inclusive, high-performing culture. Key responsibilities include workforce planning, recruitment, HR compliance, performance management and staff wellbeing. The role oversees organisational systems, administration, IT and the operation of Talent House, including health and safety, compliance, venue hire and stakeholder relationships. They co-lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow monitoring and audit processes, while driving fundraising and income generation across grants, trusts, partnerships, sponsorship and earned income. The role also leads governance, risk management and business continuity planning, supports the Board of Trustees, develops strategic partnerships, represents the organisation externally and strengthens its profile, impact and long-term sustainability.

Application Deadline:

Apply by 12noon, Thursday 8 October, 2026