After four successful years as a charity, we are now seeking a new Chair who can lead the organisation through its next stage of development.

Manchester City Of Literature was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2017, and is now an independent and not-for-profit organisation that manages the UNESCO designation on behalf of a partnership of 40+ literary organisations led by Manchester City Council, The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Manchester City of Literature is an active charity that aims to ensure that literature, diverse voices and languages across Manchester are celebrated through the promotion of creative expression. Inequality of opportunity is one of the biggest challenges facing us. Manchester City of Literature is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to equality and to literary opportunities throughout Manchester, while promoting the excellence and talent of our great city at all levels, in schools, community and social settings to expert and specialists’ networks.

The Chair will ensure that Manchester City of Literature is able to deliver its mission in accordance with its constitutional, legal, and financial obligations and that the organisation truly represents the rich diversity of Manchester’s voices in both its governance and its actions. As with all charities, this is an unpaid, voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

The role of the Chair of the Board of Trustees is to:

• Be a dynamic, con!dent spokesperson for Manchester City of Literature, representing the organisation on a local, national and international stage;
• Lead the Board of Trustees and ensuring its effectiveness;
• Chair and facilitate Board meetings;
• Oversee the running of any Board Sub-Committees, ensuring accountability and proper reporting to the full Board;
• Support and manage the work of the Executive Director;
• Give strategic direction to policy making and organisational development;
• Monitor and ensure that decisions taken by the Board are implemented;
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision making;
• Address any con)icts of interest among Board members;
•Work with the Executive Office to recruit new Trustees to the Board as needed;
• Ensure that all Board members have the appropriate training, development and information relating to their role;
• Support the Executive team in the identi!cation of partners, funders and stakeholders.

The deadline for applications is 14th October 2024.

Please download the application pack below for more information and how to apply.