Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer

Artistic Director &Chief Executive OfficerApplication packFebruary 2026WORK WITH USThank you for your interest in the National Centre for Writing as we begin our search for a newArtistic Director & Chief Executive Officer.Rooted in Norwich and open to the world, we’re a writing development agency with a local,national and international footprint, committed to the transformative power of stories forpersonal, social and community development.Our year-round programme offers opportunities to connect, learn and be inspired throughinnovative collaborations, events, festivals, residencies and activities for writers, literarytranslators and readers. From in-person and online events at our Literature House, to digitalexplorations and commissions in the Writing Hub, and in projects that support new voices and newstories, we help create ways to respond to the rapidly changing world of writing. We offer courses,public events, and community projects which invite participants to fully engage in the power ofliterature and its ability to transform their lives.We are now seeking an outstanding individual to lead us, as our new Artistic Director & ChiefExecutive Officer, into the future.We are seeking someone to develop and set our strategic course, lead the excellent team already inplace, build and maintain relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, and ensureour financial resilience to enable the National Centre for Writing to continue to achieve our aimsand ambitions for generations to come.If this role sounds like it’s the right opportunity for you, then we very much look forward to hearingfrom you.Alan WatersChair of the BoardCover image: Klanghaus perform at Literature House Late © Andi SapeyDragon Hall is home to the National Centre for Writing © Joanna Millington‘What mysterious alchemymakes the East Anglian air sovital a source of inspiration forwriters I am not sure – but thealchemy is there, and I suspectDragon Hall is home to thealchemists.’— Sarah Perry, NCW PatronAbout the National Centre for WritingThe National Centre for Writing (NCW) is a dynamic Literature House for contemporary writing,housed in the Grade-I listed medieval Dragon Hall, located on the historic King Street on the banksof the Wensum River in the heart of Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Thislandmark venue consists of a 120-seat venue for live events, workshop spaces, a podcast studio,community kitchen, and accommodation for writers’ residencies, as well as office space for ourcore team of 18 staff members.NCW exists to inspire connection, resilience and understanding through writing, literarytranslation, reading and the exploration of ideas. We are a place for the exchange of stories. NCW isa creatively distinctive, nationally networked and financially resilient centre of excellence thatdelivers benefits to writers, literary translators, the literature sector, and our physical and digitalcommunities.Founded as New Writing Partnership in 2003 and becoming Writers’ Centre Norwich in 2008, theorganisation is a leading voice in the UK and international literature sector as well as a key memberof Arts Council England’s group of seven regional writer and literature development organisations.Since our founding in the early 2000s, National Centre for Writing has grown into an importantlandmark in the UK’s literature sector and a thriving cultural centre for Norwich and our region. Weare the focal office for Norwich’s UNESCO City of Literature status (recognised in 2012) andcontinue to play a vital part in the cultural, civic and economic life of the city and county.In summer 2018, NCW was launched with the redevelopment of Dragon Hall following a significantcapital redevelopment project. We are an Arts Council England (ACE) National PortfolioOrganisation (NPO). We hold close strategic partnerships with the University of East Anglia,Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council.Patrick Barkham at the City of Literature weekend at Norfolk & Norwich Festival © Luke WitcombNCW has been a regularly funded organisation of Arts Council England for its entire history, datingback to when it was established as the New Writing Partnership. It continues to be a NationalPortfolio Organisation (NPO) in the current extended funding cycle through to 2028. An NPO,funded by Arts Council England (ACE), plays a key leadership role in delivering the national culturalstrategy (Let's Create) by fostering creativity, promoting inclusivity, and driving artistic excellence.These organisations are long-term investment partners responsible for enhancing local, regional,and national arts, while ensuring good governance and accountability for public funds.  The key roles of an Arts Council NPO include: Strategic delivery: Delivering on ACE's ‘Let's Create’ strategy (2020–2030) and its three keyoutcomes: Creative People, Cultural Communities, and a Creative & Cultural Country. Investment principles implementation: Embedding the four Investment Principles — Ambition& Quality, Inclusivity & Relevance, Environmental Responsibility, and Dynamism — into theiroperations. Sector leadership & stability: Acting as pillars of the cultural sector, supporting localeconomies, and providing stability for arts and culture in communities across England. Accountability & governance: Maintaining high standards of governance, financial stability, andpublic reporting, with boards responsible for fulfilling funding agreements. Data & digital advancement: Engaging with the Digital Culture Network to improve digital skills,data usage, and audience reach. An Arts Council England National Portfolio OrganisationLinton Kwesi Johnson performs at First Light Festival in Lowestoft © First LightNCW is the Focal Office for Norwich UNESCO Creative City of Literature and takes on the role ofLocal Office Director. As an organisation we are responsible for leading the strategicimplementation of the UNESCO designation at the local level. This function bridges the gapbetween the municipality, local creative sectors, and the international UNESCO Creative CitiesNetwork (UCCN). In Norwich this role involves developing and managing the city's five-yearstrategy and action plan, fostering partnerships, and coordinating international cooperationinitiatives to place culture at the heart of sustainable urban development. A UCCN is a designation for cities that commit to placing creativity and cultural industries at theheart of their local development strategies while collaborating internationally. The network,established in 2004, covers eight creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy,Literature, Media Arts, Music, and Architecture.   A UCCN plays a key role in placing culture, creativity, and innovation at the core of sustainableurban development, fostering economic, social, and environmental progress. Member citiescooperate internationally to share best practices, promote local industries, increase culturalparticipation, and advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Norwich UNESCO City of LiteratureKey roles and responsibilities include:  Integrating culture intoplanning: Embedding creativity intolocal development strategies tofoster sustainable, resilient, andinclusive communities. International cooperation: Sharingknowledge, best practices, andexperiences with other cities in thenetwork to foster innovation. Economicdevelopment: Strengthening theproduction, distribution, anddissemination of cultural goods andservices, which drives job creation. Social inclusion: Enhancing access tocultural life and promotingparticipation, particularly formarginalized or vulnerable groups. Action planimplementation: Submitting regularreports and adhering to action plansthat demonstrate a commitment tothe UCCN mission.Norwich was designated England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012Our aimsNCW is a driving force in the literature sector, with a focus on building, sustaining and diversifyingthe country’s literary ecology. We work across three strategic priorities – Art, Learning, and Place –to support writers and translators, connect with audiences and push the boundaries of what ourartform can do. We create opportunities for writers and literary translators and support a diverseand vibrant literary ecology (Art). We seek to increase the range and depth of opportunities toparticipate in and benefit from creative writing, reading and literary translation (Learning) and toimprove the cultural, social and economic ecology of Norwich and the region helping to create amore attractive place to live, work and visit (Place).Our valuesWe are committed to an inquisitive approach to our artform and our engagement with artists,audiences, new work, and new ways of working;We are a collaborative friend to all our colleagues, partners, and communities;We provide a welcoming home for writing, in person, online and internationally;We are accountable to all stakeholders, audiences and the planet;We are built on strong foundations and are dedicated to a resilient future.Marking 10 years of the National Centre for Writing in 2027.Facilitating community and artist development opportunities to ensure that we make the assetsavailable to us — both physical and virtual — available to the communities around us physicallyand virtually.Creating opportunities for writers, translators and readers to meet, connect and thrive.Developing Dragon Hall, via a Conservation Management Plan and other opportunities, toensure it is a truly inclusive and accessible space and that it best tells NCW’s story, particularlylooking ahead to the building’s 600th anniversary in 2027.Activating our UNESCO strategy (2025–2030) with city partners in the coming years.Evolving NCW Academy — our online and in-person creative writing courses — to ensure it is fitfor purpose within a competitive market.Continuing to develop and embed our commercial offer via a dynamic and evolving data-ledmarketing plan for weddings, parties and corporate hires, with targets which will contribute toour financial resilience.Continuing to work in partnership with Arts Council England as a cornerstone of the NationalPortfolio in the 2023–2028 investment period, and applying to be part of the portfolio for 2028.Reviewing and renewing our business model to ensure we can rise to the challenges of recentyears and thrive in the future.Building on the learning of recent years with a renewed sense of commitment to our coreaudiences and communities both online and in person. Our current and future prioritiesPurpose of the roleAs Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer, you will provide inspirational strategic, artistic,financial and team leadership to retain NCW’s reputation as a centre for national and internationalliterary exchange. You will ensure that NCW at Dragon Hall remains creatively distinctive, nationallynetworked, and financially resilient.You will focus on the strategic development of the organisation, creating and promoting a visionwhich achieves the highest standards of artistic, community and business practice. You will applyoutstanding organisation and management skills to lead on business planning and changemanagement. You will work closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to maintain a clear strategy todeliver expectations to the organisation’s stakeholders, partners and audiences and will lead asenior team responsible for programme delivery, communications, development, HR, operations,venue management and income generation. You will set and lead a culture of inclusivity across the whole organisation, advocating for NCW’swork with staff and the wider world.You will also have the opportunity to develop the role around your strengths, and we encourageyou to bring new ideas and ways of thinking to shape the future of NCW.NCW engages with 4,000+ young people each year © Luke Witcomb‘This opportunity hasmade me realise that I’mnot too young, I’m not tooinexperienced, and I’m nottoo loud. I’m a creativeand I am extremelygrateful that I understandthat now.’— Lottie Vinson, Young Norfolk Writing Prize2024 WinnerDuties of the roleProvide leadership in the delivery of NCW’s vision and mission ensuring that the business planis regularly reviewed and reported to the Board and stakeholders.Provide a framework for the ongoing evolution of NCW’s vision and mission to ensure itsrelevance and future at Dragon Hall and as a crucial part of the city of Norwich.Hold, articulate, and drive the organisation's artistic vision and operational strategy, ensuringfinancial sustainability, compliance, and delivery against Arts Council England’s leadingstrategy (currently ‘Let’s Create’). Work with SMT to develop and implement the NPO Business Plan, ensuring alignment with ACEInvestment Principles. Provide dynamic and effective leadership of SMT and wider staff.Maintain awareness of risks and changes in the external environment that affect theorganisation; plan for and implement changes to mitigate risks.Ensure key policies and processes are in place to support senior staff to develop strategy andgood practice in the areas of artistic quality, equality, inclusivity, diversity, professionaldevelopment, audience development, business management, and environmental sustainability.Act as ambassador and advocate for NCW at the most senior level with partners, funders, andother key stakeholders including Arts Council England, UEA, Norwich City and Norfolk CountyCouncil.Ensure all systems are in place to monitor and evaluate the impact of NCW’s work andachievements against business objectives and targetsManage the preparation and submission of the mandatory UNESCO UCCN MembershipMonitoring Reports , currently every four years but under review.  Act as the primary point of contact between the local municipality, the UNESCO Secretariat,and other cities in the network. Leadership & strategic visionArtisticWork with the Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement in developing and assuringexcellence within the artistic programme and supporting cross-team working on organisation-wide artistic evaluation.Lead the development of our strategy to deliver an outstanding artistic programme alongsidecommercial and development strategies that together will create a sustainable business modelfor years to come.Build strong creative relationships and partnerships locally, regionally, nationally, andinternationally, seeking at all times to implement Arts Council England’s Investment Principlesinto our work.Support the development of a locally and regionally valuable Learning & Participation Strategywith the Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement, ensuring NCW is a partner in andrepresented at all relevant learning and engagement partnerships. Be confident and skilled in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.Work with SMT, in particular the Head of Communications & Development, to develop andmanage NCW’s key external relationships, including those with major stakeholders – ArtsCouncil England, University of East Anglia, Norwich City Council and Norfolk County Council,national and international cultural diplomatic bodies, Regional Literature DevelopmentAgencies, and Patrons.Look to develop new partnership and funding relationships to augment NCW’s work.Develop NCW’s presence and reputation across literature and the wider arts and culturalsector in the region, nationally, and internationally through active participation in events,strategic and delivery groups, conferences and festivals.Cultivate senior relationships with the private sector and charitable donors/sponsors to createand sustain capital and revenue programmes.Represent NCW through publicity opportunities and media interviews.Partnerships, advocacy & stakeholder managementIncome generationDrive revenue growth by capitalising on NCW’s artistic and program-led initiatives across boxoffice sales, products, and services.Provide leadership of NCW at Dragon Hall as a commercial venture and oversee thedevelopment of a trading company to maximise the value of the capital asset and protect theGrade I-listed campus.Arts Council (NPO) Relationship & Compliance Act as the lead relationship manager with Arts Council England, ensuring all data, monitoring,and performance targets are met. Report regularly on progress against the funding agreement to the Board. Embed the four Investment Principles (Ambition & Quality, Inclusivity & Relevance,Environmental Responsibility, Dynamism). FinancialOversee the financial management of NCW, fostering a shared culture of financial discipline toensure that costs are controlled, income is maximised, and all taxation, VAT, and StatutoryReporting requirements are met.Oversee the preparation of annual operating budgets, management accounts and all otherfinancial records with the Head of Finance in line with Business Plan priorities.Financial (cont.)Work with the Head of Communications & Development and the Development Manager tocreate a robust fundraising strategy and work with the wider SMT to ensure it supports,informs, and speaks to NCW’s vision and mission.Take an active role in fundraising for the organisation including leading on the development anddelivery of major statutory bids including to Arts Council England and other major funders.Operational management, governance and HRWork with the Head of Operations & Commercial and other key staff to ensure NCW embracesbest business practice in all HR, IT, and administrative matters.Ensure inclusivity and diversity is centred and practically delivered across the organisation.Engage collaboratively with the Board to fully utilise their skills, diversity of lived experienceand networks to further the aims and purpose of the organisation as well as supporting Boardrecruitment and effective succession planning.Work with the SMT to ensure the organisation fulfils its legal, statutory, and regulatoryresponsibilities.Young Norfolk Laureate Evie Parker Hornsby performs at the Norwich City of Literature strategylaunch © Andi Sapey‘Norwich’s status as a UNESCO Cityof Literature is both a recognition ofits rich literary heritage and acommitment to its creative future.’— Hazel Edwards, South East Area Director, Arts Council EnglandWho we are looking forWe are looking for someone who has a dynamic, forward-looking, collaborative and inspirationalleadership and working style, and who would enjoy the opportunity to shape the future of NCWand the literature sector in the UK and beyond. We are looking for an individual who thinksstrategically, is comfortable working with partners and stakeholders both inside and outside of theorganisation, and who has a passion for the work NCW is doing at Dragon Hall and online. You willbe someone who can build trust, lead, and inspire others through your communication style,someone who can develop and implement a creative vision, identify new ways of generatingincome and who can interrogate business models to ensure financial resilience.You will have an understanding derived from your own experience of the local, regional, nationaland international ecologies within which NCW is operating. Your experience and knowledge willinclude a working understanding of the complexities of running an organisation that is both acharity and a company limited by guarantee. Ideally you will have held a Chief Executive orequivalent leadership role before, within an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation,and you should have an understanding of the challenges involved in operating a cultural venue andmanaging commercial activities within the creative and cultural sector. Your understanding ofNCW’s work and values, your capacity to lead and inspire, and your ability to work with the Boardand SMT to deliver a robust and financially literate strategy are the most important things that willbe considered.Most importantly, you will be someone who is passionate and ambitious about the role of literatureand the written word as a catalyst for change and a means of connecting people and exchangingideas. You will have experience in artistic curation, and be comfortable in and with the artform.Michael Donkor introduces the Escalator Fellows at the London Library Showcase © Kashif HagueConfidence and demonstrable capacity in strategic and business planning, financialmanagement, development and income generation and operational oversight within thecultural sector.A detailed understanding of how arts and cultural organisations work, an interest in literatureand previous organisational, artistic, and operational experience.A high level of understanding of diversity, equity, access and artistic excellence in the arts andcultural sector, how these areas intersect within the context of Arts Council England’s Let’sCreate strategy, and how to implement policies and strategic plans to implement them acrossNCW.Demonstrable capacity to support, develop and lead highly functioning teams, balancingcommitment to organisational goals with personal development.Experience in building, cultivating, and maintaining relationships, partnerships with keystakeholders across the arts, third and private sectors.The ability to build consensus and tailor communications to stakeholder and other groupsthrough clear and persuasive oral and written skills.Strong analytical skills to assess and break down complex programmes and strategies toorganisational and team delivery plans while meeting organisational and individual targets andstakeholder expectations.Understanding of corporate governance and engagement, and the ability to deliverorganisational change from staff to Board level.Ability to adapt behaviour and working style to meet changing conditions, new challenges ornew information and retain a focus on values and people at all times.Respond creatively to NCW’s vision and mission and support a holistic organisational approachto delivering that vision and mission.Equality, diversity and inclusionAt NCW we are committed to equality of opportunity in all ouractivities and employment practices. We actively encouragepeople from a variety of backgrounds with differentexperiences, skills and stories to join us and influence anddevelop our working practice. In taking positive action arounddiversity, we will prioritise interviews to applicants who self-identify as Global Majority and/or disabled and who havedemonstrable experience of leadership within a culturalorganisation. If you self-identify as having this background andexperience, please state so in your application form as outlinedin the next section.Person specificationArtistic Director & CEO5 daysHead of Programme & Creative Engagement5 days Head of Finance3 daysHead of Operations & Commercial4 daysHead of Communications & Development4/5 daysProgramme Officer4.5 days Emerging TranslatorMentorships Programme Manager2 days International Programmes Manager2 days ILX Programme ManagerSenior Manager Learning & Participation(vacancy)Artists & Practitioners(Freelance) Learning & Participation Producer1 dayLearning & ParticipationAdministrative Assistant 2 daysYoung Norfolk Writing Prize Coordinator(Fixed term)Ambition Role 2026:Creative ProducerSenior Finance Manager4 daysFinance Assistant1 dayVolunteersDuty Managers(Pool)Operations & Venue Manager3 daysEvents Hire & Weddings Manager5 daysSenior Comms & Marketing Manager5 daysCommunications & Marketing Officer5 daysCommunications &Marketing Assistant2 days Designers & ContentCreators: print, film, podcast(Freelance)Website Development & Digital Sales Marketing(Contract)Development Manager5 days Digital Marketing &Content Coordinator (Fixed Term)Programme Asst5 daysArtist & TutorCommissioning Reports to: Chair of the Board.Contract: Permanent.Working hours: Full-time (we are open to a conversation about flexible working for this role duringthe interview process. This might include varied hours, part-time options or job shares).Standard working hours are 7.5 hours per day between 9am and 6pm but we are open toconversations around flexible hours during the interview process. Due to the nature of the rolesome evening and weekend work will be required, as well as some national and international travel.We operate a Time Off In Lieu policy for this.Location: As of June 2023, all staff work at least 75% of their contracted time at ouroffices at Dragon Hall, 115–123 King St, Norwich, NR1 1QE (unless otherwise stated in theircontract) with up to 25% of their time able to be worked from home.Benefits: Contributory Pension Scheme, Season Ticket Loan, Cycle to Work Scheme, Equipmentand support to work from home effectively, training and development tailored to your level ofexperience, mental wellbeing support.Salary: £63,000 per annum (full time).Annual leave: 25 days per annum plus 8 public holidays. 5 days of paid annual leave must be takenover the Christmas/New Year period.Expenses: You will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel, accommodation and other expenseswhich are wholly, exclusively, and necessarily incurred in relation to the performance of yourduties and responsibilities, in line with NCW’s expenses policy. Assistance towards any relocationexpenses may be available.Terms & conditions‘Funded residency time is thebest thing that can beoffered to translators andhelps remedy some of theissues within the industry’— Nadiyah Abdullatif, Mauritian translatorHow to applyTo apply for the position, please submit an application form and equal opportunities monitoringform from our website here to Amanda Salmon, Head of Operations and Commercial atamanda@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk.If you would like to receive this information in an alternate format, please contact Amanda.We guarantee first round interviews to candidates who identify as having a disability and/or asGlobal Majority and who have demonstrable experience of leadership within a cultural organisationIf you see yourself as someone who meets these criteria, please say so in your application form. If you would like to have an informal conversation to learn more about the organisation and therole, please contact CEO Peggy Hughes at peggy@nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk. Theseconversations will not influence our selection process.Closing date for applications: 10am, Monday 23 March 2026.InterviewsFirst round interviews will take place on Monday 20 April 2026 at Dragon Hall, with NCW boardrepresentatives as well as a representative from Arts Council England. This will involve a tour of thebuilding and the chance to meet the wider staff team, an exercise with a selected group of staffmembers and an interview with Board representatives led by the Chair or Deputy Chair.  If needed, a second interview will take place on Monday 27 April 2026. Please indicate on application if you aren’t available for either of these dates.Val McDermid meets audience members at the Harriet Martineau Lecture © Luke WitcombCelebrating the joy of stories throughout the National Year of Reading 2026 © Luke Witcomb‘So great for financialaccessibility. Super friendlyand informative staff.Amazing building. Mydaughter loved it!— VisitorNational Centre for Writing is supported by: