Park Theatre is a neighbourhood theatre with a global ambition. With a mixture of new writing and modern revivals, it delivers world class theatre, collaborating with the finest existing and emerging talent on stage and behind the scenes. It tells accessible, real-to-life stories, whose content resonates and reflects the world around us and the neighbourhoods close by.

The Theatre produces both in house and in partnership with the most excellent existing and emerging producers, for whom it endeavours to provide a customised, supportive experience. With a welcoming and nurturing environment, Park Theatre wants to be exemplary in its accessibility to its diverse community and beyond – and through affordable ticket pricing and outreach programmes it aims to engage those with little or no experience of theatre.

In alignment with its growth priorities over the next few years, Park Theatre is seeking to appoint a Trustee who will also serve as Chair of the Park Theatre Development Board, which is being re-established in 2024. The successful candidate will set the tone and structure of the Development Board, work closely with the larger Board of Trustees, Artistic Director and Executive Director to lead the organisation’s fundraising into the future. 

The Chair of the Development Board will play a central role in the development of Park Theatre’s vision for the future. They will have a high degree of autonomy to help recruit and shape a reinvigorated Development Board and all other ambassadors for the theatre. The Chair of the Development Board will have strong influencing abilities and authority, be widely networked and will be an outstanding advocate for the organisation.

Chair of the Development Board responsibilities include to:

• Re-establish the Park Theatre Development Board, working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and Executive to identify and curate a diverse, well-connected and effective group of individuals
• Lead the Development Board in securing upwards of £200,000 of philanthropic income towards a £500,000 target per annum
• Ensure that Park Theatre has a strong and effective fundraising strategy and to support that strategy through personal example to other senior volunteers of introducing and approaching contacts for philanthropic support
• Assist the Development Team in galvanising the Development Board and keeping them up to date
• Recruit new members to the Development Board and / or affiliated sub-groups which may be set up around set-piece fundraising
• Report back to the Board of Trustees on progress in fundraising and future plans

Trustee responsibilities are to:

• Ensure that Park Theatre fulfils its purpose and charitable objectives, as well as any legal requirements
• Advise on the delivery of the business plan which reflects ambitious artistic objectives and robust financial plans with the wider Trustee Board
• Support fellow Trustees in challenging and advising the Chief Executive, and where appropriate the wider staff team, to enable them to deliver on Park Theatre’s mission and business plan
• Represent the Board by attending Park Theatre productions and projects, including press nights, and acting as an ambassador for the theatre externally
• Encourage and uphold high standards in the theatre’s approach to equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability

The successful candidate will share a passion for Park Theatre's artistic and community work as well as a commitment to building an equal, diverse, inclusive and sustainable organisation.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of effective influencing and leadership leading to funding / investment. Additionally, they will bring a strategic business understanding and excellent financial comprehension.

Further, the ideal candidate will have strong influential skills and authority, excellent judgement and will be an outstanding advocate for the organisation. The incoming Development Chair will bring a level of passion and an appreciation for the environment of a local, working theatre.

Candidates will bring the following skills:

• The ability to connect Park Theatre at senior levels with potential supporters such as funding bodies, trusts, corporates and high net worth individuals
• Excellent ambassadorial and networking skills
• Strong desire to contribute to public life and commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly gain Board and staff confidence, and skill in chairing meetings
• A collaborative and inclusive approach
• First rate skills in communication and presentation
• Resilient, with the ability to act with confidence, tact and authority
• An affinity for the vision, mission and work of Park Theatre
• Ability and willingness to devote necessary time and effort to Park Theatre

Desirable knowledge and experience:

• Prior experience of being a charity trustee
• Experience in fundraising for the cultural and / or not for profit sectors
• An understanding of non-commercial arts organisations and appreciation of the current challenges faced by the sector
• Knowledge and practical experience of company compliance, control, regulatory and legal requirements

Park Theatre is open to those seeking their first Trustee role and will support them in understanding their roles and responsibilities and getting the most out of the opportunity. Candidates will ultimately bring a strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the Theatre's objects and aims and can demonstrate that they have the ability to work at a strategic level, think creatively and criticise constructively.

You can read more about the Park Theatre Board here.

As a voluntary position, the role is unremunerated but Trustees may claim reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of carrying out their role. Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, renewed by mutual agreement for a maximum of two further terms.

This will be active Board role in strategic part of the organisation. Time commitment will include four to six Board meetings, chairing four Development Board meetings, preparation time and ad hoc communication. 

Location

The Board of Trustees meet four times a year. Members will be expected to attend meetings in-person. In addition there will be the occasional event where Trustees’ presence is appreciated, particularly as donor relationships are developed. Therefore, candidates will be UK-based.