Rio Cinema Voluntary Trustee

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Rio Cinema is one of London’s most iconic independent cultural landmarks and the UK’s oldest cinema, operating continuously on the same site since 1909. As they mark their 50th anniversary of being named the Rio and operating as an independent charity (charity no. 277415) run by and for the community, they are looking to appoint up to four new trustees, including a Treasurer, to their board. This role will help steward their legacy and ensure the future sustainability of the Rio for the next 50 years.

The Rio Cinema is looking to strengthen its board with individuals who can bring their professional skills, strategic mindset, creative problem-solving and diverse networks to help the organisation thrive in an ever-changing cultural and economic landscape. Previous board experience is not required; a comprehensive induction pack, mentorship from existing trustees, and ongoing governance learning will be provided.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees provide strategic leadership, ensure good governance, and monitor the financial health of the charity. In addition to attending 6-8 board meetings a year and the annual board strategy day, trustees should be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity, including providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the management team.

Specific area responsibilities (seeking up to four trustees across these specialisms):

• Finance & accounting (Treasurer): Provide high-level oversight of the Rio’s financial health, statutory reporting, and long-term resilience.

• Property & capital projects: Provide strategic guidance on a number of capital projects on the Grade II-listed building over the next several years, leveraging experience in property development or large-scale renovation/restoration projects.

• Fundraising: Help shape strategies to secure philanthropic income, corporate partnerships, and public grants within the cultural sector.

• Legal: Act as a strategic sounding board for the board and management to help evaluate risk, sense-check decisions, and ensure robust corporate governance.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

The Rio Cinema is seeking individuals who align with one or more of the following backgrounds:

• Finance: Ideally a qualified accountant or CFO capable of stepping into the Treasurer role.

• Property: Experience in property development or managing large-scale renovation projects (experience with heritage/listed buildings is a plus, but not a requirement).

• Fundraising: A proven track record in securing philanthropic income, corporate partnerships, and public grants (experience with the BFI, Arts Council England, or National Lottery Heritage Fund is highly desirable).

• Legal: A legal background and analytical mindset to evaluate risk and ensure good governance (candidates do not need to be a practicing expert in charity law).

Additional/ Nice to have:

• A strong connection to the borough of Hackney or an existing Rio Cinema membership.

• Lived experiences and perspectives that reflect the vibrant, multi-cultural, and intersectional nature of the local communities. The Rio warmly encourages applications from Black & global majority backgrounds, as well as younger people who can bring a generationally different lens to the Board.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please consider the role description and requirements when applying.

Information Session: An online info session will be held at 12:30 on Friday 3rd July for those who want to learn more about the roles and ask any questions. Register for the Zoom info session here.

TO APPLY, PLEASE UPLOAD THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:

1. A current, up-to-date CV.

2. A short covering letter (no more than 1 side of A4) explaining your interest in the Rio Cinema and detailing your specific skills and experience.

3. A completed Equality Monitoring form (Link).

Once suitable candidates are appointed, this vacancy will close without further notice.