Voluntary Trustee Role - Co-opted Trustee for Business Development

Voluntary Trustee Role – Co-opted Trustee for Business Development | Council for Higher Education in Art & Design (CHEAD) | Three-Year Term 2026-2029

The Council for Higher Education Art and Design (CHEAD) is looking for a Co-opted Trustee for Business Development to help it achieve long-term financial sustainability and growth.

The Council for Higher Education in Art & Design (CHEAD) is the representative body for higher education providers in art, design, creative media and related disciplines across the UK. CHEAD provides leadership, advocacy and a collective voice for the sector, advancing knowledge, supporting members and promoting the value of creative education nationally.

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded professional to join our Board as Co-opted Trustee: Business Development. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future sustainability and growth of CHEAD at a pivotal time for higher education and the creative disciplines.

Role Purpose

The purpose of this role is to help CHEAD achieve long-term financial sustainability by developing and diversifying income streams, identifying strategic partnerships and funding opportunities, and contributing to financial planning in support of CHEAD's 2025-2030 strategy.

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in higher education, preferably within art, design, creative media or related disciplines. 
• Strong business development, entrepreneurship, sponsorship or resource generation expertise.
• A proven track record of developing sustainable income and increasing revenue.
• Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgement and strong leadership capabilities.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and to supporting the mission of CHEAD.
• An understanding of, or willingness to learn, the responsibilities of charity trusteeship.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop a financial strategy aligned with CHEAD's Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
• Review and strengthen existing income streams while identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Explore and develop new products, services and revenue-generating opportunities that deliver value to members.
• Identify sponsorship, partnership and funding opportunities that support CHEAD's mission and objectives.
• Contribute to investment and financial decision-making.
• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees to provide strategic oversight and governance.

CHEAD is proactive in the receipt of nominations from underrepresented communities within our membership as we continue to build capacities in incorporating different perspectives. As a membership body focussing on equity, diversity and inclusivity, we want to promote and support better representation across our board membership. We seek applicants for Trustees with additional knowledge and expertise within social justice practice and creative HE, to build capacity within our board and centre the voices of staff of colour and marginalised groups at the foreground of meaningful change.

Deadline to apply: 30 September 2026

Interview date: 6 October 2026

For enquiries about the role: info@chead.ac.uk

For further information and to apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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