Become Our C.E.O
A message from our Chair
Joseph Jeffers - Chair
As Chair of IRIE! dance theatre, I am delighted to share an exciting opportunity for a visionary and dynamic leader to join our organisation as Chief Executive Officer. IRIE! stands at a pivotal moment in its journey.
Rooted in over four decades of championing African and Caribbean dance heritage, community engagement, and artistic excellence. We are seeking someone who will embrace our mission, build on our legacy, and guide us confidently into the future.
The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, creative ambition, and a commitment to nurturing both the artistic and educational strands of our work. This is a unique moment to lead a culturally significant organisation into its next chapter, strengthening our national presence and expanding the reach of our programmes.
If you are passionate about cultural leadership, community impact, and the transformative power of dance, we invite you to learn more and consider joining the IRIE! family.
About IRIE! dance theatre
A Snapshot
IRIE! Dance Theatre is the UK’s leading organisation working in African and Caribbean dance fusion. The company was founded in 1985 with the primary aim to heighten the profile of Black dance and dancers in Britain. For over four decades, the company have championed cultural expression, created space for Dance of the African Diaspora (DAD) to thrive, and delivered pioneering education, training and performance programmes.
Arts & Culture
From the start, IRIE! dance theatre company has been at the cutting edge of fusing Caribbean dance as part of its choreographic expression, developing a dance vernacular that is instantly recognised as the IRIE! style, which is directly linked to the essence of reggae music and Caribbean folk traditions and contemporary culture. The Company’s musical orientations are drawn from African and Caribbean drumming and percussion, Reggae, Ragga, Calypso and Soca. In the 90’s, traditional West African dance and culture became a staple in the company’s work.
This fusion of styles and traditions (African, Caribbean and Western Contemporary dance) has shaped the movement language and creative engagement by the organisation. The term for dance and music-related forms within this genre is recognised by the dance sector in the UK as Dance of the African Diaspora (DAD). IRIE! has created over 25 works, which have toured nationally and internationally. After an 18-year hiatus. In 2022, IRIE! received Arts Council England (ACE), National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status. This supported the reintroduction of the performance company who have since produced and toured two successful works GROUNDATION Dancing from the Archive 2023/24 and Keha Seebii-for those left behind 2024/25.
Community & Wellbeing
The company delivers a highly effective and much sought after, local and national, training and outreach programme reaching between 3,500-4000 children and young people, adults and elders on an annual basis. IRIE! works with a broad range of young people and organisations that support them. The community outreach work focuses on activities, which include intergenerational programmes, activities for families, and local open-access classes and other creative and social events. The organisation has forged local and national partnerships using movement and culture to support the wellbeing and upliftment of communities. Partnerships include Primary and Secondary schools, Nurseries, Colleges, Universities, NHS, Local Authorities, Arts and Community Centres, Pupil Referral Units, Hospice, Museums and more.
Education & Training
IRIE! is committed to the development of all artists working in the field of DAD. The company delivers a number of classes and initiatives, which support DAD practitioners. These include Open Classes, Professional Development Programmes and Master Classes. Pursuing its drive to bridge the gap of access to culturally diverse dance styles in accredited training. In 1998 IRIE! ran the UK’s first Diploma in African and Caribbean dance. Understanding its importance to the dance sector the programme was funded by ACE, franchised by City and Islington College and accredited by Birkbeck College, University of London. In partnership with City and Islington College and London Metropolitan University, IRIE! delivered the UK’s first Foundation Degree in Dance with African and Caribbean dance at the core from 2008 -2018, and from September 2018 – June 2023 IRIE! delivered the UK’s first BA (Hons) Diverse Dance Styles validated by University of Roehampton. Since September 2023 Goldsmith’s University of London, now validates the company’s BA (Hons) and New MA in Diasporic Dance Styles. The above accredited Higher Education training was all underpinned by a three-year national and international research programme entitled Dance & Diversity, supported by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) and ACE to investigate the place of African & Caribbean dance within Britain’s formal education system.
IRIE has commissioned, produced and supported important research and events into Dance of the African Diaspora (DAD); Namely, The Ancient Future International Conference, ACE funded research paper on the need for an archive for Black dance in Britain, Dance and Diversity Research Project, Association of Dance of the African Diaspora (ADAD)
Re: Generation International Conference series; HLF Pioneers and Places.
As a historically Black led organisation still dedicated to its primary aim. The company is committed to making its base at Moonshot a focal point and Centre of excellence for the practice and development of DAD.
Moonshot Centre – Our base
Moonshot was set up in the early 70’s as a provision for the unmet needs of local young black teenagers. The building is an important space for the local Black community. Having gone through several reincarnations, for example, being burnt down in 1977. It is believed by the National Front. In 1982 local people from the Black Community successfully lobbied for a building that would provide a base for the African & Caribbean communities of New Cross. The Urban Programme funded the new build with donations from the local black community. Unfortunately, the building was forced to close in 1999. Owned by the Borough of Lewisham. In 2003, a consortium was established. IRIE! was asked to lead. Moonshot is a £3m refurbishment. Aside from the large open-plan office space with an adjacent library and archive, IRIE! also have access to 2 large dance studios, 1 seminar room, 1 teaching/meeting room and 1 small Café. In 2017 IRIE! took on the management of the centre, which also houses Playhouse Nursery and Double Jab Boxing Club. This has enabled the company to expand its social and cultural offer and choice of activities we provide to the local community.
Partnerships
Over the years IRIE! has nurtured and developed a number of important and inspired partnerships. These partnerships have included: London Borough of Lewisham; City & Islington College, now Capital College; Birkbeck College, University of Roehampton, Goldsmiths, University of London; One Dance UK, The Phoenix Federation; NHS-South London, Moseley (SLAM) and The Black-e in Liverpool, The Midi Music Company, The Inspiration Network, to name a few.
CEO Job Advert
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
IRIE! Dance Theatre
Location:
Contract:
Salary:
About IRIE! dance theatre
IRIE! Dance Theatre is the UK’s leading organisation working in African and Caribbean dance fusion. For over four decades, the company have championed cultural expression, created space for Dance of the African Diaspora (DAD) to thrive, and delivered pioneering education, training and performance programmes. As we look toward an ambitious new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding CEO to lead the company into its next phase of growth and impact.
The Role
The CEO will provide visionary leadership, strong strategic direction, and robust operational management. Working closely with the Artistic Director and Board, you will guide the organisation toward long-term sustainability, increased visibility and deeper creative & social engagement. You will ensure IRIE! remains a vital force in the UK’s cultural landscape.
Key Responsibilities
· Providing strategic leadership of IRIE Dance Theatre, working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Founding Artistic Director, ensuring organisational clarity and long-term resilience.
· Develop a sustainable business model that ensures operational excellence across HR, governance, compliance and organisational culture.
· Develop, strengthen and progress new ways of working that are sustainable and meet the needs of stakeholders, audiences and participants.
· Identify new business and income opportunities for IRIE Dance Theatre. Manage financial management, budgeting, fundraising and income diversification.
· Track record in relationship building and working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, raising the profile of the organisation globally.
· Developing a new Business Plan for the period 2026 – 2028 and taking lead responsibility for the NPO submission that will ensure a sustainable financial future for the Company.
· Collaborate with the Founding Artistic Director to support artistic vision, programme delivery, champion equity, representation, and the development of African and Caribbean dance practices.
· Strategic development and management of a network of international and national partners and stakeholders.
· Working closely with all heads of departments to ensure that marketing communications, access, education, technical administration and all departments contribute to maximising both impact and artistic outcomes.
· Monitoring and understanding sector developments and policy and political change which can impact the organisations activities and governance.
· Support the Chair with an ongoing programme of board development, including attending and servicing all board, and sub-committee meetings.
About You
We’re looking for an inspiring, future-focused leader who is passionate about the arts and committed to cultural equity. You will bring:
· Proven experience in senior leadership within the arts, creative, education or third sectors
· Strong financial acumen and a track record of successful fundraising
· Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills
· Confidence in advocacy, public speaking and sector representation
· Strategic thinking paired with the ability to deliver results
· An understanding of the value and impact of African and Caribbean cultural expression
The role is office-based, with some flexibility. The candidate must have the right to live in the UK as the role is UK based.
How to Apply Please submit your CV and a covering statement outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements to info@iriedancetheatre.org by insert closing date.
Interviews will be held on insert interview date
IRIE! Dance Theatre is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those currently underrepresented in leadership roles in the arts. For more information about the organisation visit www.iriedancetheatre.org or email info@iriedancetheatre.org to arrange a conversation with Beverley Glean MBE, Founding Artistic Director & CEO.
CEO Job Description
To provide strategic leadership of IRIE Dance Theatre by developing and implementing the organisation’s vision, which will build on the expansive legacy and achievements of the company and spearhead IRIE! into an exciting new stage of its development. You will set the development programme determining the direction of travel and the new Business Plan 2026 – 2028 working closely with the Board of Trustees, and the Founding Artistic Director.
The role is a shared part time role and is initially a two-year appointment to March 2028 when the new Business Plan will be implemented. The role is intended to lead IRIE through a period of reframing and reset at a time of immense change within the sector and society as a whole. The Chief Executive Officer will demonstrate high levels of ambition and enthusiasm in establishing and delivering our strategic goals and objectives for developing the organisation further as an internationally significant dance company. The new Chief Executive Officer will create innovative models of operation for all activities by developing strategic plans for a sustainable cultural and financial future.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Direction
· Providing strategic leadership of IRIE Dance Theatre, working closely with the Board of Trustees and the Founding Artistic Director, ensuring organisational clarity and long-term resilience.
· Develop a sustainable business model that ensures operational excellence across HR, governance, compliance and organisational culture.
· Develop, strengthen and progress new ways of working that are sustainable and meet the needs of stakeholders, audiences and participants.
· Identify new business and income opportunities for IRIE Dance Theatre. Manage financial management, budgeting, fundraising and income diversification.
· Track record in relationship building and working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, raising the profile of the organisation globally.
· Developing a new Business Plan for the period 2026 – 2028 and taking lead responsibility for the NPO submission that will ensure a sustainable financial future for the Company.
· Collaborate with the Founding Artistic Director to support artistic vision, programme delivery, champion equity, representation, and the development of African and Caribbean dance practices.
· Strategic development and management of a network of international and national partners and stakeholders.
· Working closely with all heads of departments to ensure that marketing communications, access, education, technical administration and all departments contribute to maximising both impact and artistic outcomes.
· Monitoring and understanding sector developments and policy and political change which can impact the organisations activities and governance.
· Support the Chair with an ongoing programme of board development, including attending and servicing all board, and sub-committee meetings
Team Leadership
· Setting the tone in the organisation with clarity of direction, strong ethics and exceptional leadership
· Supporting the Board and AD and ensuring both have the support needed to fulfil their roles in the rapidly changing environment.
· Provide effective and inspiring direction and guidance for all the company’s activities and for the whole team.
· Ensuring successful internal communication and clear lines of authority and delegation
· Encouraging a culture of creativity and support
· Ensuring good communication of the mission, vision and values internally, so that the vision informs and influences the Company’s practice and delivery.
· Ensuring compliance with all employment and HR issues
· Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all company information, including strategic, financial, and personnel matters. Confidential information must not be disclosed or used for personal or external benefit during or after employment.
External Relations
· Acting as an advocate and ambassador for IRIE Dance Theatre and ensure effective advocacy with all stakeholders, external agencies and partners consulting and keeping them informed.
· Ensuring good communication of the mission, vision and values externally
· Ensuring the nurturing and maintenance of all relationships required for the successful delivery of IRIE Dance Theatre’s strategies and objectives.
· Developing existing and building new partnerships
· Promoting the company’s profile and reputation through participation in sector events and positioning the company as a trusted and professional partner.
· Upholding discretion and integrity in all communications and decisions is essential to this role.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE TYPE OF WORK THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL UNDERTAKE AND IS NOT AN EXHUASTIVE LIST.
PERSON SPECIFICATION & ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE
· Significant and inspirational senior leadership in the arts and cultural sector
· Substantial experience in a senior leadership role with a track recording of inspiring the teams you manage.
· Evidence of achievement in fundraising and maintaining effective relationships with public, corporate and individual funders.
· Experience of confident representation of organisations on a public stage
· A proven track record in strategic planning, organisational development and change management.
· Experience and knowledge of the policy environment and trends
· Experience of managing teams and proven ability to motivate and support.
· Significant experience of negotiating, building and maintaining successful partnerships with the aim of supporting new developments.
· Deep knowledge and understanding of the arts funding system and infrastructure in the UK.
· Experience of governance and direct working with a Board
Skills & Ability
· Excellent organisational skills: ability to deal effectively with multiple workloads demands.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a broad range of people.
· Excellent negotiation skills
· Proven and sound financial understanding and the ability to manage budgets.
· Excellent written communication skills
· Ability to represent the company to a broad range of donors and stakeholders and ability to attract new support.
· Confidence in building and maintaining relationships with public, private and corporate donors.
Attributes
· Creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit with a keen eye for opportunities
· A passion for and commitment to live dance
· Commitment to equality
· Assurance and confidence
· Values driven.
DESIRABLE
· Significant senior leadership in the dance world
· International experience and networks
· Knowledgeable and passionate about the work of IRIE Dance Theatre
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Salary: £. (pro rata) Contract: Two years
Reporting to: Board of Trustees Responsible for:
Location: Head Office
This role requires you to oversee several tours and projects running simultaneously and may therefore require you to work evenings and weekends as well as travel the UK and internationally.
Hours:
Probation: Six months