We are currently seeking to appoint two trustees with skills in Finance and Business Development. We’re looking for culturally ambitious individuals with diverse lived experience who have a passion for increasing high-quality literary & storytelling activities in Exeter and Devon.
Job Description
We have a new mission, vision, and aims that we want your help in executing as a Board member. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to the cultural ecology in a UNESCO Creative City at a time of significant opportunity, both for Devon and for the Exeter UNESCO City of Literature office. We seek Trustees who can bring new perspectives and diverse lived experience to our team, and who share our vision for everyone to love stories and storytelling. The specific areas of expertise we're looking to fill are: - Finance - able to read and understand management accounts; spot risks; support strategic financial planning; and understand reserves policies, restricted, and unrestricted funds. - Business Development - particularly around IP, capital projects, real estate and development, and/or organisational growth.
Job Requirements
In these new appointments, we are seeking candidates who will have: - A strong understanding of, and commitment to, the values of Exeter City of Literature and UNESCO's Sustainable Development Goals - A passion for increasing readership and increasing high quality literary & storytelling activities in Exeter and Devon - Strong networks within various sectors/communities in Exeter, Devon, and nationwide - Clear, strategic thinking - Rational and empathy-driven judgement - An ability to communicate proactively and think creatively
Job Responsibilities
The role of the Board of Trustees is to: - Provide strategic direction for Exeter UNESCO City of Literature - Oversee the work of the Executive Office and ensure good governance of the charity - Ensure that financial and other resources are well managed and used effectively - Use their skills, knowledge, and contacts to help shape the development of the organisation - Participate in sub-committees with members on specific areas of work or time-limited projects - Demonstrate and uphold the organisation's vision and values - Act as spokespeople for Exeter City of Literature and advocate for its work Trustees give approximately 5 hours per month. Board meetings and sub-committee meetings are held quarterly. We have one annual Away Day. Board meetings and Away Days are held in-person but when necessary trustees can join by Zoom. Sub-committee meetings are held online. We also encourage trustees to attend some ExCoL events, and the events of our cultural partners, wherever possible.
We warmly welcome applications from those new to Board work as well as individuals with a proven track record in trustee roles.
Email [email protected] with your CV and a statement (either a cover letter of up to two pages, or a 3-5-minute video/audio file) explaining why you would like to become a Trustee, including what skills and expertise you would bring to Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, by Sunday 22nd March.
Interviews will take place online the week of 13th-17th April.
We will let everyone who applies know the outcome of their application.
For an informal conversation with one of our current trustees and/or the Executive Director, please contact [email protected] and we will arrange a convenient time.
If you would like to receive any of the Trustee Recruitment Pack materials in an audio file or via BSL, please email [email protected]
Exeter City of Literature is a charity established to steward the UNESCO Creative City designation that Exeter received in 2019. The charity champions stories and storytelling locally and globally. With 41 other UNESCO Cities of Literature, it provide opportunities for Devon residents to collaborate internationally and to use stories to better understand each other and the world we live in.
