Chief Executive

Chief Executive

Cultureword Closing date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026

Artform: Literature
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
North West

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Cultureword is seeking an inspiring and values-driven Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase.

Job Description

Cultureword is seeking an inspiring and values-driven Chief Executive to lead the organisation into its next phase. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive will provide strategic leadership, ensure the delivery of high-quality creative writing programmes, and champion equity, community engagement, and artistic excellence.

The Chief Executive ensures the organisation's artistic, financial, and organisational sustainability and the advancement of its mission rooted in creative writing, community engagement, and social justice.

Job Requirements

You will be an experienced senior leader from the arts or not-for-profit sector with strong people skills, a track record of fundraising and programme delivery, and a commitment to community engagement, equity, and inclusive leadership.

Key requirements:

1. A degree or equivalent professional experience in arts management, cultural leadership, creative writing, humanities, or a related field

2. Significant leadership experience within the arts, cultural, charity, or not-for-profit sector. Plus proven experience of working with, and reporting to, a Board of Directors or Trustees

3. Proven experience of ensuring sound and solvent financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Demonstrable success in fundraising and a good understanding of arts funding streams.

4. Strong understanding of, and commitment to, creative writing as an art form.

5. Demonstrable community engagement experience

6. Proven experience of line-managing staff and freelancers.

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for Cultureword, working with the Board to set, deliver, and review the organisation's vision, business plan, and objectives

  • Ensure strong governance, legal compliance, and effective reporting to the Board and funders

  • Lead financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and oversight of funding agreements and income generation

  • Oversee delivery of high-quality creative writing programmes, including Arts Council England NPO activity

  • Act as an advocate and public voice for Cultureword, building profile, partnerships, and sector influence

  • Lead meaningful engagement with communities, participants, artists, and partners

  • Manage and support staff and freelancers, embedding effective HR practice, development, and wellbeing

  • Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient, inclusive, and sustainable programme delivery

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Chief Executive
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Literature
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Location:
    North West

How to Apply

Please complete the Job Application form and send to [email protected] with the subject line 'CEO Application'