Executive Director at John Wesley's New Room

The following is a job vacancy being advertised by John Wesley's New Room:

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Contracted Hours: Full time (40 hrs per week including paid lunch breaks), with occasional evening and weekend working.
Location: Based on-site (BS1 3JE), with option for some remote working.
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Board of Trustees
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (depending on experience)

The Trustees of John Wesley’s New Room seek an Executive Director to lead the organisation into the next exciting phase of its development. This role will suit someone who is a generalist, comfortable turning their hand to a variety of tasks and is equally happy contributing at a board meeting or engaging with visitors in the chapel. Most importantly, we are looking for someone with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills who can lead the staff and volunteers with confidence, cultivate a positive working culture, develop relationships with a variety of stakeholders and provide strategic leadership for the next phase of John Wesley’s New Room.

Role Summary

The Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operational, financial, and strategic leadership of this Methodist heritage site, to ensure its growth and sustainability, and delivery of the organisation’s strategy. This includes working with the team on-site day to day, providing effective line management, overseeing compliance and operations and working with the Board, as well as providing strategic leadership to help JWNR develop our activities and adapt as the local area evolves over the coming years. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy:

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees, supporting good governance practices through effective reporting, risk management and collaboration.
• Provide executive input into JWNR’s strategic development, supporting the development of business and operational plans.
• Coordinate and attend board meetings and monthly Operations Committee meetings.
• Serve as the public face of JWNR, building relationships and championing our mission with key stakeholders, volunteers, media, local and national tourism and heritage organisations such as Visit West and other agencies and forums.
• Build and maintain close links with the Methodist Heritage Committee, the Methodist Connexion and key international Methodist partners.
• Develop systems for evaluation and feedback to inform strategic decision making.

HR:

• Line manage executive staff, freelance and outsourced contracts.
• Manage employee performance and development, conducting regular 1:1s, appraisals, and providing constructive feedback and leadership to foster a positive and productive working environment.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding of staff, ensuring processes follow good practice.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and teamwork within the staff and volunteer team, balancing organisational need and individual wellbeing.
• Liaise with third party provider on payroll and pensions.
• Oversee HR compliance, safeguarding, DBS checks, and ensuring all relevant legal and statutory charity requirements are met.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Finance & Fundraising:

• Oversee financial management, fundraising, and budget allocation.
• Work with external finance staff and the Treasurer to ensure good practice is followed in all areas of the finance function.
• Identify potential income streams and develop a fundraising strategy, managing major donors and donor relations.
• Work with auditors and Trustee Board on end of year reporting to Charity Commission, Methodist Conference and other relevant bodies.
• Oversee the development of commercial activities, working closely with the Operations Manager and Head of Collections.
• Represent JWNR on ‘Strangers’ Friend’ committee.

Facilities Management:

• Oversee building maintenance of JWNR and Charles Street properties (Charles Wesley’s House and a student property). Work with the Operations Manager to ensure regular maintenance checks and servicing are undertaken as required.
• Support the development and execution of a master plan for major fixes on the property.
• Work closely with external contractors and Trustees to ensure facilities issues are resolved.
• Ensure policies and procedures are fit for purpose and are reviewed regularly.
• Act as keyholder for JWNR and Charles Wesley’s House in case of emergencies.
• Lead on Health and Safety for the organisation.

General:

• Uphold and comply with John Wesley’s New Room policies and procedures including (but not limited to) Health and Safety, GDPR and Data Protection, Safeguarding, and Equality and Diversity.
• Along with all other staff, to work flexibly and on occasions provide cover on tasks such as welcoming and helping visitors and volunteers who require assistance, providing a high level of care and attention at all times.

The postholder will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check before appointment and will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding training.

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To view the full job pack, which includes a Personal Specification and more details about the organisation, please click HERE.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and covering letter (max. 2 sides of A4) outlining your experience and suitability for the role to miranda.payne@newroombristol.org.uk by 12pm on Thu 19th March.

Interviews will be held in-person (BS1 3JE) on Tues 31st March.

If you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please email miranda.payne@newroombristol.org.uk with some suggested dates/times.