Executive Director

We are looking for an inspiring, collaborative and experienced Executive Director to join our team and help shape the next chapter of our ambitious children’s theatre company.

Founded in Leeds in 1991, we create imaginative, joyful and meaningful theatre for children and families. Our work reaches audiences across the UK and internationally, from theatres and arts centres to schools, libraries and rural communities.

This is an exciting time to join Tutti Frutti. We have ambitious plans for the future, strong creative foundations, an established international touring programme and a growing commitment to our local community through projects including the Tutti Frutti Club.

About the role

Working closely with our Artistic Director and Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will provide strategic, financial and operational leadership, helping Tutti Frutti to remain financially resilient, well governed and able to realise its artistic ambitions.

You will lead on areas including organisational planning, financial management, fundraising, governance, business development, sustainability and international development, while building strong relationships with funders, partners, artists and stakeholders.

You’ll be joining a passionate team committed to creating high-quality theatre that puts children at its heart, alongside a diverse Board of Trustees and a network of freelance artists and creative practitioners.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an experienced leader with a strong understanding of the arts, cultural or charitable sector, alongside experience in strategic planning, financial management, fundraising and organisational development.

You’ll be collaborative, organised and confident, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills. We’re particularly interested in candidates with experience of touring theatre, international partnerships, children and family audiences, or environmental sustainability.

Most importantly, you’ll share Tutti Frutti’s values and be committed to creating positive experiences for children and families, supporting a happy and inclusive workplace, and helping the organisation grow sustainably.

Key details

Salary: £48,000–£52,000 per annum pro rata, depending on experience, plus 6% pension contribution
Hours: 30 hours per week, over four days
Contract: Permanent, employed PAYE
Location: Hope House, Leeds, with blended working and a minimum of two days per week in the office
Start date: Ideally December 2026

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and positively encourage D/deaf and disabled people and/or people from the global majority to apply. We guarantee an interview to candidates who meet the relevant skills, values and experience criteria. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application questions and anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form and send your application to kirsty@tutti-frutti.org.uk.

Applications close on Wednesday 21 October 2026, 12 noon. 

We’re interested in what you say rather than how you say it. Applications can be submitted in written English, video, BSL/spoken English/SSE, audio or bullet-point format. Alternative formats and support with completing the application are available on request.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Mark Hollander at mark@markhollander.co.uk.

Download the Tutti Frutti Executive Director – Job Pack  and Application Form.

Board Opportunity

We are seeking new Trustees to complement the experience of our existing Board and to work closely with the core team to realise our artistic programme and determine the development of the company over the forthcoming years. We are looking for passionate, individuals who are willing to share their energy and skills to help us navigate a challenging climate and come on an exciting, creative journey.  

Tutti Frutti is an exciting and dynamic touring theatre company specialising in work for children aged 3+ years and their families. We tour newly commissioned plays regionally, nationally and internationally. We have developed our touring profile abroad and are currently planning our fourth tour of the US. We work with artists that are specialists in making work for children and creating visually exciting, engaging and meaningful theatre. These artists also work with us on our Tutti Frutti Club – a free creative arts programme for children based in the Harehills and Bumantofts areas of Leeds.

We are a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England and funded by Leeds City Council. We are a charity and a company limited by guarantee and we have reserves of twelve months operating costs. Our values sit under the headings: working together, children and family, to be the best we can be, and change is possible.  

We welcome diversity in all its forms, and we positively encourage deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, those from the Global Majority, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or as working class or face barriers due to socio-economic status.   

We seek new Board members with specific expertise (but not exclusively) in finance and in marketing and communications (including data collection and analysis and social media). 

What will you get out of it? 

• A rewarding experience – helping a creative company prosper and be successful. 

• Being ‘at the centre of the action’, helping to support strategic decisions about the things that matter and enable the company to thrive. 

• Putting your skills and experience to good use by supporting the company’s mission and vision. 

• The personal learning and satisfaction that comes from applying your skills and experience in a new context. 

• Attendance at Tutti Frutti performances and events. 

• Training to be a Trustee 

Please read the role and responsibilities document which outlines what the position will entail: Trustee Roles and Responsibilities

If you would like to find out more, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Emma Killick emma@tutti-frutti.org.uk, OR to register your interest please tell us in no more than 400 words why you would like to become a Trustee and email Emma on the above address. Please tell us in a format that best suits you and enables you to respond fully. This could be written English, video (BSL/spoken English/SSE), audio recording, bullet points, etc.  

When registering your interest please also let us know the following: Name – Pronouns (ie: she/her, he/him, they/them), Address, Email, Contact Phone Number.