Programming coordinator/ director

Programming coordinator (arts centre)

Creative Programming and Projects is looking for a highly efficient, hard working and creative individual to join its busy department. Creative Programming and Projects is responsible for building the public performance programme at this exciting newly built performance space. Hoping to profile new forms of theatre, music, dance, spoken word and specialising in edgy, exciting cross art-form practices, the centre is dedicated to profiling and developing black and culturally diverse artists.

General Responsibilities:

Working to and alongside the Head of Creative Programming, the Co-ordinator will be involved in supporting all aspects of the programming process including creative planning, research, artist liaison and contracting, external and internal communications, supporting fundraising and evaluation initiatives, event management and providing an excellent administrative foundation. Creative Programming believes very much in creative collaboration therefore the Co-ordinator will also be encouraged and expected to provide creative input, ideas and inspiration

Specific Responsibilities:

• to work alongside the Head of Creative Programming to research and liaise with national and international artists, producers and promoters across all genres of performance, in line with our artistic vision, to curate an ongoing programme of public events
• to be involved in the creative planning process, researching ideas and inputting creative suggestions
• to liaise with and manage ongoing relations with artists and promoters including reviewing potential bookings and collaborations and managing the contractual process
• to support fundraising initiatives through research and documentation preparation and to help prepare evaluation reports
• to maintain and develop awareness of contemporary arts practice, current and forthcoming trends and to keep abreast of upcoming national and international events, shows, festivals and projects
• when requested, to represent the programming team at meetings, conferences, events and performances; as a key member of the team you will be expected to represent the centre in the best possible light to artists, the public and stakeholders and to articulate the Creative Programming vision and programme
• to develop and maintain records, databases, supporting material archives and to manage the programming booking schedule
• to help manage the department’s budget and accounting processes including raising invoices, contracts and payments
• to help liaison between visiting company’s departments such as technical and marketing and the centre’s corresponding departments
• to manage external communications (handling all incoming queries and correspondence) and internal communications (liaising with various departments such as creative development, marketing, finance, FOH and technical production)
• to host and support visiting artists, companies and promoters whilst onsite and to help ensure smooth running of events
• to attend internal and external meetings and manage general meeting correspondence
• to provide solid general administrative support to the department and the Head of Programming including some diary management

Other:

• promote, and act within, the equal opportunities policies
• provide the highest level of audience care and service at all times
• to ensure that all creative teams, visiting companies and artists feel welcome in the building and receive the highest level of support at all times
• any other reasonable duties that arise

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

• a passion for and dedication to exciting, experimental and diverse performing arts
• understanding of the issues facing the development of black and culturally diverse artists and commitment to valuing and supporting their development
• educated to degree level with at least one year’s experience of supporting the smooth running of a busy creative department or project which involved working independently and multi-tasking
• excellent organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure – fast, efficient, creative whilst keeping a keen eye on the detail with a proven ability to prioritise and offer creative solutions and ideas
• excellent interpersonal skills with experience of providing a professional service to various client groups.
• experience of budget handling
• understanding of performing arts production processes
• fluent in English language with excellent verbal and written skills and experience of proposal writing
• excellent IT skills with strong working experience of Microsoft Office package and database systems
• knowledge of and commitment to access, cultural diversity and equal opportunities.
• the ability to work flexible hours, including evenings/ weekends

Desirable:

• proven experience of working with professional performing artists, promoters or venues
• understanding of audience building and marketing processes
• understanding of the potential of the online platform as a creative medium
• fluent or working knowledge of another European language