Executive Director

We are now seeking a new Executive Director to lead Garsington Opera into its next chapter, following Nicky Creed’s remarkable 25 years at the company. This is a pivotal moment in the organisation’s journey. The successful completion of a £14.5m capital campaign has enabled us to open Garsington Studios — a new year-round creative base that unites our entire team and supports an expanding programme of activity including a new series of winter concerts for our Members and the community. We are entering a new phase for Garsington, while holding fast to our founding ethos: excellence, generosity, innovation, and community.

The Executive Director is responsible for the effective leadership and management of Garsington Opera, working in close partnership with Artistic Director Douglas Boyd, and reporting to the Board of Trustees. You will lead a high-performing team across artistic administration, operations, finance, marketing, fundraising and technical production, and will steward relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

We are seeking an experienced and emotionally intelligent leader who brings a strong mix of strategic leadership and commercial capability, operational rigour, and passion for the arts. You are likely to have some experience of working in opera, music and/or the performing arts, and will have a track record of leading and managing in a multifaceted, dynamic and changing environment. You will have experience navigating income generation, financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and organisational development in a complex environment. You will be confident in co-leadership, and skilled in balancing artistic ambition with operational excellence and financial discipline. You will demonstrate excellent communication and ambassadorial skills with the ability and presence to promote Garsington Opera with confidence externally.