VACANCIES

PHOTO OXFORD TRUSTEE CALL  

Background Information  

Photo Oxford was established as an independent charity in 2013 and has produced five Photo  Oxford festivals, most recently celebrating Women and Photography (2020/2021) and The Hidden  Power of the Archive (spring 2023). We are looking for new Trustees to complement the skills and  representation of the current Board, as some Trustees approach the end of their terms of office and as we prepare for the next festival in autumn 2025. 

The Festival delivered in April/May 2023 reflected the rich context Oxford and its wider  connections have to offer, through its links to archives and photographic collections. A varied  programme of exhibitions, events (physical and online) and commissions was delivered across the  city in partnership with institutions, commercial galleries, local arts and cultural organisations,  involving around 70 local, national and international artists and curators. The Open Call attracted  photographers from over 60 countries who submitted 9,000 images, and the in-person Portfolio  Reviews were sold out. Visitor, partner and artist feedback was very positive. 

Our mission: to deliver a biennial international photography festival featuring a diverse and  ambitious programme of exhibitions and related events, professional development opportunities,  and a public engagement and outreach programme, delivered in collaboration with strategic  partners, including universities and communities, across the city of Oxford and worldwide.  

Our values are:  

•  To be audience-focused, developing close, long-lasting and respectful relationships in  our work 

• To be accessible to all, creating physical and digital opportunities for diverse audiences  to engage meaningfully with photography 

•  To be impact driven, encouraging high-quality photographic exhibition and debate 

•  To be grounded in the opportunities offered by being located in Oxford, a city of  learning and one of the most diverse cities in the south of the UK  

•  To be environmentally responsible 

The Trustee Role

Trustees work with the Director to shape the overall organisational vision and contribute to the  strategic governance and effective delivery of the charity’s work. Trustee contributions are vital to  the charity’s work, bringing varied and essential skills, experience and representation.  

We welcome applications from candidates of any age over 18, and from a range of socio economic and culturally diverse backgrounds and identities, in order to strengthen our  governance and representation. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position. Reasonable expenses will be refundable,  including travel, where appropriate. The preferred term of office for Trustees is 4 years, and may  be renewed once by agreement. Various current trustees are approaching the end of their terms  of office and we are seeking new trustees to support the next phase of the charity’s work.

We are particularly looking for candidates with the following knowledge, skills and experience: 

- Finance, with a view to taking on the role of Treasurer (more detail available on request)
- Communications, PR and marketing  

- Community engagement  

- Business and strategy 

- Fundraising  

Trustees’ responsibilities:  

• Overall governance and strategic direction, including artistic programme, partner and  community engagement 

• Reviewing policy 

• Supporting and guiding the Director 

• Agreeing the annual budget and major resource issues 

• Approving the statutory accounts 

• Supporting the charity financially or in kind where possible and assisting in raising funds • Acting as an ambassador and representing Photo Oxford externally 

• Overseeing delivery and performance against agreed objectives  

• Overseeing the appointment and review of senior freelance staff 

• Complying with the charity’s constitution and charity law 

• Attending Board meeting, approximately every 2 months (1.5 hours) 

• Contributing between Board meetings to sub-groups  

Information

Please contact the Director on info@photooxford.org with any questions or if you would like to  arrange to discuss the role before applying.

How to Apply

To apply please send an email letter of application, setting out your interest in and suitability for  the role, and your CV. If you would prefer to apply in another format, please contact the Director  to discuss. 

Please email your application to info@photooxford.org 

Successful applicants will be invited to attend an informal interview with the Chair and the  Director. They may then be asked to attend a Board meeting, initially as a guest, with a view to  formal appointment.