Hospital Rooms has undertaken more than 20 acclaimed projects completed in some of the country’s most challenging mental health settings. A roster of artists is carefully selected for each project according to the needs of each community. Our co-production process involves:

• Research and Development – We learn our collaborators’ needs, challenges, and preferences in crafting project aims, artist selection, and creative programme design.
• Co-Production Workshops—Artist-led art workshops for service users and staff conjure new ideas about how mental health services should look and feel.
• Installations – Artworks that are awe-inspiring and relevant to those who encounter them are fabricated.
• Public Programme—Ambitious local and national public exhibitions celebrate the contributions of all those involved in our projects. We attract widespread national and international press coverage, including the Guardian, the New Yorker, the FT, and the BBC.
• Legacy – Our Digital Art School and partnerships forged with local cultural organisations and artists provide ongoing artistic opportunities for service users and staff.
• Impact Evaluation—Collaborations with The Baring Foundation, WHO, universities, and NHS partners support our efforts to evidence our impact and influence the wider sector.

Role Overview

We seek a pragmatic and financially fluent manager with a strategic mindset and the ability to affect meaningful change. The MD will bring a multi-skilled approach to problem-solving, balancing innovation with operational rigour.

The MD will focus on cultivating a supportive, people-first culture within the organisation, particularly emphasising staff well-being. This role is for someone who understands that a happy, supported, and inclusive team drives creative excellence and organisational success.

The role requires agility and an ability to find ways through, over or around problems, as well as strong leadership skills to manage staff and encourage teamwork through collaborative relationships at Hospital Rooms and beyond. This pivotal role includes:

• Leading the delivery of projects and initiatives and nurturing a growing team of 25.
• Overseeing financial planning, managing expenditures, and enabling the Fundraising Lead to increase income generation.
• Fostering collaboration across the organisation, inspiring excellence, and supporting a bold vision to create meaningful change for mental health service users, audiences, and artists.

Candidate Specification

Essential Experience

• Proven track record of leading teams in arts or not-for-profit organisations.
• Expertise in financial management and budget oversight.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Experience building high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations in non-profit operations.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity with public funding and grant-making bodies, e.g. Arts Council England.
• Experience leading through periods of growth and change.
• Business management education/qualifications.

Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Resilience and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate effectively.

How to Apply and Interview Process

To apply for this role, please submit the following:

• CV: At most, two A4 sides.
• Covering Note: A brief note (this can be included in the body of your email and can be in audio or video format if preferred).
• Email your application to Zarina Kazi at [email protected]

Please self-describe any barriers you feel you have faced in gaining access to the arts sector as part of the ‘covering note’ section of the application to help us understand your achievements in context.

Key Dates:

• Application Deadline: Thursday 16 January 2025. Interview Dates: Interviews will be held during w/c 20 January and w/c 27 January. The desired start date for this role is March 2025.

Interview Process

The interview process will take place in two stages:

1. First Interview

• Who: Conducted by Niamh White (Co-Founder) and Kerry Bishop (Interim CEO).
• Where: In-person at Lock Studios, Bow.
• Duration: 60 minutes.

2. Second Interview

• Who: A panel interview including Amie Corry (Chair), Tom Ewing (Finance Chair), Tim A Shaw (Co-Founder), Pravin Fernando (Trustee), Rosanna Cundall (Trustee)
• Where: Online or in-person (TBC).

The final two candidates may also meet with senior staff informally as part of the process. We understand that schedules can be demanding, so we are happy to accommodate evening or early morning interviews. If you require this, please let us know in your application.