Director of External Relations

Transcription

1 National Portrait Gallery St Martin s Place London WC2H 0HE Director of External Relations Information for Applicants THE GALLERY IS COMMITTED TO EQUALITY

2 Information pack for the role of: Director of External Relations Message from the Director of the National Portrait Gallery March 2017 Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of External Relations at the National Portrait Gallery. The role of Director of External Relations is a new role for the Gallery. The planned retirement this summer of our existing Director of Trading has led to a review of this role in light of the planned future direction for the Gallery and to bring together a number of related functions under the umbrella of External Relations. The successful candidate will be joining the Gallery at a really pivotal time as we embark on a major renewal programme designed to transform the services we provide to our visitors, physical and virtual, our visual identity and in the way we present and interpret our Collection. Our ten year strategic plan, Inspiring People, places the needs of today s and future audiences at its heart. The renewed National Portrait Gallery will deepen understanding and enjoyment of our remarkable collection of portraits and will broaden our appeal to the widest possible audiences. Through all of this, and with people at its heart, the transformed National Portrait Gallery will have an even greater reach and relevance in order to reflect both Britain s past and present, now and in the future. A key element of my vision for the future of the Gallery is a more collaborative and inclusive approach to sharing our Collection and expertise as widely as possible. In support of this, the Director of External Relations will lead an established and talented team of heads of department to drive forward the strategic development and operational delivery of the way in which we communicate with various audiences, through our digital content, publications and merchandise, communications, design and branding. This is an exciting opportunity to join the National Portrait Gallery at a senior level and make an immediate impact. We look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Dr Nicholas Cullinan Director

3 Dear Applicant, The following information has been prepared to assist your application and provide a brief overview of the recruitment process. Working for the National Portrait Gallery offers you a unique opportunity to use your experience and skills in a nationally renowned museum. The successful candidate will be joining at a very important time and play a key role shaping the future direction of the Gallery. The Gallery aims to be a good employer with fair employment practices and policies to support this ambition, and we pride ourselves on having a workforce that is friendly, committed and hard working. If you join the Gallery you will grow as a person and a professional. As an employee you will be committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and valued for their work. In return, whatever your role within the organisation, you will be encouraged to continuously develop your knowledge as well as offering your skills to others. You will also have the opportunity to make a real and long lasting impact. As well as information specifically related to the position of Director of External Relations at the National Portrait Gallery, this recruitment pack provides the following information: How to Apply About the National Portrait Gallery Job Advert, Job Description and Person Specification Employment Terms and Benefits I hope that you find this information helpful and we look forward to receiving your application. Yours sincerely Lornette Pemberton Interim Director of HR

4 ABOUT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY Established in 1856, the aim of the National Portrait Gallery London is to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture, and to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media. Founded on the principle that the paintings on display should reflect the status of the sitter, not the artist, the Gallery has collected the likenesses of famous people in British history. Today, the Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, and, as one of the country s premier Galleries, draws more than 2 million visits each year. The Primary Collection of paintings, sculptures, miniatures, drawings, prints and photographs contains some 11,100 portraits. Of these more than 4,150 are paintings, sculptures and miniatures, nearly 60% of which are regularly displayed at the National Portrait Gallery or elsewhere, including two houses managed by the National Trust. In addition, there are some 6,800 works on paper, shown on a rotating basis of about 300 items a year. The Gallery is always keen to find new ways to share the Collection through the National Programmes as well as through their website. Like other national museums, the Gallery is supported both by the government and increasingly by a large number of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations, as well as by the receipts from ticketed exhibitions, retail, catering, and events. This income is increasingly crucial. The Gallery aims to bring history to life through its extensive display, exhibition, research, learning, outreach, publishing and digital programmes. These allow the Gallery to stimulate debate and to address questions of biography, diversity and fame which lie at the heart of issues of identity and achievement. The Gallery strives to be the foremost centre for the study of and research into portraiture, as well as making its work and activities of interest to as wide a range of visitors as possible. Further information about the National Portrait Gallery can be found on our website

5 HOW TO APPLY The Gallery is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all staff and welcomes applications from all individuals for advertised jobs that match their skills and interests. Job Description and Person Specification The job description and person specification outline the role purpose and key accountabilities of the post as well as the experience, knowledge and skills that we are looking for. You should make sure that you meet all the experience criteria and demonstrate this through your application. You can find out more information about the Gallery at Supporting Statement Please supply a supporting statement which should include your motivation for applying for the role and how you meet the experience criteria of the person specification. Personal Details Form All applicants must complete the Gallery s personal details form that accompanies this information pack. Please note that CV's submitted without a supporting statement and a personal details form will not be accepted. Equality Monitoring Form The equality monitoring form that accompanies this information pack is used to monitor the National Portrait Gallery's equality policy and practices. Whether you choose to complete the form or not will not impact the consideration of your application and the form will be used solely for the purpose of monitoring. How to Apply To apply please complete the Personal Details Form and send this with your CV (maximum 4 pages), a supporting statement (maximum 2 pages) and the equality monitoring form to: nfp@veredus.co.uk by 9.00 am on Monday 24 th April 2017, quoting the following reference: Director of External Relations If you have any questions or want to discuss the post before applying, please contact Daniel Wise at Veredus on The arrangements for interviews are as follows: Initial interviews with Veredus: First Stage interviews with the National Portrait Gallery: Second Stage interviews with the National Portrait Gallery: 27 th and 28 th April and 2 nd May 15 th May 24 th May We would like to thank you for your time and effort in applying for this role.

6 JOB ADVERT Director of External Relations c 65,000 per annum Permanent Established in 1856, The National Portrait Gallery houses a unique collection of all forms of portraiture of the people who have made or who are currently contributing to British history and culture. The Gallery attracts over 2 million visits a year and is among London s most popular attractions, it reaches and engages these, and further UK and global audiences, with its extensive display, exhibition, research, learning, outreach, publishing, digital and national programmes. This is an exciting opportunity to join the National Portrait Gallery at a senior level at a pivotal time as the Gallery embarks on a major capital project, Inspiring People, to transform the services it provides to its visitors and the way it presents and interprets its Collection in the Gallery and on-line. A member of the Gallery s Senior Management, Directors Group and Inspiring People project teams, as well as the Trading Company Board, the Director of External Relations will lead an established and talented team of heads of department. This role is responsible for the strategic development and operational delivery of the Gallery s communications, design, digital, licensing, publishing, retail and catering operations to support the Gallery in raising its profile with external stakeholders and maximising profits for the Gallery from its trading activities. The ideal candidate will have significant experience of successfully devising and implementing a strategic approach to digital activity and content-rich channels and significant experience of user-centred research and multi-channel marketing strategy. Further, experience of leading and working with teams on large scale, long-term projects and of development and delivery of strategic as well as operational plans and managing large budgets. You will be entrepreneurial, innovative, creative with excellent analytical skills and the ability to test and champion new ways of working and a commitment to high levels of customer service. You will also be an experienced and effective negotiator with excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly establish credibility. Closing date for returned applications is 9.00 am on Monday 24 th April The Gallery is committed to equality and is a member of the Employers Forum on Disability, Race for Opportunity and the Equality Exchange.

7 JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Department: Reports to: Responsible for: Director of External Relations External Relations The Director External Relations Team, (5 direct reports) Budgetary responsibility of circa 7m of income and 4m of expenditure. Role Purpose The Director of External Relations is responsible for setting the strategy for the Gallery s communications, design, digital, licensing, publishing, retail and catering operations to support the Gallery in raising its profile with external stakeholders and maximising profits for the Gallery from its business to consumer (B2C) and business to business (B2B) trading activities. Through strong leadership and as a guardian of the Gallery s brand, the postholder will enhance the Gallery s reputation for excellence in these areas. A member of the Gallery s Senior Management, Directors Group and Inspiring People project teams, as well as the trading company board, the Director of External Relations is also responsible for developing and delivering the Gallery s strategic approach to external relations aligned to the Corporate Plan and aimed at improving its outreach and services to develop the Gallery s brand, public image and effectiveness. Key Accountabilities Strategic Leadership Representing external relations on the Senior Management and Directors Group, contributing to the Gallery s corporate management and strategic planning processes, working closely with senior colleagues and Trustees to deliver the Corporate Plan and the Inspiring People project, to support the Gallery s future objectives and sustainability. Defining and delivering an overarching external relations strategy for the Gallery which enhances and develops the Gallery s brand through external relations activity and within this continuously reviewing the customer and visitor experience. This will include developing ways to build customer and visitor numbers, diversify audiences and offer visitors, other consumers and business clients a wide range of appropriate services and products, while being innovative and creative in identifying and developing profitable new opportunities and areas for business growth. Delivering an annual external relations business plan, with appropriate financial indicators, which aligns the work of the department to the Corporate Plan and ensures its successful implementation, sustainability and progression. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the Gallery ensuring that the External Relations department contributes fully to, and underpins the Gallery's wider programmes and activities and capitalises on marketing, retail and catering income generating opportunities provided by its programme of exhibitions, events and

8 learning, as well as other areas with potential for business activity, other than through fundraising. Continually being aware of and managing risks related to the work of the department and the Gallery s reputational risks. Being an ambassador for the Gallery by developing strategic partnerships that result in a significantly increased profile for the Gallery. Producing regular and effective financial and non financial performance reports, including agreed key performance indicators. Effectively managing contracts and relations with external providers so that they make a demonstrable contribution to supporting the needs of the business and provide value for money. Keeping up to date in all areas covered by the role, being aware of trends and forecasts particularly in the digital arena to ensure the effectiveness of the Gallery s external relations activities. Ability to determine where investment should be prioritised to support cultural change within the organisation. Communications Overseeing the Gallery s brand through all communication activity and within this to continually review the visitor experience and develop ways to build visitor number and diversify audiences, ensuring that the Gallery reaches the widest possible audience both nationally and internationally. To continually be aware of the Gallery s reputational risks, its position nationally and internationally and also to identify significant opportunities for promotion of the Gallery in all areas, including through PR and media opportunities. Overseeing the increasingly important digital communications strategy ensuring the Gallery continues to embrace new areas of engagement. Overseeing an annual programme of quantitative and qualitative market research that will address some of the Gallery s key KPIs. Design Overseeing and driving the design and brand strategy including the production of high quality exhibitions and solutions that support the work of colleagues as well as design processes and keeping abreast of new technologies and trends. Working with multiple teams to lead and develop the production of quality design solutions that support corporate objectives and goals and appeal to a wide audience. Digital Managing and promoting the Gallery s online brand and product campaigns to promote the work of the Gallery and generate income and revenue. Ensuring high standards in the usability, design and content development putting the online Collection at the heart of what we do and advising on strategies to drive online traffic to the Gallery s website.

9 Building on the Digital Strategy to articulate and champion a transformational vision for the use of digital technologies to drive engagement and interaction with virtual or physical audiences. Publications and Licensing Overseeing the management, acquisition and commercial exploitation of all rights in the Collection and loans to the Gallery where appropriate, as well as the non-profit making licensing business and the Gallery s outward facing engagement with rights issues. Advising on new proposals for consideration by the Publishing Board and overseeing the publishing and licensing strategies, including selling rights, co-editions, trade and exhibition venue sales and brand development. Supervising and advising on the development of the publishing list of both print and digital content online, overseeing the processes for commissioning new titles from market research to final contracts and approval. Retail and Catering Developing strategies for the continued growth and achievement of income targets from retail, catering and online sales and other trading activities to deliver a strong return on investment within defined budgets. Overseeing the retail, buying and merchandising management teams to ensure that the Gallery s shops, wholesale and online operations offer a wide range of appropriate, good quality and profitable merchandise including innovative ranges which reflect the diversity, scope and popularity of the Collection. Supervision of all retail, catering and online operations to ensure that a consistently high quality customer service is achieved and Gallery standards are routinely met and ensuring the catering contract renewal delivers best value and financial returns for the Gallery. Researching, proposing and advising the National Portrait Gallery Company Ltd (NPGC) Board on potential new business opportunities and providing risk analysis for potential partnership ventures to assist the Board, Director and Trustees in strategic decisions. People and Financial Management Leading, motivating and developing the External Relations team in line with the Gallery s employment policies and acting as a role model in developing a culture of high quality customer service, continuous improvement and collaboration so that all work activities are delivered to the highest standard and the team meet their own objectives as well as contribute to the achievement of others. Managing the External Relations budget so that the delivery of all activity is achieved within agreed budget tolerances and demonstrates value for money. Supporting the setting, controlling and monitoring of the department's annual sales, stock and expenditure budgets.

10 This list is indicative but not exhaustive. As such, in addition to the key accountabilities and responsibilities listed the post holder may be required to perform other duties commensurate with the scope and/or level of the role. Key Criteria for Success After 6 months in post, the successful candidate will have: Established credibility and developed effective relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders Demonstrated a clear commitment to and understanding of the work of the Gallery Contributed to the strategic leadership and corporate management of the Gallery Led and developed the team to demonstrate high standards of customer service and achieve key objectives and targets

11 National Portrait Gallery External Relations Director Director of External Relations Assistant to the Director (part time) Vacant Head of Publishing, Rights & Images Head of Retail and Catering Head of Communications Head of Design Head of Digital

12 National Portrait Gallery Structure Trustee Board Director Deputy Director/ Director of Development Director of Finance and Planning Curatorial Director Director of Estates and Operations Director of External Relations Director of Exhibitions and Collections Director of Learning and Participation

13 PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience Substantial recent successful experience working in a comparable role Significant experience of user-centred research and multi-channel marketing strategy Experience of leading and working with teams on large scale, long-term projects Demonstrable previous experience of leading and developing a team Experience of the development and delivery of strategic as well as operational plans including the management of projects Significant experience of successfully devising and implementing a strategic approach to digital activity and content-rich channels for a large public-facing organisation Proven experience of managing large budgets and delivering value for money A track record of developing effective new partnerships A relevant degree (e.g. communications, marketing, design) or equivalent level qualification is desirable, as is experience of managing outside of your area of expertise Skills and Attributes Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret and make recommendations on financial and non financial information and interrogate and articulate the Gallery s strategic objectives in collaboration with key partners across the Gallery to inform external relations strategy and practice Sound judgement and the ability to provide strategic advice and support Ability to effectively plan and manage projects and the work of a team, adapting to changing conditions where necessary Acts as a role model for the organisation with integrity and a demonstrable commitment to upholding professional standards Results focused and able to generate effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented An entrepreneurial, innovative, experienced and effective negotiator Excellent communicator with the ability to quickly establish credibility and good internal and external working relationships and to meet the needs of a range of stakeholders Demonstrates passion about the work of the Gallery and approaches all work in an enthusiastic way Ability to think strategically and provide strategic advice to others Other Innovative and creative with the ability to test and champion new ways of working across the team and the Gallery Committed to high levels of customer service with a willingness to develop new approaches, learn new skills and review the effectiveness of current work Experience of using digital products and services to enhance the experiences of existing audiences and to build new ones A strong commitment to diversity with the ability to balance differing needs

14 EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND BENEFITS Term of appointment This post is full time/permanent. Hours Normal full time working hours are 40 gross (5 days) per week, including a lunch break of one hour a day for a full day worked. As a Director extra hours are sometimes required as is the need to work evenings to attend Trustee meetings and Gallery events, so a level of flexibility will be required within this role. Salary c 65,000 per annum. Pension Pension benefits are provided under the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS). Annual Leave Your annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days at the start of the annual leave year following completion of five years service, and up to 33 days after 10 years service. Season Tickets or Bicycle Loan Gallery staff are eligible to apply for an interest free loan to purchase a season ticket or bicycle. Additional Benefits Other benefits currently available to Gallery employees include staff discounts in the Gallery's shops, free entry to our paid exhibitions as well as free entry to a wide range of UK museums and galleries. The Gallery provides a rental deposit scheme, a childcare voucher scheme, and access to independent employee health and welfare services. There are free eye tests for VDU users and assistance with the purchase of glasses, if appropriate. In addition, Gallery employees have the opportunity to participate in public Gallery activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how the Gallery cares for and manages its Collection. Some restriction on benefits may apply, depending on length of service. Place of Work Most of the work is based in the Gallery at St Martin s Place, but staff may be required to visit other locations as necessary. Probationary Period All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, which includes a basic DBS check. Further details will be provided when an offer of employment is made or are available on request. This position is subject to a 12 month probationary period.

15 Equality The Gallery believes in the employment and advancement of people solely on their ability to do the job required. When recruiting people, we will therefore disregard their gender, marital status, race, age, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion and sexual orientation. There will be no unfair discrimination on the basis of disability. Data Protection Act Information provided by you as part of your application will be used in the recruitment process. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process. Once this process is completed the data relating to unsuccessful applicants will be stored for a maximum of 6 months and then destroyed. If you are the successful candidate, your application form will be retained and form the basis of your personnel record. Information provided by you on the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be used to monitor National Portrait Gallery s equal opportunities policy and practices. By submitting your application you are giving your consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process, equal opportunities monitoring and your personnel record if you are the successful candidate. If you submit your application by and the personal details form is un-signed we will assume that consent by you is given.