Chief Executive Officer

Description:

Cockpit is the leading social enterprise and charity, supporting professional craft making a centre for the finest contemporary craft covering every discipline and all materials, and is an award-winning business incubator for creative businesses in craft and the applied arts. It is home to 166 makers in two studio buildings in Bloomsbury and Deptford Creek.

Cockpit’s reputation has developed over the 30+ years of its operation, and it is now THE start-up destination for makers looking to develop practice. One of the highly sought-after places at Cockpit denotes a mark of quality making and Cockpit has launched the careers of some of the biggest names in contemporary craft.

The board of Cockpit seek an inspirational and ambitious CEO who will be responsible for the strategy, development, management and evolution of Cockpit’s activities and the support of its making community. This is an exciting time to join the organisation as it continues to evolve the business model, services and facilities in both Bloomsbury and newly refurbished studio building in Deptford.

The new CEO will lead the organisation in the development of new initiatives and partnerships, helping diversify the organisation’s income in new and innovative ways. Working with a talented and engaged Board of Trustees and Head of Development, the CEO will look to grow support to the charity from individuals, trusts, and businesses. They will lead the development of the membership proposition and develop its position as an advocate, champion and supportive hub for the making and craft world.

The Person

• Professional experience in a senior management role including developing and implementing strategies and plans; recruiting, developing, and managing staff; developing and managing budgets and overseeing financial and organisational management.
• A visionary, inspiring and effective leader, demonstrating a deep passion for the arts and crafts.
• Understanding and experience of building relationships, brokering partnerships, and interacting with and influencing a wide range of stakeholders, including at a political level.
• Proven track record of attracting and securing funding from local government, regeneration agencies and other relevant public bodies; trusts, foundations, businesses, and individuals.
• Experience of enabling good organisational governance and working with Board members.
• A creative and empathetic communicator, with the ability to communicate to the highest standard in writing and the ability to represent Cockpit on the public stage.