Artistic/ creative director

Artistic director (theatre-based) A

The principal responsibilities of the post holder are:

* to create the artistic vision and, thereafter, to implement the artistic strategy, in line with our overall programming objectives and our key target groups (young people, culturally diverse, participatory groups) * to work closely with the programming team, especially with regard to programming of drama and developmental work, including our commitment to new writing * to manage the arts team (the Education Manager and the Diversity Officer) and to develop participatory output, diversity work, and culturally diverse work * to devise, either by writing/ directing, or working with external writers/ directors, the two main in-house productions for Christmas, and the summer community production. To review and develop the current partnerships that produced the pilot Spring 2007 educational production * to increase the profile of the theatre, by forging links locally, regionally and (inter)nationally with artists and other arts organisations, and funding bodies * to maximise the potential derived from the resident theatre company

The key tasks of the postholder include:

• to ensure the artistic strategy is clearly understood both internally, and externally among funding bodies etc, and to deliver this through programming, education, and outreach programmes
• to work with the programming team to programme quality challenging and innovative artistic activities that satisfy the artistic strategy, and fit in with the overall balanced programme
• to develop the educational and outreach activities in line with diversity, community and cultural diversity objectives
• to set the strategy for development of ‘in house’ professional and community theatre work and write, direct or organise the direction of two in house productions per year
• to agree financial budgets with the Executive Director for specific artistic projects, and achieve those
• to deliver occasional workshops for adults and young people as required
• to take the lead in raising and increasing funding from regional and national arts bodies, to liaise and negotiate, together with the ED, with arts development and funding bodies
• to raise the profile of the centre within artistic communities, locally, regionally and nationally
• to work with the Executive Director, and Sponsorship Oficer, to contribute to raising sponsorship funding
• to work closely with the marketing team to deliver the marketing strategy and maximise the impact and reach of the artistic programme

Accountability:
The postholder will be responsible to the Executive Director

Contract
The post offers an initial three-year contract with a six-month probation period and a full review at eighteen months. The post is subject to an enhanced disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau that will be carried out prior to contract.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge
We are seeking a candidate with a good understanding of the environment in which arts organisations flourish, and a practical understanding of the quality threshold required in such an organisation. They must have the right people skills to recruit and motivate successful creative teams and get the best out of them. They should be widely experienced in the staging/ casting/ technical aspects of producing theatre. Candidates must demonstrate sympathy with our objectives and an empathy with its working methods. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the management of artistic staff and volunteers. We enjoy a flourishing relationship with local amateur groups, the maintenance of this relationship is extremely important. The successful candidate must be ready to build relationships, raising our profile locally, regionally and nationally.

Experience

• The ideal person will be able to show some experience of the following:
• senior management in a similar arts organisation
• the control of artistic budgets
• management of artistic staff
• direction of professional productions
• contributing to fundraising with arts related bodies, charities and business
• the programming of multi-purpose spaces and involvement in educational and outreach activities
• proven commitment to community activities and possess excellent personal and communication skills

Education and Training

• a higher education qualification is desirable, not essential
• a willingness to attend training courses and an interest in personal development through participation in conferences and seminars will demonstrate the candidate’s commitment to acquiring skills and building techniques
• the postholder will ideally hold a current driving licence and the use of a car is desirable

Personal Qualities
We are looking for an inspirational, energetic and creative communicator, who enjoys working with creative people. They will be able to operate effectively and efficiently under pressure, and work as part of a small team.