Executive Director & Co-CEO
18 Days Old
Executive Director & Co-CEO Applicant Information
We are seeking a passionate and ambitious Executive Director & Co-CEO to join our leadership team. You will provide overall administrative and strategic leadership for our vibrant theatre and also work with senior colleagues to build and sustain a much broader ecosystem of innovative productions.
New Diorama delivers first‑class programming, nurtures the next generation of artists, and provides an inclusive, enjoyable environment for the hugely diverse mix of theatre professionals, audience members and local residents who visit and use our space. We're proudly independent and depend upon a wide range of key relationships – from artistic collaborators and commercial partners to local community groups – with every penny that we spend needing to be raised or earned.
What has made us such a success has been our willingness to identify and nurture new theatre makers, taking them on a journey from scratch performances to national and international profile, to understand the challenges faced by the artists and communities we serve and to provide the support required to meet them head‑on. We are looking for someone who shares the passion, commitment and values that have defined our work to date and is ready to roll up their sleeves and help take New Diorama forward.
About New Diorama
New Diorama is a creative home dedicated to transforming the landscape of how independent theatre is developed, supported and celebrated. Since opening in 2010, we have established an award‑winning record of commissioning the most exciting, innovative new theatre as well as providing thought‑leadership for meaningful artist support and sector development.
Our commissioned work has transferred to the West End “Nouveau Riche's” Olivier‑nominated “For Black Boys” and Broadway “Spitlip's” Olivier award‑winning “Operation Mincemeat”, toured nationally and internationally to prestigious venues including Germany's Schaubühne “Kandinsky's Trap Street”, and been broadcast on the BBC “Breach Theatre's It's True, It's True, It's True”.
“A crucial part of the wider UK theatre ecology and an under‑sung hero.” The Guardian
Our pioneering artist support programmes reach hundreds of independent companies and freelance artists annually, providing resources and mentorship to progress their practice, company and career that is not available anywhere else.
“The support was generous and thoughtful everyone genuinely wanted the work to shine. I was struck by the distinct breadth of expertise across the organisation I'm cheerleading whenever I see the artist development programmes and feel proud to be part of that ecology.” – Jemima Yong, Artist
Our Team
New Diorama operates under a shared leadership structure which directly reflects our collaborative ethos while driving improved organisational resilience in support of our indefatigable artistic ambition.
Artistic Lead: Emma Clark, Head of Programme – creative vision, artistic relationships, programming and cultural impact.
Operations Lead: Sophie Wallis, Executive Producer & Co‑CEO – lead producer of all activity and operational delivery.
Business Lead: Executive Director & Co‑CEO – finance, fundraising, strategic partnerships, governance and organisational development.
The incoming postholder will be an essential pillar of this structure. Our collaborative model is further supported by our diverse and dedicated small staff team of seven, together with our front‑of‑house and café staff.
A Board of Trustees, who meet regularly, oversees the NDT's charitable objectives – they include senior representatives from the arts, business, professional services, politics and the public sector.
Notes
Sophie is going on maternity leave from spring 2026, and we are therefore also currently recruiting an interim Senior Producer to support and work as part of the executive team alongside the Executive Director & Co‑CEO and the Artistic Lead over this period. The Executive Producer is expected to return in 2027 and resume their responsibilities as Co‑CEO.
About the Role
Job title: Executive Director & Co‑CEO
Responsible to: Chair of Board of Trustees
Working closely with: Chair of Board of Trustees, Artistic Lead, Executive Producer & Co‑CEO, Finance Director, and Staff Team
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Hours of work: Full time, 40 hours per week. Core hours 10am‑6pm. We operate Time Off in Lieu for additional hours required, which may include evenings and weekends.
Place of work: New Diorama Theatre, 15‑16 Triton Street, Regent's Place, London, NW1 3BF.
Annual Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays, and additional gifted days
Probation period: 6 months
Benefits
Flexi‑time: Core hours between 10am‑6pm, to help support work‑life balance
Wellbeing: Financial contribution on top of your salary (currently £500 pa), for gym membership or other wellbeing activities of your choice
Annual Leave: Additional gifted days for your birthday and during closure over Christmas (2 weeks)
Pension: Company pension scheme enrolment with generous employer contribution
Tickets: Complimentary tickets for all New Diorama productions (subject to availability)
Discounts: Subsidised food and drink at New Diorama's Café
Training: Opportunities for professional and personal development
Executive Director & Co‑CEO Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
Work in close partnership with the Artistic Lead and Executive Producer & Co‑CEO, in agreement with the Board, to develop and implement New Diorama’s strategic plans. This strategy will include a dynamic artistic policy and programme, development of new audiences, community engagement, and financial and environmental sustainability.
Serve as a key external representative and spokesperson for New Diorama with funders, stakeholders, partners, and the wider sector.
Lead on board reporting, governance processes, and serve as primary liaison with the Board of Trustees.
Ensure compliance with charity governance, company law, health and safety legislation, and safeguarding requirements.
Uphold and model New Diorama’s values of excellence, collaboration, inclusion and creative ambition.
Financial Management
Lead on financial strategy and planning, including setting and reviewing organisational and departmental budgets, targets, financial processes, and reporting to the Board.
Ensure the efficient, effective and solvent financial management of the Company and identify appropriate opportunities for income generation.
Monitor and manage the organisational budget, ensuring financial discipline and transparency.
Oversee payroll, accounts, financial reporting, and annual audit processes.
Manage cashflow and reserves, ensuring financial protocols are followed across the team.
Report regularly to the Board on financial performance, risks and opportunities.
Qualifications
Considerable strategic and fundraising ambition
Collaborative approach to working – especially with our Artistic Lead and Executive Producer & Co‑CEO
Organisational and financial management skills to ensure the theatre runs efficiently
Ambitious, forward‑looking vision to safeguard and build upon it for the future
It is a genuinely exciting opportunity, and we look forward to receiving your application.
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- Location:
- City Of London
- Job Type:
- FullTime
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