Streetwise Opera is an award-winning performing arts charity using singing and creativity to inspire and empower people who are homeless or recovering from homelessness. We run our programme in homeless centres and arts venues across England. We are a critically acclaimed opera company offering those who take part the chance to create and perform in extraordinary new productions working alongside exceptional professional artists.
Our regular activity programme provides a dependable source of fun and creativity for people who are often let down by society and services, whilst our productions offer a platform for people to share their skills and talents, redefining opera and who it is for. We responded swiftly and with imagination to the pandemic, missing only a week of workshops before we were back online with an expanded offer tailored to new circumstances. This included a digital performance of Schubert’s The Linden Tree - one of the songs from our long-planned production After Winter - bringing together our participants with world-class artists Roderich Williams, Christopher Glynn, the Brodsky Quartet and Genesis Sixteen.
Following a recent case for change process we have developed a new strategic framework: Creating Together 2021-2025. We envision a world in which homelessness does not prevent people from realising their creative potential and the arts positively impact how society views homelessness.
We are now looking for our new CEO, who will lead the organisation in its next chapter, share our commitment to the values and ethos of cultural entitlement of all people, and uphold the rights of people facing homelessness. Under their leadership, we will grow to reach more people while continuing to drive the quality, reach and impact of our programme.
Key details:
Role: Chief Executive Officer of Streetwise Opera Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 Contract: Permanent, full time Location: Bethnal Green Road, London (flexible working)
Amongst other criteria, the successful candidate will have:
Relevant, recent and substantial experience of working at a strategic leadership level in the not-for-profit / charity sector
Track record of leading organisations and/or major programmes with multiple stakeholders and relationships
An entrepreneurial mindset with an ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities and build partnerships to develop and grow the organisation
Track record of developing strategy and communicating it by setting a clear direction
Demonstrable understanding of the arts and/or the homelessness sector, and a willingness to develop further knowledge in both areas
Experience of developing and implementing significant organisational and cultural change
Emotional intelligence and resilience to lead an organisation that works with people dealing with profound challenges
Experience of working with vulnerable people
Experience of building, managing and inspiring highly effective teams that meet organisational goals in complex situations
Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and to making the organisation a leader in equality, diversity and inclusion
We encourage applicants who are from underrepresented groups with protected characteristics, as we value having a diverse pool of applicants to find the best candidate. In addition, we recognise the importance of reflecting the diversity of our communities and audiences within the charity.
If you would like to receive an Information Pack for this role with details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at executive@harrishill.co.uk. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny at the above address with your number and suitable times to speak.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 26th July 2021.
