We’re hiring a new Director
August 2026
South Square Centre is looking to appoint a Director to lead the organisation into its next chapter. After ten exceptional years, and having led the organisation since 2023, our current Director Alice Withers is moving on to an exciting new role.
South Square Centre is the trading name of Thornton and Allerton Community Association (Charity number 1122128), founded in 1982, and is dedicated to improving quality of life for residents of Thornton and Allerton, and wider Bradford.
South Square Centre is an ambitious, independent arts, heritage and community organisation based in the heart of Thornton, Bradford. The Grade II listed building brings together contemporary visual arts, heritage, creative enterprise and community activity, creating a vibrant cultural destination that welcomes over 30,000 visitors each year.
South Square provides three contemporary gallery spaces, affordable studios for artists and creative businesses, community spaces, a café and bar, local history archive and community garden. We believe in the power of creativity to strengthen communities, broaden participation and inspire positive change, delivering an inclusive programme that connects people of all ages and backgrounds.
As a small organisation with a highly ambitious vision, we have established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality exhibitions, festivals and community programmes. Last year, we played a leading role in Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture through the delivery of OUR TURN: Bradford Visual Arts Festival.
Working alongside a small but dedicated team, this is an opportunity to lead a dynamic organisation where creativity, community impact and commercial sustainability are equally valued. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of South Square’s development, building on its strong foundations while delivering an ambitious vision for the future.
Director Job Description
Job Title: Director
Contract: Permanent, Full time (37.5 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends)
Salary: £36,000
Responsible to: TACA board of trustees, via the Co-Chairs
Responsible for: Programme Manager, Outreach Officer, Building Manager, Cleaner
Purpose of role
The Director provides the creative, strategic and operational leadership for South Square Centre. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for delivering the organisation’s artistic vision, ensuring its financial sustainability, leading fundraising and business development, fostering strong partnerships, and overseeing the effective day-to-day management of the centre.
The Director will champion South Square’s values and reputation, ensuring it continues to thrive as a leading centre for arts, heritage and community activity.
Full Application Pack & Job description
South Square 25-28 Business Plan
How to Apply
To apply for the post please send a CV and cover letter of no more than two pages outlining how your experience relates to the job description and how you meet the person specification.
Applications should be clearly marked ‘Director application’ and sent to [email protected]
Applicants must also fill in our Equal Opportunity Form. Your responses will be kept strictly confidential and will not be used in any decisions affecting you.
The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Sunday 23rd August 2026.
Interviews will be held in person at South Square Centre on Friday 4th September 2026.
South Square is an equal opportunities employer and has a commitment to improving equality, diversity and inclusivity. We encourage applications from applicants with protected characteristics who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
If you would like an informal conversation about the role please contact: Alice Withers, Director, at [email protected], or Matt Storey, Co-chair, at [email protected]