PHOTO OXFORD IS LOOKING FOR A NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our mission is 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 across the city of Oxford, nationally and worldwide. In this we aim:

• 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, debate and learning opportunities.

• To be grounded in the cultural opportunities offered up by our unique location in Oxford – one of the most diverse cities in the UK outside London.

• To be environmentally responsible.

We work in partnership with a wide range of photographic, cultural and educational organisations, and with photographic artists and communities in Oxford, nationally and internationally.

The Role

The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, supporting the Trustees and Festival Director in ensuring strong governance, development of the charity’s strategy and the effective delivery of its festivals. In addition, they will act as an ambassador for the charity, representing it among key stakeholders including significant funders. They will hold a close working relationship with the Festival Director. This is a voluntary role as a charity trustee.

We will be happy to answer any questions, and/or to have a discussion, about the role before the application deadline. 

Person Specification

1) Strong interest in photography and lens-based media. Prior involvement in organising exhibitions or festivals would be an advantage, though not essential. 

2) Preferably, experience of acting as Chair (for example of a charity or NGO) and including a good understanding of governance. 

3) Understanding of the voluntary sector’s ethos, including a strong commitment to diversity.

4) Ideally based in, or with easy access to, Oxford. 

5) Preferably, good personal connections, including within the Oxford/Oxfordshire community and, if possible, within the cultural sector.

6) Good communications and inter-personal skills, with an ability to engage constructively and empathetically with a wide range of stakeholders both externally and within Photo Oxford.

7) Ability to act as an ambassador for Photo Oxford, including supporting the Director in fundraising activities from time to time.

8) Sufficient time available to perform the role, estimated at around 12-15 days a year (for a term of office of four years, renewable for a further four by mutual agreement).

More Information

See our about page for information about the Photography Oxford charity and previous festivals.

Please contact the Festival Director, Danielle Battigelli, 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 how you meet the person specification. 

Photo Oxford is committed to diversity both in the content of its festivals and in the make-up of its Board, staff and volunteers.  We welcome applications from candidates with a range of characteristics and backgrounds including gender, ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity and sexual orientation.

Please email your application to info@photooxford.org to arrive by midnight on Sunday 11 December 2022.