Vacancy: Chief Executive Officer at LAAF

Arabartsfestival; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organization in Liverpool seeks a Chief Executive Officer to guide the organization through a transformative period. The role involves providing strategic and artistic leadership while engaging with diverse communities. Ideal candidates will understand the dynamics of running a cultural organization and possess strong leadership skills. This position is rewarding and crucial for the representation of Arab arts and culture in the UK.

Qualifications

• Experience in leadership roles within arts organizations.
• Ability to manage strategic, financial, and artistic leadership.
• Strong understanding of community dynamics in the arts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization through transition and renewal.
• Work closely with various stakeholders including the Board and communities.
• Ensure the organization thrives amid complex political and financial environments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Community engagement

Cultural understanding

Job description

Our new CEO will be a custodian of identity, a steady hand in the present, and a bold architect of LAAF’s future.

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival (LAAF) is the UK’s leading celebration of Arab arts and cultures. We are a small team that delivers huge impact – rooted in Liverpool’s communities yet connected to artists and audiences across the world.

Our work is grounded in representation, collaboration, and exchange, bringing Arab creativity and perspectives to the heart of the UK’s cultural landscape.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead this unique organisation through a pivotal period of transition and renewal. Working closely with the Board, staff team, freelance workers, artists, communities and partners, you will provide strategic, financial, artistic and cultural leadership – ensuring that LAAF continues to thrive in an increasingly complex political, social, and financial climate.

This is a deeply rewarding role that calls for someone who is rigorous, transparent, and community-minded; someone who understands both the practical challenges of running an arts organisation and a live festival, year-round events and engagement projects, and the responsibility of representing communities whose stories matter.

The ideal candidate will be ready to immerse themselves in the relationships and networks that keep LAAF alive, and to lead with creativity, care, and conviction.