READ THE FULL JOB PACK

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Unity Theatre is a values-led venue with a busy programme and a complex funding mix. This maternity cover Executive Director role is central to keeping Unity stable, compliant and financially resilient whilst also strengthening the systems and income pipelines that help the organisation thrive.

 

You’ll be the organisation’s senior lead for governance, finance controls and trusts/grants fundraising, ensuring the Board has clear information for decisions, the team is well-supported, and Unity’s public work can happen safely and sustainably. This is a hands-on leadership role where good judgement, strong relationships and clear process can make a visible difference within 9 months.

 

PURPOSES OF THE ROLE

To provide operational and strategic leadership for Unity Theatre during a 9-month maternity cover period, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight, HR good practice, safeguarding policy oversight, and delivery of an effective trusts and grants fundraising programme.

A key focus of this role is not only continuity, but improvement – strengthening income pipelines, decision-making information, and internal systems so Unity is consistently in a better position.

 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send: to eleanor@unitytheatre.co.uk

· Your CV, and

· A supporting statement answering Questions 1–3 below.

 

These questions are designed to help us understand your experience, judgement and motivation for the role beyond what is captured in your CV.

We recommend a total word count of no more than 750 words across your answers (but you are welcome to write less)

Questions

1. Senior leadership office / governance support Please describe your experience of working within or managing a senior leadership office (e.g. Executive Director/CEO or Board-facing role). Include your experience of supporting governance or board processes (papers, minutes/actions, decision-making). What have you found most challenging about this kind of role, and how have you approached it?

 

2. Judgement, trust and handling complexity Trust, judgement and relationships are central to this role. Please give an example of a situation where your judgement or approach helped build confidence, manage sensitivity, or resolve a complex issue. (For example: governance risk, finance controls, HR, safeguarding, funder relationships, or a high-stakes operational problem.)

 

3. Fundraising motivation and fit with Unity This maternity cover role has a strong focus on trusts and grants fundraising. What attracts you to this role at Unity Theatre, and how do our purpose and values resonate with you? Please include a brief note on the kinds of trusts/grants work you most enjoy and where you think you could add value in your role.

 

Please feel free to add any additional information that will support your application.

 

 

Recruitment timeline and important information

Closing date for applications: 22 March 2026

Interviews: mid-April 2026, with a view to making an offer of employment to the successful candidate by the end of April.

Start date: The successful applicant will be required to commence work on or before 20 July 2026. The Executive Director will begin maternity leave from 1 August 2026.

 

Please do not apply unless this is feasible.

Candidates are welcome to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role before applying. Please contact either Peter Mearns (Chair of Trustees) at peter.mearns@live.co.uk or Eleanor Manson-Sawko at eleanor@unitytheatre.co.uk to arrange a call.

Back