Chief Executive

DanceWest is looking for an inspiring and purpose-driven Chief Executive to lead them into their next exciting chapter of growth, bringing a fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to the role.

About DanceWest

DanceWest is a registered charity that has been pioneering high-quality dance programmes since 2014, offering a creative response to local challenges such as poor health, socio-economic disadvantage, and limited access to physical activity. Our work has been recognised with awards from Dance UK and One Dance UK, including a Spotlight Award nomination for our founder.

We deliver free and low-cost dance, health, and wellbeing activities co-designed with our participants and partners. Each year, we engage over 30,000 people across more than 76 weekly classes, supporting vulnerable and diverse communities in seven London boroughs: Brent, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, Richmond, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston, and Westminster.

Founded by Rosie Whitney-Fish, DanceWest is driven by a clear mission: to make dance accessible to everyone. In 2021, we opened a dedicated community studio at the Sands End Arts & Community Centre in Fulham, creating a permanent space to grow and connect with our community.

In 2024, we were honoured to become the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham’s nominated charity and expanded our constitution to collaborate with partners on a national scale.

We are also proud members of London Youth, Sported, One Dance UK, and People Dancing, and our work has been featured in the Guardian, Evening Standard, Marie Claire, and London Live.

About the role

In this role, you will lead DanceWest’s strategic direction, working closely with the Board to deliver the organisation’s vision in line with its mission and charitable objectives. You will model inclusive, values-driven leadership and foster a culture of collaboration, creativity and excellence.

You will be responsible for financial sustainability, overseeing planning, budgeting and risk management, while driving income generation through fundraising, partnerships, and earned revenue from the studio and events, ensuring an innovative approach is taken to ensure sustainability.

You will lead a skilled team, ensuring effective operations across HR, safeguarding and compliance, and supporting a high-performing, supportive workplace culture.

You will act as DanceWest’s principal ambassador, representing the organisation to funders, partners, media, and stakeholders, and advocating for the role of dance in community wellbeing.

Finally, working with the onsite team, you will oversee the delivery of inclusive, high-quality programmes and the smooth operation of the Sands End Arts & Community Centre studio, ensuring all activities are impactful, well-evaluated, and fully compliant.

Who are we looking for?

You will have a strong track record of senior leadership, ideally within the charity, arts, or social impact sectors. You will bring strategic vision and the ability to turn plans into action, with experience leading high-performing teams and fostering an inclusive, values-led culture.

You will also have a track record of successful income generation, including fundraising from trusts, foundations, individuals and partners, alongside commercial acumen to support sustainable growth. You will bring an entrepreneurial approach, able to take an innovative approach to both commercial income generation and fundraising income generation. Your financial management skills will be robust, with confidence in budgeting, reporting and risk oversight.

As an excellent communicator and relationship-builder,  you will be able to engage with funders, partners, communities, and Boards with credibility and warmth. Finally, you will hold a deep commitment to equity and social impact, you lead with integrity and innovation, ensuring programmes are inclusive, impactful, and compliant with safeguarding and legal standards.

Applications for this role close at 9am Wednesday 20 August.

Location: London – Hammersmith and Fulham (3 days in office).

To find out more and apply please click below.