Job Summary
We are establishing a new Advisory Board to provide governance, strategic oversight, accountability and expertise as Empower Poetry grows. This is an advisory board – not a statutory board of directors, which means a meaningful governance role without the legal obligations of company directorship.
Job Description
We are looking for 5 Advisory Board Members, each bringing distinct expertise, and who have lived connection to Birmingham & West Midlands and a genuine belief in the power of spoken word to create change.
We seek coverage in three areas:
* Poetry / Arts / Creative Sector Professional and/or Lived Experience – Practitioner, producer, programmer or advocate with knowledge of the creative sector, understanding of its pressures and possibilities, able to help shape an ambitious programme and connect us to wider artistic networks.
* Finance / Marketing – Person who can help build storytelling capacity, evolve communications, develop and support financial literacy, and instill rigor as we grow. Broad financial experience and willingness to engage in our context is required. You will help us become more strategic, resilient and positioned for future investment.
* Legal / HR / Governance – Individual who can provide oversight on governance, contracts, employment and compliance as we develop infrastructure. Specialist charity or CIC law experience helpful but not essential. Sound judgment, risk awareness and ability to guide good decisions are key.
You might bring, depending on your area:
* Professional experience in finance, accounting or financial management (Finance/Marketing).
* Ability to read and interrogate management accounts and budgets.
* Experience supporting organisations to plan financially for growth.
* Interest in social enterprise, CIC or charity finance models.
* Legal, HR or compliance experience in a professional context (Legal/HR/Governance).
* Understanding of employment law, contracts or organisational governance.
* Ability to provide strategic guidance on risk and decision‑making.
Job Requirements
Beyond specific skills, we seek individuals who:
* Have a genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and anti‑elitism in the arts.
* Are passionate about the power of spoken word, poetry and community creativity.
* Bring a connection to – or deep interest in – Birmingham's Global Majority communities.
* Are curious, constructive and willing to challenge as well as support.
* Can maintain confidentiality and approach the role with integrity and impartiality.
* Are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion both within Empower and across the sector.
Prior experience as a board or trustee member is not required. A full induction will be provided.
Job Responsibilities
The board will play an active role in:
* Providing strategic guidance and constructive challenge to the Director.
* Ensuring sound governance, financial oversight and accountability.
* Supporting income generation, fundraising and partnership development.
* Championing equity, diversity and inclusion across all of Empower's work.
* Contributing skills and networks to strengthen organisational resilience.
* Supporting the organisation's growth toward future funding, including Major Project Award status.
Meetings will be held quarterly – four times per year, approximately 2‑3 hours per meeting. Additional contact by email or phone between meetings as needed. The first meeting is planned for mid‑late August 2026.
About Empower Poetry
Empower Poetry CIC is a Birmingham‑based spoken word platform built from the inside out. Founded by poet Ryan Dre Sinclair after identifying a gap in the region’s offer, Empower has spent four years building what didn’t exist – a genuinely accessible, community‑rooted space for poets and audiences who too often find themselves on the margins of the arts.
Through regular open mic nights, showcases, digital content and growing partnerships with organisations including the UOB and BMET College.
#J-18808-Ljbffr