Job Description
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, sector-leading artist support, community engagement and vital collaborative partnerships.
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.
The Executive Director & Co-CEO is New Diorama’s Business & Strategic Lead, responsible for financial management, fundraising, governance and strategic development. They will work together with the Executive Producer as Co-CEOs to provide overall organisational leadership, collaborating closely with the Artistic Lead on programming, artist development and support. This model of leadership is designed to be shared, accountable, and collaborative, reflecting the theatre’s values and providing resilience against the challenges of working in an industry under unprecedented pressure.
New Diorama is fully programmed for 2026 with a broad range of innovative work from new and established companies and an ongoing series of artist support interventions. While fundraising remains a critical priority, we have a strong track record and good relationships with trusts and foundations, as well as constructive engagement from key partners such as British Land, on whose estate the theatre is located. We also have significant long-term strategic projects in development, and most importantly a fantastic, vibrant staff team, several of whom have long-standing dedication to the organisation.
Our new Executive Director & Co-CEO should have; considerable strategic and fundraising ambition, a collaborative approach to working (especially with our Artistic Lead and Executive Producer & Co-CEO), the organisational and financial management skills to ensure the theatre runs efficiently, and an 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.
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.
* Please Note: 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-CEOResponsible to: Chair of Board of TrusteesWorking closely with: Chair of Board of Trustees, Artistic Lead, Executive Producer & Co-CEO, Finance Director, and Staff Team.Contract: PermanentSalary: £45,000 per annumHours 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
We strive to make New Diorama a supportive environment to work in:
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
As Co-CEO, you will share executive leadership of New Diorama with the Artistic Lead and Executive Producer, holding collective responsibility for the organisation's strategic direction, organisational health, and long-term sustainability.
* 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
You will hold executive responsibility for New Diorama's financial health, working closely with the Board Finance & Funding Sub-Committee, Finance Director and external accountants.
* 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.
* Ensure Theatre Tax Relief processes are managed accurately and effectively.
Fundraising & Business Development
You will provide hands-on leadership and deliver New Diorama's diversified fundraising strategy.
* Hold strategic oversight of New Diorama's fundraising portfolio, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and earned income.
* Lead on fundraising, including application-writing, funder reporting, and developing individual giving.
* Lead on key funder relationships and high-value applications.
* Ensure all funding activity aligns with New Diorama’s artistic programming and development, community engagement, distributed leadership model and organisational values.
* Oversee reporting obligations, grant compliance and funder stewardship across all income streams.
* Develop new income opportunities and partnerships in line with strategic priorities.
Organisational Development
You will have overall responsibility for how New Diorama works as an organisation including implementing and developing its systems, policies and processes.
* Lead on organisational systems, processes and infrastructure to support the team's work.
* Lead on contracting and terms for productions, co-productions and key partnerships, and the approach to creative and freelance contracting.
* Act as HR lead, including contracting, supporting and managing staff, maintaining organisational policies, and setting and reviewing salaries.
Collaborative Responsibilities
Our collaborative approach means you will also hold shared responsibility for New Diorama’s success and are accountable for supporting the executive and the wider team. This means working flexibly and generously across the organisation, stepping in where needed to deliver our ambitious programme of work with care, ensuring the ethos and collaborative culture of New Diorama is upheld by everyone.
As part of the executive leadership team, you will share responsibility for:
Strategic Leadership & Organisational Health
* Setting New Diorama’s strategic direction and vision, shaping plans and programmes, and leading implementation. This includes artistic policy, audience development, community engagement, and financial and environmental sustainability.
* Creating a collaborative, supportive environment to help realise the very best from all staff, with a focus on professional development and wellbeing.
* Maintain and develop New Diorama's key stakeholder relationships, including funders, sector partners, local authority, and community organisations.
* Representing New Diorama externally, maintaining consistent messaging and relationships across the sector.
Operational & Production Support
* Jointly oversee the day-to-day operational management of the organisation.
* Step in to support or cover responsibilities across artistic programming, operations, and producing when colleagues are away or when organisational needs require it.
* Support oversight of building operations, facility management, and venue hire activity to maximise earned income, artistic and community use.
* Working collaboratively to ensure all productions, programmes and events are delivered to the highest standard.
* Lead on organisational and support project marketing and communications, including the relationship with our Marketing & PR agents.
Team Leadership & Culture
* Champion and honour New Diorama's vision and values across all areas of work.
* Responsible for creating an inclusive, collaborative and supportive working culture.
* Actively ensure Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is embedded in New Diorama's culture and decision-making.
* Foster a positive environment where all staff feel valued, supported and empowered.
* Hold regular team meetings and one-to-ones to ensure strong communication and team cohesion.
* Maintain confidentiality and abide by New Diorama's policies and procedures.
Organisational Parti...