The Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme (RTYDS) is seeking an exceptional Executive Director

RTYDS aims to tackle social class inequity in theatre through a major new project called Fair Play. We are looking for an Executive Director who is committed to addressing the barriers experienced by working class and low socio-economic artists to ensure they can sustain careers and thrive in the theatre industry.

The Executive Director leads on RTYDS’ fundraising, HR, operations, business planning, acts as Company Secretary to the Board and supports programme delivery. You will have a broad knowledge of these areas but may not have skills and experience in all. Training and support will be provided as appropriate.

Hours: 21 hours (3 days) per week

Salary: £28,800 (£48,000 pro rata)

Location: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in Manchester and some national travel is required.

We are accepting proposals in writing or in video or audio format.

Download the RTYDS Executive Director Recruitment Pack

We are happy to arrange an informal confidential conversation regarding the position before applying. This might be to ask questions about the company, the role, or the process. Please contact Sue Emmas or Christina Clarke on recruitment@rtyds.co.uk.

Please let us know your access requirements before the conversation so we can put provision in place.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday 15th December 2025

First interviews: w/c Monday 12th January 2026
Second interviews: w/c Monday 19th January 2026

Please navigate to the ‘Accessible Documents’ toggle below to download accessible versions of the recruitment pack, equal opportunities monitoring form and access rider template (optional).

RTYDS Executive Director

We are seeking an Executive Director who can help us realise Fair Play and has lived experience of and/or is committed to tackling socio-economic inequity. We specifically welcome applications from candidates who are marginalised and from low socio-economic backgrounds. This includes people who are Black or Global Majority; Deaf and/or disabled, neuro-divergent and LGBTQIA+.

The purpose of the role is to lead RTYDS’ fundraising, HR, operations and business planning. As a small company the role is varied and covers many areas. For the full person specification, please download the recruitment pack below:

Download the Executive Director Recruitment Pack PDF

Hours: 21 hours (3 days) per week
Salary: £28,800 (£48,000 pro rata)
Location: Remote, with occasional in-person meetings in Manchester and some national travel is required.

Please navigate to the toggles below to find out how to apply, important dates, and accessible documents.

We are committed to inclusive working practices and ensuring access. We will ask you about any access requirements at each stage of the process. The pack is available in a range of formats, and we welcome written, audio, video BSL applications (please see below for more detail).

To apply please send a CV and covering letter (no longer than two sides of A4), audio or video note (three to five minutes) including:

  • What attracts you to RTYDS and Fair Play
  • How your skills, experience and attributes match those outlined in the pack
  • Name and contact details for two referees who know you in a working environment; where applicable one of which should be your current or most recent employer – we shall not take up references before a second interview and only after notifying you

Audio, video and BSL applications should be submitted via WeTransfer, preferably in MP3 or MP4 format.

All applications will be assessed on content not format.

Applications should be addressed to: Sue Emmas, Artistic Director, RTYDS and sent via email to recruitment@rtyds.co.uk with ‘Executive Director, RTYDS’ in the subject line.

Please also complete our online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This helps us better understand if our recruitment practices are accessible and equitable to all.

The recruitment is led by Sue Emmas (Artistic Director/CEO) and Christina Clarke (Chair) and two other panellists (to be confirmed).

All Deaf or disabled candidates who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria will be invited for an interview.

If you have any problems with availability on the interview dates (see ‘Important Dates’ section), please indicate this in your cover letter.

Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 15th December 2025

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday 15th December 2025

First interviews: w/c Monday 12th January 2026

Second interviews: w/c Monday 19th January 2026

The recruitment is led by Sue Emmas (Artistic Director/CEO) and Christina Clarke (Chair) and two other panellists (to be confirmed).

Click to download the Executive Director Recruitment Pack in PDF format

Click for the online Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

To download accessible versions of the documents, please click on the links below.

British Dyslexia Association style:

Recruitment Pack

Equal Opportunities Form

Access Rider Template (optional)

Screen Reader:

Recruitment Pack

Equal Opportunities Form

Access Rider Template (optional)

Large Print:

Recruitment Pack

Equal Opportunities Form

Access Rider Template (optional)

Audio Files:

We are very happy to arrange an informal confidential conversation regarding the position before applying. This might be to ask questions about the company, the role, or the process. We are happy to answer all questions.

Please get in touch for an informal and confidential conversation with our recruitment consultant, Mary Caws,  at cawsmary@gmail.com.

Alternatively, you can contact Sue Emmas or Christina Clarke on recruitment@rtyds.co.uk.

Please let us know your access requirements before the conversation so we can put provision in place.

             

“RTYDS is rewriting the future of UK theatre. It has consistently helped to develop some of the most inspirational directors in the country by immersing them in producing theatres.”

Sarah Frankcom
Director, LAMDA and former Artistic Director, Royal Exchange Theatre