Recruitment Pack: Executive Director

Transcription

1 Recruitment Pack: Executive Director Closing date: 12noon on Monday 1 st February

2 Contents Introduction 3 Job Description 4 Person Specification 6 Conditions 7 Submission Process 7 Overview of the organisation 9 Strategic Plan 9 Staffing Structure 10 2

3 Introduction TheatreNI, the representative body for theatre and performing arts in Northern Ireland, wishes to appoint an Executive Director to lead the organisation. Included below in the Recruitment Pack are information about the organisation and its future plans; the job description and person specification; and information on how to apply. The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction for TheatreNI and be the public representative for the organisation on a regional, national and international level. The individual will be responsible for internal management of staff and resources as well as the management of external stakeholder relationships, developing the profile of the organisation, securing funding and ensuring the provision of an exemplary service for members. An application form is available from the TheatreNI website: or by to info@theatreni.org. CVs will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is 12 noon Monday 1 st February Late applications will not be considered regardless of the reason. Interviews will be held on Thursday 11th February 2016 in Belfast. TheatreNI Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace Third Floor Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FF Tel:

4 Job Description EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Post: Line Managed: Line Managing: Hours of Work: Salary: Conditions: Place of Work: Holidays: Executive Director Board of Directors Responsible for all staff Full time 37.5 hours per week 34,000 per annum Full Time contract, with six months probationary period Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace, Third Floor, Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1FF 25 days plus public holidays Overview of the post TheatreNI seeks to appoint a full-time Executive Director to develop the organisation (which was created in 2015 through a merger of the Northern Ireland Theatre Association (NITA) and the Ulster Association of Youth Drama (UAYD)) and its programme of work. The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction for TheatreNI and be the public representative for the organisation on a regional, national and international level. The individual will be responsible for internal management of staff and resources as well as the management of external stakeholder relationships, developing the profile of the organisation, securing funding for the organisation and ensuring the provision of an exemplary service for members. Principal responsibilities: Strategy & Development Lead the organisation in achieving the strategic aims and priorities. Monitor and develop the strategy on an ongoing basis, and ensure the board and other stakeholders are fully engaged and utilised. Build networks and partnerships within the arts, and establish/build collaborative relationships with external partners in the public, private, and other sectors to develop, promote and position the work of TheatreNI and ensure that strategic aims and priorities are met. Play an active role in the development of TheatreNI, identifying opportunities for the organisation to make strategic, operational and hands-on contribution to theatre and the performing arts in Northern Ireland and further afield. Develop the strategy for fundraising, and be responsible for the preparation and submission of high quality funding applications which meet the criteria of the funding agency and thus prove effective towards the overall fundraising goal. 4

5 Lead the team to ensure partners, relationships and resources are secured for the delivery of agreed services. Lead the organisation to strengthen the professional standards and capacity of the sector. Develop and maintain strong links with members. Actively represent the widest range of members views in consultations, advocacy activities, sector reviews etc., drafting responses and contributions where relevant and in consultation with members. Act as an Ambassador for both TheatreNI and the theatre and performing arts sector in NI. Advocate on behalf of the organisation and sector with ministers ministerial advisory groups, and relevant public servants. Be the spokesperson for TheatreNI, identifying and pursing media opportunities to raise the organisation s profile; and to monitor coverage of TheatreNI in the media and developments within the wider sector. Develop and maintain relationships with existing and new funders and identify opportunities to secure additional funding for both existing and new projects. Identify potential opportunities and sources of income for the development of new services; and prepare applications, tenders and requests. Communicate with TheatreNI s Board, partners and stakeholders to keep them informed of progress against strategic objectives. Build an excellent and sustainable organisation. Leadership & Management Lead, manage and develop TheatreNI s operational team, motivating staff to ensure they perform at their optimum level. Encourage Continuous Professional Development for all staff. Develop management and leadership skills in others to build capacity to create a strong team and organisation. Set clear objectives and manage staff against these using the organisations performance indicators. Establish, develop and maintain robust structures, systems and mechanisms to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services, programmes and achievement of outcomes (including finance, human resources, risk management, communications, marketing and relationship management). Finance and Administration Oversee the day to day financial management and management accounting of the organisation, including the preparation of budgets for agreement by relevant stakeholders. Ensure current income levels are maintained and potential sources of earned and granted income are identified and developed; expenditure is controlled in line with budgets and all risks are identified and managed. Compliance, Governance and Good Practice Develop and support effective systems of corporate governance. Ensure all audits and risks associated with TheatreNI are identified and adequately managed, in conjunction with the Audit & Risk sub-committee. Hold responsibility for arranging accurate and timely submission of all returns required by statute, funders and other bodies. 5

6 Ensure that all management practices, including performance management, take place on a regular and timely basis. Ensure compliance with the law and TheatreNI s policy on the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. General Act as a contact point within the organisation for stakeholders and the public and act as a positive advocate for TheatreNI. Continuously develop and maintain professional competences sufficient to the delivery of the business needs of the post and in line with the development of the sector. Undertake any other appropriate duties which may reasonably be allocated from time to time. Work at all times within the wording and spirit of the policies and procedures set out in the Staff Handbook. Person Specification Shortlisting Criteria: At least two years experience of managing an organisation or autonomous division within a large organisation, with a track record of demonstrable success and experience AND A degree level educational qualification (if a candidate does not have a degree level qualification, they will be required to have at least three years of managing an organisation, or autonomous division within a large organisation, with a track record of demonstrable success and experience, rather than the two years for applicants who do have a degree level qualification.) Plus at least seven of the following: Experience of leadership/management, with a track record of demonstrable success and achievement. Experience of work within the Arts Sector. Experience of third sector governance. Excellent presentation and communication skills with a track record of being an effective communicator in a range of settings, from presentations to one to one negotiations. A proven track record of submitting, and reporting on, funding applications to government departments and agencies, trusts/foundations and/or other funding sources. The ability to think and act strategically, developing practical and creative solutions. Experience of negotiating within partnerships and establishing collaborative relationships. A proven track record of creating and maintaining good relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. 6

7 Experience of public policy development and building relationships with and influencing decision-makers. Practical experience in budget planning, reporting and monitoring. Experience in preparing contracts or tenders for the provision of services. IT skills and experience of the use of Microsoft Office products and literacy in digital marketing. If there are too many applicants to shortlist, the number of these competencies that the candidates will have to demonstrate may be increased. Conditions There will be a standard working week of 37.5 hours. The post-holder must however be willing and able to work outside normal office hours. Flexi-time is available; therefore no payment will be provided for excess hours. A six month probationary period shall exist from date of appointment. The post-holder will be required to work a one month notice period should he / she wish to leave before the end of the contract period. The post-holder may occasionally be required to travel in order to fulfil their duties. Mileage allowance is paid for personal car use and public transport costs are reimbursed. In addition to Statutory Public Holidays, the post holder shall be entitled to 25 days Annual Leave. Closing date 12noon on Monday 1 st February 2016 No application received after the closing time/date will be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application is received in time. Please note that proof of postage, or sending an is not proof of delivery. Submission Process Application is strictly by application form. CVs will not be considered. Application forms can be downloaded from By post: Your application form should be sent to: Recruitment TheatreNI Cathedral Managed Workspace Third Floor Royal Avenue Belfast, BT1 1FF 7

8 By To An acknowledgement will be sent on receipt. If you are short-listed you will be invited to an interview. Interviews to be held on 11 February 2016 in Belfast. The selection process will include an interview and presentation. If you wish to seek additional information you may do so by contacting Roger Courtney, Interim Executive Director (who will not be a candidate for the post) on director@theatreni.org, landline , or mobile:

9 Overview of Organisation TheatreNI is the representative body dedicated to supporting and developing theatre and the performing arts in Northern Ireland. TheatreNI was established following a merger between the Ulster Association of Youth Drama (UAYD) and Northern Ireland Theatre Association (NITA) in Spring TheatreNI aims to create a vibrant, healthy theatre sector by supporting its members and the wider sector to encourage participation in theatre and the performing arts. A key priority is ensuring the accessibility of theatre throughout the human lifecycle: promoting access to theatre from the very start through education and opportunities for children and young people; providing training opportunities for those considering a career in theatre; ensuring ongoing professional development for those working in the sector; or just enjoying theatre as an audience member. Membership TheatreNI s membership includes youth drama groups, producing theatre and performing arts companies, venues, festivals and arts centres, as well as individual artists and practitioners and other associates. Further information on the organisation can be found on the website Strategic Plan The organisation s mission, vision and values are as follows: Mission TheatreNI is dedicated to supporting and developing theatre and the performing arts as a force for change, enriching people s lives and communities. Vision The vision of TheatreNI is one where, theatre and the performing arts are a strong, wellconnected and well-supported sector, which is accepted as a key contributor to creating and sustaining a vibrant, healthy society. Values TheatreNI will be Developmental Supportive Representative Excellent TheatreNI will Collaborate with partner organisations and stakeholders to enhance the theatre sector, developing creative pathways and improving sustainability Address the needs of the theatre and performing arts sector, including young people and emerging professionals Be proactive in providing a collective and inclusive voice for the sector Deliver all aspects of TheatreNI s work to the highest standard 9

10 Strategic Goals TheatreNI has identified four priority areas, and related goals, for work over the next three year period that will support the organisation in working towards the achievement of its strategic vision for the future: Connect Goal 1.1 Lead and support a well-connected theatre and performing arts sector Goal 1.2 Support the development of collaborations and partnerships through networking opportunities Goal 1.3 Increase connection within and across sectors to benefit the theatre and performing arts sector Develop Goal 2 Develop professional standards by identifying and addressing the needs of the theatre and performing arts sector Advocate Goal 3.1 Be the voice for the membership and wider sector to promote their value and impact Goal 3.2 Increase awareness of the benefits of theatre and performing arts to policymakers and funders Organisational Excellence Goal 4.1: Build an excellent organisation which is effectively governed and delivers all aspects of its work to the highest standard. The board has developed a draft Operational Plan for 2016/17 to guide progress in implementing the strategic plan. Staffing Structure The organisation currently has two staff positions: the FT Executive Director (currently being covered by the PT Interim Executive Director) and FT Development Officer. The board recognises that to achieve all its plans, the organisation requires three posts as outlined below for which we are seeking funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and various trusts and foundations. The desired organisational structure can be viewed below: 10

11 Board of Directors Executive Director (Full-Time) Operations Officer (Part-Time) Participation & Development Officer (Full-time) This post is supported by our Principal Funder, the Arts Council for Northern Ireland. Charity No. XR30852 Company limited by guarantee NI