Company director

Arts centre director

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overall responsibility: *
  The Director is responsible for directing, managing, implementing and evaluating the work of the arts centre, according to business plans, strategies and policies agreed by the board, and is the senior adviser to the board. The Director is also responsible for developing and conveying the vision of the arts centre as an inclusive dynamic community arts organisation.

Key areas of responsibility are:

1.Business / operational development (strategic)

The Director is responsible for:

* presenting draft policy proposals to the board for the medium and long term business development of the arts centre
* implementing policies and plans agreed by the Board
* keeping up to date with relevant national, regional and local developments and using this information to inform development
* working with the Assistant Director and Centre Manager to ensure effective operational development

2. Artistic policy and programming

The Director is responsible for:

* directing the artistic programme of the Arts Centre and working with the Assistant Director and the Audience Development and Marketing Manager to ensure effective delivery of the artistic programme
* monitoring and evaluation of the artistic programme
* keeping up to date with local, regional and national developments in the creative, cultural, community and educational arts sectors and using this to inform artistic programming

3. Financial Management

The Director is responsible for:

* working with the finance team and Assistant Director to draw up annual budgets and cash flow forecasts
* effective financial control and management within agreed budgets
* preparing regular financial reports and recommendations to the board
* developing and implementing fundraising strategies including working with the Board in order to maximise income from public, private and earned income sources

4. PR/Marketing, Advocacy

The Director is responsible for:

* acting as the principal public advocate for the arts centre
* contributing to and helping develop key strategic sub regional and regional policies by taking part in relevant strategic groups
* raising the arts centre’s profile–amongst key influencers and stakeholders, with the local and regional community, in the media, and with potential supporters, audiences, and funders
* building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders, including project partners, funders, and the community
* overseeing and supporting the Assistant Director and Audience Development and Marketing Manager in audience development strategies

5. General Management

The Director is responsible for:

* the overall management and appraisal of the arts centre’s full and part time members of staff and volunteers, and for developing a cohesive team
* line management of the senior management team and finance team
* overseeing the management and maintenance of the Arts Centre building, equipment and resources
* ensuring areas of potential risk are minimised and reviewed regularly within the arts centre’s Health and Safety Policy
* ensuring that all legislative and best practice requirements are being adhered to, including employment law, public liability insurance, licensing law, disability discrimination, equal opportunities, cultural diversity, and child protection
* ensuring that all internal policies and procedures are adhered to and regularly reviewed

6. Other

* the arts centre is a company limited by guarantee and the Director is normally appointed as Company Secretary (under review)
* the Director will from time to time carry out other duties appropriate to the post.

Experience, Qualifications and Training

• at least five years experience working at a senior level in the arts/cultural sector
• experience of leadership and management in an arts/cultural environment
• experience in all or some of the following areas of leadership and management: strategic planning, finance, and personnel.
• experience in all or some of the following areas of leadership and management: programming, audience development, arts fundraising and venue management.
• understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and diversity
• academic and professional qualifications or equivalent experience relevant to the post

Personal Skills and Abilities

• high standards of professionalism and integrity
• excellent communication skills [oral and written]
• well developed interpersonal skills
• good organisational skills; manages time and tasks effectively
• vision, drive and imagination
• self-motivating and enthusiastic
• resilient and tenacious
• flexible and adaptable
• calm and effective under pressure
• collaborative and co-operative
• ability to work effectively with the board and various committees
• effective team member
• willing and able to support and motivate others
• willing and able to advise and develop others

Other Qualities

• commitment to the development of community arts
• good records of attendance and timekeeping