Opportunities

The Rio Cinema is looking to appoint up to four trustees, including a Treasurer, to complement its existing board.

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 we mark our 50th anniversary of being named the Rio and operating as an independent charity run by and for the community, we are looking for new trustees to help steward our legacy and ensure the future sustainability of the Rio for the next 50 years.

We are looking to strengthen our board with individuals who can bring their professional skills, strategic mindset, creative problem-solving and diverse networks to help us thrive in an ever-changing cultural and economic landscape.

We are particularly interested in trustees with backgrounds in:

• Finance & Accounting: We are specifically seeking a Treasurer who is a finance professional, ideally a qualified accountant or CFO, to provide high-level oversight of our financial health, statutory reporting and long-term resilience.
• Property & Capital Projects: We’re looking to undertake a number of capital projects on our Grade II-listed building over the next several years and are seeking a trustee with experience in property development or managing large-scale renovation or restoration projects.
• Fundraising: We are seeking a trustee with a proven track record in securing philanthropic income, corporate partnerships and public grants within the cultural sector.
• Legal: We are looking for a trustee with a legal background to act as a sounding board for the board and management, helping us evaluate risk, sense-check decisions and ensure good corporate governance.

Time commitment and board terms

Commitment is approximately 6–8 board meetings a year, around 2 hours each, plus potential sub-committee meetings and an annual board strategy day. Trustees should also be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity, including providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the management team.

The trustee term is 3 years, renewable once.

Who we’re hoping to hear from

We want our board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds, and encourage applications from individuals who bring lived experiences and perspectives that reflect the vibrant, multi-cultural and intersectional nature of our communities.

As a community-led organisation, we’re particularly interested in applications from Rio Cinema members and those with strong connections to the borough of Hackney. Previous board experience is not required; a comprehensive induction pack, mentorship from existing trustees and ongoing governance learning will be provided.

How to apply

Please provide:

1. A current 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. Complete the Equality Monitoring form

Please send your CV and covering letter to trustee.recruitment@riocinema.org.uk and separately complete the online Equality Monitoring form.

There will be an online info session held at 12:00 on 19 June for those who want to learn more about the roles and ask any questions. Register here.