EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Candidate Information Pack. Nadia Fall s inaugural season as Artistic Director commencing September 2018.

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1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Candidate Information Pack Nadia Fall s inaugural season as Artistic Director commencing September 2018.

2 AN INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR The Theatre Royal in Stratford East houses one of the most beautiful spaces in London. Built in 1884 it now finds itself in a rapidly changing part of our capital city. The Theatre, based in the London borough of Newham, is deeply rooted in its community, which is brilliantly diverse, and holds a key role and unique place in the theatre industry. Photo: Andrew Baker Our new Artistic Director Nadia Fall s artistic vision includes mounting re-imagined classic texts, plays that are ripe for revival as well as bold new work. Her dynamic programme aims to entertain, inspire and reflect our diverse community whilst reaching out for a wider London audience. There are exciting challenges ahead for Stratford East and we are looking for an exceptional, creative and ambitious Executive Director who can work alongside Nadia, a new Senior Management Team and the Board of Trustees to develop and deliver this vibrant next phase for the Theatre. The Executive Director will ensure the legal and financial wellbeing of the company and its staff and in addition, will develop the relationship with our neighbours, Stratford Circus Arts Centre, and lead on an ambitious, longer term study to reimagine Stratford Town Centre. We encourage applications from a broad range of backgrounds; applicants with energy, tenacity and exceptional leadership skills. We look forward to hearing from you. Rt Hon Dame Margaret Hodge MP, Chair

3 AN INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE ROYAL STRATFORD EAST BACKGROUND Theatre Royal Stratford East (Stratford East) is at a crucial turning point in its long and distinguished history. Founded in 1884 by Charles Dillon, whose vision was to build Stratford s first permanent playhouse, the Theatre has been through many reincarnations, its most notable being Joan Littlewood s Theatre Workshop. The Theatre is fiercely proud of its history and looking forward to creating an equally exciting future. In October 2017, the board of Stratford East appointed Nadia Fall as Artistic Director. An Associate Director at the National Theatre, Nadia s credits include: Chewing Gum Dreams (2014), Our Country s Good (2015) and Home (2013). Her inaugural season opens in September The Theatre finds itself at the heart of the area s changing landscape; driven by further developments in the Olympic Park and the legacy of the 2012 Games, Stratford is transforming as the business and cultural focus shifts east. In addition, there are ongoing plans for the redevelopment of the town centre site where the Theatre is situated offering much for the Theatre to capitalise on in the next few years. FINANCE Stratford East is a registered charity and includes: Pioneer Theatres Ltd (a registered charity that operates as Theatre Royal Stratford East); Stratford East Trading Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary company that runs the food & beverage offer at the Theatre); Theatre Workshop Trust; a charity that holds the freehold of Theatre Royal Stratford East; and A dormant trading company, Stratford East Productions Ltd, also exists to channel through any future commercial exploitation of Theatre Royal Stratford East s work. Major ongoing grants are: Arts Council England 1,105,500 per annum (NPO) London Borough of Newham 256,000 per annum During 2017/18 Pioneer Theatres Ltd and Stratford East Trading Ltd experienced some financial difficulties. This led to the closing of Gerry s (a café bar adjacent to the Theatre that was opened in 2015) and the kitchen operating out of the Theatre s bar. Stratford East applied for and was successful in getting intervention funding from the Arts Council of England in order to see it through this period and to carry out a necessary restructure.

4 THE WORK Stratford is a palpably energetic, brilliantly diverse and sometimes restless local area, made up of a large working class community, immigrant population and more recently city workers and artists too. It s a real microcosm of many of the socio-political issues faced across the country today. Our Theatre is rooted in the beating heart of this eclectic and vibrant community with its powerful stories. I want to put on work that reflects and moves a local audience as a beacon theatre, synonymous with making brave and beautiful work, for East London and beyond. Nadia Fall The artistic vision for the Theatre is to create work that encompasses three main strands: Popular: Theatre of the highest quality that seeks to move and entertain everyone; Political: Work that provokes discourse about the world we live in and our place within it; Inclusive: Stories that are representative of all our London audiences and which strive for an expansive and imaginative portrayal of its diverse communities. PROGRAMMING Stratford East produces around six shows per year, placing quality, accessibility, diversity and education at the centre of its artistic offer. Nadia s inaugural season as Artistic Director begins in September Her programme will expand upon Stratford East s reputation for resonating with local audiences, whilst delivering experiences that draw new visitors into the building. Nadia s ambitious programme includes: classic and modern plays, premiers of plays by today s leading playwrights, revivals of plays that were celebrated upon opening but not seen again, young people onstage, and art in public spaces around the theatre. PARTNERSHIPS This bold new period for Stratford East has piqued the interest of many respected artists and industry professionals. The inaugural season features several exciting new partnerships and co-productions for Stratford East. We are proud to be hosting the London premiere of The Unreturning, a production by Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth in January We are also eagerly anticipating our co-production of Peter Shaffer s classic play Equus with English Touring Theatre (February 2019), and a co-production of Benjamin Britten s Noye s Fludde with English National Opera (July 2019). PROJECTS Stratford East is well respected for its diverse range of work with local schools and youth groups. Our Young People s Work team engages with over 100 young people a week from across Newham and East London.

5 JOB DESCRIPTION - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Responsible to: Responsible for: Working with: Artistic Director who is also the Chief Executive Officer. Jointly accountable with the Artistic Director to the Board for finance. Finance Director, General Manager, Director of Development, Director of Marketing & Sales, Trading Companies (Including food & beverage offer) The Chair, Treasurer and Board of Directors and associated companies. MAIN PURPOSES OF THE POST The Executive Director will support and work with the Artistic Director in the overall strategic leadership of Stratford East internally and externally and will be responsible for the legal and financial wellbeing of the company and its staff. The Executive Director will be accountable to the Board for financial matters and is responsible for working with the Finance Director to provide the Board, Artistic Director and Heads of Department with adequate and appropriate information for the efficient and effective running of the Theatre, ensuring its continuing viability in conjunction with the Artistic Director/CEO. The Executive Director will also represent Stratford East s interests to stakeholders, donors and other external bodies including Arts Council England. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Executive Director will provide exemplary leadership, vision and motivation for Stratford East and its staff, creating a positive working environment and ensuring best practice and equality of opportunity. They will support and progress the Theatre s business plan and development strategy, building and maintaining key strategic relationships and ensuring that all opportunities for generating income are maximised. The Executive Director will deputise for the CEO as appropriate.

6 MANAGEMENT Plan and oversee the business, financial and administrative management of the company. Act as lead on all non-artistic activities in the building. Work with the Board, Artistic Director/CEO and Senior Management Team to develop and update the strategic Business Plan for Stratford East. Regularly review and monitor all aspects of the company s operation and formulate robust plans for the company s development. This includes the annual review, business plan and associated documents, all core funding arrangements and associated liaison with the major funding bodies. Ensure that the organisational structure of Royal Stratford East is able to support the delivery of plans of the organisation. Negotiate agreements and contracts across the company s activity. Take responsibility for and ensure the efficient management of Stratford East s trading activities. Develop and maintain good relations with all stakeholders. Foster and directly contribute to an environment that encourages and enables the progression of new Theatre artists, practitioners and other personnel from across the Theatre s communities. Ensure the Theatre complies with all current legislation. GOVERANCE Work with the Artistic Director/CEO and Board to ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of governance and strategic planning. Oversee the service and development of the Boards of Stratford East s charitable and trading companies and ensure accurate and full information for decision-making is provided to the Directors. Develop effective working relationships and positive engagement with all Trustees, attending Board meetings and any other committee meetings or working parties as appropriate. Ensure compliance with all legal obligations and requirements of the charitable and trading companies, keeping up- to-date with best practice in finance and operations, as well as legal and tax changes. Oversee the risk register for Stratford East s charitable and trading companies. ADVOCACY / STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS Advocate for Stratford East, its mission, aims and activity and deputise for the Artistic Director/CEO when necessary. Represent Stratford East publicly at relevant occasions. Develop and maintain positive relations with stakeholders, including the London Borough of Newham and Arts Council of England. Promote, advocate and lobby for the work of Stratford East, raising profile with key decision-makers and the public and continually seeking opportunities to further the aims and interests of the organisation. Continue to develop the Theatre s influence as a key strategic partner and leader within the cultural sector both locally and nationally. Work with the Chair and the Artistic Director to progress an ongoing merger opportunity in Stratford. Lead on a feasibility study for a culturally led redevelopment of Stratford Town Centre.

7 FINANCE Take executive responsibility, in close collaboration with the Finance Director, in ensuring the effective and entrepreneurial management of Stratford East s financial operation and the Theatre s financial viability. Develop and update the annual budget for approval by the Board, working alongside the Director of Finance and in close collaboration with the Artistic Director/CEO. Review monthly management accounts, cash flow projections and final accounts produced by the Director of Finance and to ensure that appropriate action is taken if necessary to ensure that targets are met. Ensure that management information is provided in a prompt and effective manner for Heads of Departments to enable efficient management throughout the Company s activities. Support the Finance Director to ensure solid and consistent project budgeting, financial management and reporting. DEVELOPMENT / FUNDRAISING / INCOME GENERATION With the support of the Artistic Director/CEO to be the lead executive officer in respect of all earned income, working with Heads of Department to maximise opportunities and ensure the organisation achieves financial targets. Represent Stratford East to potential major donors, sponsors and funders in partnership with the Artistic Director/CEO and Trustees. Line Manage the Director of Marketing and Sales ensuring all opportunities are explored to maximise audiences, box office income and brand reach. Line Manage the Director of Development ensuring income targets are met and, when appropriate, assisting the development of fundraising bids, donor cultivation and making of requests for support as appropriate. PRODUCTION Work with the Producer to identify and increase income from potential co-producers and investors both nationally and internationally. Keep up to date with all changes/ recommendations from UK Theatre, Equity and associated bodies. PERSONNEL Ensure that equal opportunities is at the heart of the Theatre s employment practice. Oversee the General Manager (who carries the HR function) to ensure that Stratford East operates as an exemplary employer, in policy and in practice. Support the staff team to realise their potential. BUILDING AND OPERATIONS Take executive responsibility for the building, including ensuring it conforms to Health & Safety regulations. Take executive responsibility for making sure the organisation has good internal communication structures. Act as lead executive officer in respect of potential capital / improvement works to the building and/or in the locale. Oversee the General Manager to ensure effective and efficient building management and operating infrastructure and procedures and excellent customer service, with a focus on accessibility. Hold legally required designations / permits as appropriate.

8 PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL Significant experience and demonstrable success in a senior arts management position including a proven track record of senior financial responsibility within a charity Strong leadership skills and experience of managing a staff team Experience of risk management and mitigation Knowledge of company law and experience of working with a Board of Trustees Experience of managing effective communications within a diverse team which includes core staff, freelance workers and part time workers A proven commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities Proven track record in fundraising and development Experience managing stakeholders Proven understanding of arts marketing & audience development A creative and entrepreneurial approach Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment DESIRABLE Experience of running a building or particular aspects of running a building Good network of regional and national contacts Knowledge of East London TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Contract type: Salary: Hours of work: Holidays: Permanent Full Time 55,000-60,000 (dependent on experience) Usually 40 hours per week - Monday-Friday 10am-6pm There will be occasions where work outside these hours is required there is no provision for paid overtime, however we operate a TOIL system 20 days per annum plus bank holidays. This will increase by 1 day for each full holiday year of service completed to a maximum of 25 days Probabtion Period: 6 months Notice Period: Pension: 4 weeks during your probabtionary period 6 months following successful completion of probabtion On successful completion of 3 months service you will be automatically enrolled into the Peoples Pension. The Company will match any contribution you make under this scheme up to a maximum of 5% of your eligible annual pay.

9 APPLICATION PROCESS Applications should be made via application form in which you should outline what attracts you to the position and evidence your ability to fulfil the role and meet the person specification. Please note that we do not accept CVs. Please also complete an equal opportunities monitoring form (this is for monitoring purposes only and is not used during the shortlisting process). Application Forms are available at stratfordeast.com/vacancies Applications should be sent to: Deadline for applications: Friday 8 June 2018, 12pm Interviews will be held on the following: 1st interviews: Thursday 14 June nd interviews: Wednesday 20 June 2018 If you would like a confidential, informal discussion about the position then please contact Neil Darlison on

10 Theatre Royal Stratford East Organisational Chart April 2018