Executive Director

The Oxford School of Drama is looking for a visionary and experienced individual to play a central part in the leadership of the School.

Overseeing the running of the organisation, the Executive Director works with the Principal in setting and implementing the School’s strategy and business plans and holds direct responsibility for sound financial management, operational effectiveness, estates development and nurturing beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.

This is an exciting time to join the School with a refreshed curriculum and the potential for growth and development with new academic partners on the horizon.  

The School is looking for a great strategist who also enjoys being at the heart of a dynamic, highly competent and collaborative team. Someone who brings outstanding financial skills, has experience of being a key player in running an organisation and has good knowledge of the performing arts.

You are likely to be a senior manager in the arts or performing arts education sectors with leadership and management experience that demonstrates creativity, ambition and sound judgement. You will enjoy collaborating with a highly-skilled staff team, able to hold a good overview of the School’s priorities to provide support in helping to drive forward innovation and continuous improvements.

You will have been responsible for setting and managing budgets of £500,000 and above, preferably within a Charitable Trust, and you will have experience of financial reporting at Board level as well as supporting staff to develop their financial literacy. 

You will be excited to be part of the future of the performing arts, being aware of the importance of the training sector to be in touch with industry trends but also recognising our role in driving change within the performing arts sector and supporting the next generation of artists in shaping the future.

The full job application pack is available to download from the jobs page on The Oxford School of Drama website at www.oxforddrama.ac.uk

How to apply

Application deadline: Sunday 15 June 2025

Interviews: First interviews will take place on Monday 7 July and Second Interviews will take place in the following week

The Oxford School of Drama is an equal opportunity employer. We positively welcome the contributions of people from a wide range of backgrounds, recognising the value that different perspectives bring to the School. We actively work to ensure an equal opportunities culture for all employees and freelance staff and seek to employ people currently under-represented in the creative and cultural sector.

Applications should be in the form of a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role and this should be accompanied by a CV with details of two referees. Applicants also need to complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Completed applications should be submitted to Ed Hicks, Principal on e.hicks@oxforddrama.ac.uk