Contract: Fixed-term until 31 March 2029 (3 days per week / 24 hours)
Location: London Borough of Bexley (regular onsite working required‑)
Hours: 10am–6pm, with regular evening/weekend work (TOIL provided)
Three Rivers is seeking an authentic, strategic and highly capable Deputy Director to help shape the next phase of its organisational journey. This newly created role will provide the operational, financial and organisational foundations needed to deliver an ambitious 2026–2029 strategy supporting communities, artists and place-based cultural and environmental development‑ in the London Borough of Bexley
Working closely with and reporting to the Artistic Director, you will oversee day‑to‑day operations across administration, finance, HR, governance, evaluation and organisational development. You will play a critical leadership role in ensuring Three Rivers becomes a financially resilient, well‑run and forward‑thinking organisation and building the infrastructure needed for ongoing growth, partnerships‑ and creative impact.
This is a rare opportunity to support a nationally significant community arts organisation as it matures, professionalises and expands its reach.
What You’ll Do
* Devise long‑term‑strategic organisational and business plans in close collaboration with the Artistic Director.
* Provide oversight of all business, financial, administrative, legal and operational functions.
* Liaise with the Peabody host organisation to ensure smooth and compliant day‑to‑day‑operations.
* Lead on organisational development, HR processes, recruitment coordination and people management support.
* Manage and maintain the funding agreement with Arts Council England, ensuring high‑quality evaluation, reporting‑and audience data submission.
* Oversee environmental sustainability, IT, health and safety, security and all statutory obligations.
* Share responsibility for financial management, including budgeting, monitoring expenditure and tracking fundraising performance.
* Support the drafting of revenue and programme‑based‑funding applications, including public sector bids.
* Coordinate consultants, including HR, comms, design and evaluation specialists.
* Attend quarterly board meetings and support governance arrangements, including coordination and documentation.
* Manage organisational policies, procedures, contracts, licences and insurances.
* Support the delivery of a positive, inclusive, well‑led‑organisational culture with strong values and accountability.
What You’ll Need
* A proven track record of delivery in a senior leadership role within a creative, arts, charity or cultural environment.
* Extensive experience in business management, HR, operational oversight and organisational development.
* Strong financial and planning skills, with insight into risk management, legal compliance and organisational resilience.
* Experience engaging with Arts Council England, local authorities, housing associations and community partners.
* Experience working directly with artists, creative practitioners, producers, writers or curators.
* Experience preparing successful public funding applications and managing external evaluators and reporting cycles.
* First‑rate communication skills and confidence representing‑the organisation externally.
* Knowledge of marketing and audience development within the arts.
* Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and maintain calm, solutions focused‑ leadership.
* A commitment to diversity, inclusion and creating meaningful experiences for artists, communities and audiences.
* Ability to work on own initiative and bring strong problem‑solving‑and anticipatory planning skills.
* Willingness to work regularly on site in the London Borough of Bexley.
Why Join Us?
Three Rivers is a dynamic, community‑led organisation and an active member of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places Programme. Joining at this pivotal moment gives you the opportunity to build organisational infrastructure, strengthen long‑term‑financial resilience, and help shape a bold and nationally connected cultural programme.
You’ll contribute directly to meaningful creative and community outcomes, while helping design the systems, culture and values that underpin a maturing and ambitious organisation.
What We Offer
* A collaborative, creative and community driven‑working environment.
* Up to 30 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Two paid volunteering days each year
* Flexible benefits scheme, including family‑friendly options and access to a discount portal
* 4× salary life assurance
* Up to 10% pension contribution
* Professional development and opportunities to broaden your skills
Please Read Before Applying
Interview Dates
Interviews will take place from 14th April 2026
If you have questions about this role, please contact Talent Specialist Victoria Wilson at
victoria.wilson1@peabody.org.uk
We may close this advert early depending on the number of high‑quality‑applications received.
If you’re ready to help shape the next chapter of Three Rivers, we’d love to hear from you.
Please apply with an anonymised CV and a short statement outlining your suitability.
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