Creative Director

Fio are looking to appoint a dynamic, exciting and passionate leader to join the company as Creative Director.

We are looking for a visionary Creative Director who will not only shape Fio’s identity and position moving forward, but also serve as a cornerstone, driving the growth and vitality of the arts sector in Wales towards a more diverse and inclusive mindset, and methodology.

Location: Cardiff

Salary: £36,000 per annum

Term: Permanent

Working hours: This is a full-time position. 35 hours per week. The post holder will be required to work occasional evenings or weekends, with flexibility in terms of working pattern in order to accommodate project schedules. A physical presence in Fio’s headquarters will be needed for much of the working week.

Holidays: 25 days per annum, plus statutory holidays

Pension: Fio offers a Workplace Pension Plan by NEST with employee at 5% and employer at 3% contributions.

Reports to: Fio’s Board of Trustees

Line Management: Initial staffing structure will include Producer/Assistant Producer roles, plus Marketing Officer. Other line-management responsibilities may result through the development of Fio.

Criminal Records: This post is exempted from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and an offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory clearance from the relevant checking authority overseeing work with children, young people and vulnerable persons (currently the Disclosure and Barring Service).

Residency: The successful applicant will be required to provide documentation under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

References: All offers of employment are subject to the receipt of two references that are satisfactory to Fio.

Notice Period: 1 month during probation, 3 months thereafter

Probation Period: 6 months

RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic

• Work closely with the Fio staff team and board of trustees to formulate, develop, implement and articulate Fio’s artistic policy.
• Develop and maintain an innovative programme of the highest quality that speaks to and reflects contemporary society in all its diversity.
• Create a programme that provides a wide range of entry points for audiences, both local audiences and those further afield.
• Develop policies that maintain and grow the company’s reputation for discovering, nurturing and developing the next generation of creative talents; for leading an innovative community engagement programme; for championing diversity within the UK theatre industry.
• Cultivate and attract both established and emerging practitioners and actively seek out new talent.
• Identify and commission inspirational artists to work with Fio, providing appropriate advice and support to them so they can maximise their creative potential.
• Identify areas to actively engage in the company’s artistic output where appropriate, and in respect of the primary strategic and operational responsibilities of the role.
• Lead the development of digital strategies.
• Where appropriate, seek collaborative partnerships with other organisations with whom Fio might expand its artistic ambitions and share its resources both nationally and
• internationally.
• Report to the Board on all artistic matters defining and monitoring the artistic objectives, and operational progress of the company.
• Develop pathways for under-represented creatives.

Development and Communications

• Take responsibility for the day to day running of Fio ensuring the company runs effectively and is operationally able to deliver on its key aims & objectives.
• Ensure the efficient, effective and sustainable financial management of the company keeping robust tracking of budgets, and reporting of spends across the programme.
• Identify appropriate opportunities for income generation.
• Upkeep all Fio policies and procedures, including, but not limited to Staff and Contractors Handbooks, Safeguarding, Risk Management, Performance and Conduct, Anti-Harassment and Bullying and Whistleblowing.
• Ensure that rigorous evaluation frameworks are in place and both qualitative and quantitative data is accessible for advocacy and impact assessment.
• Oversee all internal and external public relations and act as the central figure in articulating and advancing Fio’s future vision and ambition in the context of a changing landscape.
• Work closely with our Marketing Officer/or external marketing companies to oversee marketing and communications, brand and audience development, working with Fio staff and/or contractors as appropriate.
• Oversee fundraising activities and develop corporate partnerships where appropriate. Where applicable work with Producers/Assistant Producers to feed into fundraising applications.
• Play an active role in meeting key stakeholders and speaking at events, inspiring them with your artistic vision and plans.
• Represent Fio at public functions, conferences, delegations and in interviews with the media.
• Represent Fio’s artistic mission to funding bodies and, in particular, to uphold and develop the relationship with Arts Council Wales and other current and potential funders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Fio’s funding use and contribute to national conversations to effect positive change regarding the inclusivity and availability of public funds in the arts sector.
• Be responsible for keeping up to date with wider developments within the creative industries particularly in relation to work with under-represented voices ensuring that Fio remains at the forefront of sector leadership.
• Undertake the responsibility as a Safeguarding deputy for the organisation.
• Have overall responsibility for Safeguarding within Fio, reporting to the Board and ensuring a Designated Safeguarding Lead is in place.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Leadership and Vision

The fresh vision, imagination, ambition and passion to lead Fio into its next phase, and the ability to communicate the vision, inspiring and motivating stakeholders, staff and creative
personnel.

Arts Management

Ability to run an arts-based business or charity, demonstrated by the successful use of at least three of the following techniques and processes.

• Best practice in arts sector administration and leadership Arts funding
• Creating and implementing workplace policies and procedures
• Financial management, budgeting skills and reporting
• Creating and implementing evaluation frameworks

Experienced Practitioner
A track record of excellent and innovative work in the creative arts (ideally theatre). Productive and wide-ranging contacts in the theatre and wider arts sector. Experience of using best practice in artist development and outreach programmes.

Diversity and Inclusion

A genuine and demonstrable commitment to broadening cultural diversity and access and working with under-represented groups.

Learning and Reflection

Evidence of ability to reflect and adapt to make the most of opportunities and learning.

Collaboration

Proven ability to work collaboratively and form effective partnerships internally and externally. Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with people of different backgrounds and experiences.

Lived Experience

Lived experience of the challenges faced by people from marginalised and/or lower socio- economic backgrounds. Welsh language skills, or a willingness to learn basic written and conversational Welsh.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Senior experience gained within a producing theatre company or venue.
• Experience of UK touring productions.
• Knowledge of the Welsh arts landscape.
• Knowledge of international theatre practice and contacts outside the UK.
• Experience of undertaking responsibility for
• Safeguarding and Health and Safety and/or knowledge of best practice in those areas.
• An interest in digital opportunities for the arts.

How to Apply

To apply for this job, please send an up-to-date CV; a covering letter (2 pages max) or video (10 mins max) addressing the person specification and outlining your skills and experience in relation to the Essential/Desirable Criteria, along with a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

The closing date for applications is 10am on Monday 14 of July 2025.