Associate Trustee

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Trustee / Board Observer will have the opportunity to get behind the scenes of one of the UK’s leading photography festivals and learn about the work involved in running a cultural organisation.

Working alongside Photo Oxford’s Director, Chair and Trustees, you will bring your ideas, experience and perspective to the table. You will be invited to attend selected Board meetings as an observer, where you will have the opportunity to listen, learn and contribute to discussions where appropriate.

You will also have opportunities to become involved in Photo Oxford projects, events and Festival activities, depending on your interests, skills and current work.

The role offers valuable experience in areas including:

·        Arts governance

·        Event production

·        Programming

·        Fundraising

·        Festival development

·        Working within a cultural organisation

·        Building professional connections within Oxford’s creative community

The aim is to provide a supportive opportunity for someone who is keen to learn about the art world, develop their experience and contribute to the work of Photo Oxford.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You do not need years of experience or a conventional career path.

We are interested in people who are curious, engaged and passionate about photography and the arts. You might be a student, practitioner, volunteer, academic, career changer or someone developing your own creative practice.

We are particularly interested in hearing from someone who is:

·        Curious about how arts organisations work

·        Interested in photography and the wider visual arts

·        Keen to learn about governance and cultural leadership

·        Willing to contribute ideas and perspectives

·        Interested in developing their professional experience and networks

·        Reliable, engaged and willing to participate in Photo Oxford activities

·        Open to learning from the experience of the Director, Chair and Trustees

You do not need previous experience of sitting on a board or working in arts governance.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The role is voluntary and initially for one year.

Board meetings take place approximately every two months. The Associate Trustee / Board Observer will be invited to attend selected meetings, alongside additional involvement in Photo Oxford activities and Festival events.

The Associate Trustee / Board Observer may also be invited to participate in particular projects or activities from time to time, where appropriate, depending on their interests, skills and current work.

The role is intended to be flexible and developmental, recognising that the successful candidate may have other commitments, studies, employment or creative projects.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROLE

The Associate Trustee / Board Observer is not a formal charity trustee and does not have the legal duties or responsibilities of a charity trustee.

The role is an unpaid, voluntary development and board-observer position. The Associate Trustee / Board Observer will not have voting rights at Board meetings and will not have formal decision-making authority on behalf of Photo Oxford.

The Trustee Board retains responsibility for the governance and decision-making of the charity.

ABOUT PHOTO OXFORD

Photo Oxford is a charity registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 1154142).

Photo Oxford is committed to developing photography and visual arts in Oxford and to creating opportunities for people to engage with, learn from and contribute to the photographic and creative community.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS

We want to hear from people who are curious about the arts and interested in contributing to the future of photography and visual culture.

This is an opportunity to learn, contribute, build confidence, make connections and gain a foothold in the art world.

You do not need to have an established career in the arts. We are interested in what you can bring, what you want to learn and how you might contribute to Photo Oxford.

INTERESTED?

To apply, please send us a brief 250-word statement explaining why you think you would be a good fit for the Associate Trustee / Board Observer role.

Please tell us a little about:

• Yourself and your interests

• Your connection with photography, visual arts or the wider creative sector

• Why you are interested in the opportunity  

• What you would bring to Photo Oxford

• What you would like to learn or gain from the experience

Please also include your CV.

We welcome applications from all candidates. Selection will be based on the suitability of applicants against the criteria and requirements of the role.

If you require a reasonable adjustment to participate in the application or selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.

Applications should be sent to katy@photooxford.org before 31 December 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you.