Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair)

Full timeUnpaidTue, 04 Aug 2026 "> published - Tue, 04 Aug 2026Job SummaryEmergency Exit Arts are looking for an experienced leader to be our Chair of Trustees (or Co-Chairs) to help us deliver our vision and ambitious plans for the future.Job DescriptionFor the last 45 years Emergency Exit Arts has been at the forefront of the UK's outdoor art landscape, creating impactful artworks and events in unexpected places across the UK and Europe. EEA is at the beginning of an exciting new era. We have a new Creative Director & CEO, we have a renewed ambition and a commitment to staying relevant and imaginative in the years ahead, open to new ideas, new ways of working and new possibilities. This is a pivotal moment to shape what comes next. Our vision: Enriching people's lives through creativity Our mission: Our mission is to enrich people's lives and empower communities to flourish. We achieve this by producing dynamic art that sparks awe-inspiring creativity.The new Chair will lead our Board and governance strategy, line manage our Creative Director/CEO and be a passionate advocate for our work.Chair Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership: Providing clear, values-led guidance to shape EEA's organisational strategy, offering oversight to the charity's growth and development and monitoring progress against this.Board Leadership and Governance: Lead the Board of Trustees, creating an environment in which people can contribute and collaborate effectively, chair quarterly board meetings, uphold positive board culture, ensure decisions are actioned and oversee adherence to the charity's objectives and purpose. External Representation: Act as an ambassador for EEA, represent and advocate for EEA publicly through attending events, building relationships and trust with partners, funders and communities. Executive Line Management: Line managing the CEO through regular check-ins and annual appraisals. Providing support and challenge, and ensuring accountability, personal development and professional guidance.Decision-Making: Nurture thoughtful, collective decision-making, creating space for different perspectives and guiding the board towards choices that are purposeful and grounded in the charity's values.Job RequirementsWe are seeking a strong, values-led leader with a genuine passion for charities and the impact they have on society, as well as an interest in the creative industries, arts, culture or heritage sector. You will be a confident leader and an effective facilitator of people - someone able to both challenge and support EEA with strategic thinking, long-term planning and a commitment to champion our work. We love working with people who are: - Passionate about creativity and its power to transform lives - Ambitious and adventurous, ready to join us as we move into an exciting next phase of our journey - Collaborative and kindFor a full person specification, please see our recruitment pack on the job listing on our website.Job ResponsibilitiesThe successful candidate should be aware of the following time commitments as part of the role: - Quarterly board meetings (2 hours plus preparatory time per quarter) - Quarterly subcommittee meetings (2 hours plus preparatory time per quarter) - CEO Line Management (c.1 hour per month, as mutually agreed) - Annual appraisals (once a year; prep, meeting and follow up c.1/2 day) - 1 away day with Board/Staff per year - Other support, meetings, responding to phone calls and emails - pending mutual availability Job OverviewJob Title: Chair of Trustees (or co-Chair)Salary: Unpaid Hours: Full time Artform: Combined artsRole: Admin, Secretarial & PAContract: PermanentClosing date: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 Location: LondonHow to ApplyDeadline for applications: 5.00pm on Thursday 10th September.To apply, please send us your CV and answer the following questions as a statement: Why do you want to be the Chair of Trustees for Emergency Exit Arts? What specific experience, expertise and qualities do you bring? How would you describe your approach to leadership?Your statement can be submitted in the following formats: A written statement (maximum 500 words) A video statement (maximum 3 minutes) An audio statement (maximum 3 minutes)All applicants must download and return the equality & diversity form.We welcome applications from individuals applying as Chair, as well as from those interested in serving as Co‑Chairs. If you are applying jointly as a pair of Co‑Chairs, please submit a shared statement (one page) and individual CVs.Interviews will take place on 24/25 September 2026Shortlisted applicants will be invited to observe the Board meeting on 7th October 2026, 6.00pm - 7.30pmContact email: [email protected]About Emergency Exit ArtsLeading outdoor arts charity based in London and South EastFind out more