This is an exciting and unique opportunity to head up a theatre and innovative creative arts venue embedded in its community in West Wales. You will be responsible for overseeing the design and delivery of its rich programme, supported by an experienced team of staff and a dedicated Board of Trustees.
Location Small World Theatre, Cardigan, West Wales
Salary Competitive
Hours 37.5 hours per week, full time
Contract Permanent
Apply by 17/6/26 - 5pm
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Small World Theatre (SWT) is a performing theatre company and community arts organisation based in a near zero-carbon building in the centre of Cardigan, West Wales. SWT has a rich heritage in producing and performing large-scale puppet theatre, delivering innovative community arts projects and joyful participatory events. We are proud to be an Arts Council Wales multi-year funded organisation and work with artists, makers, partners and communities on projects embedded in environmental and social-justice, heritage and the Welsh language. From our venue we run Syrcas Byd Bach (SBB) (aerial circus school) and Amethyst (youth mental health programme), we produce theatre, parades, puppetry, deliver artistic commissions and curate a programme of live events. Small World Theatre is a company limited by guarantee and a Registered Charity.
SWT has been carefully nurtured and run by the two founders and a dedicated experienced team supported by the Board of Trustees. The current Director will be moving away from running the organisation to focus on creative projects, with the new Director taking the helm. The founders would be happy to mentor the successful applicant during a transition period. We are excited to welcome a Director who has the drive and a passion to develop and deliver an ambitious creative programme, rooted in the values of Small Word Theatre.
Principal Responsibilities
- Manage the organisation and report to the Board of Trustees (you will be mentored by the current Exec Director for a transitional period where needed). You will attend quarterly Board meetings and provide a written report.
- Oversee the financial performance of the Company including taking overall responsibility for:
a) Devising and implementing periodic Business Plans
b) Budgeting and forecasting, Reserves Policy
c) Reporting to ACW, in order to maintain the revenue funded status of the company
d) Fundraising and budget management for Capital and Revenue programmes in all areas including but not limited to:
a. Project delivery
b. Facilities and infrastructure maintenance and development
c. Ongoing Departmental activities
- Develop new creative projects collaboratively, aligned with the organisation’s values, secure funding and commission artists and facilitators.
- Work with the staff team to deliver a programme of live events for the venue and support the development of the existing core programmes.
- Provide line management to the team of staff and regular freelancers.
- Be proactive and approachable at events outside of usual office hours. Flexible working is necessary, responsive to projects, with occasional evening and weekend work required.
- Ensure the venue is maintained and all statutory obligations are observed and kept up to date and compliant (e.g. HMRC, Companies House, Charity Commission, Health and safety, and insurances).
Skills & Experience
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate skills and experience in the following areas:
- Providing leadership and experience working strategically to develop the organisation.
- Building and maintaining working relationships with artists and partner organisations.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues, freelancers, partners, funders and Trustees.
- Preparing successful funding applications.
- Line-management, interpersonal and team-working skills.
- Working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Financial management (fundraising, preparing and reporting to budgets, building reserves)
- Interest in the theatre and the arts and understanding of the sector.
- Fluency in Welsh is highly desirable for this post.
- A good working knowledge of health and safety legislation and risk assessments.
Application Details
Applications including a CV and cover letter can be accepted by email to [email protected] or by post to
Small World Theatre
Bath House Road
Cardigan
SA43 1JY
If you have any questions about this position and Small World Theatre, please email [email protected]
Closing date for applications for the post is 17/6/26 at 5pm.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
