UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE Operations Manager

£34,000 pro rata (£20,400) 21 hours per week Fixed term until June 2022

nottinghamcityofliterature.com About Us What We Do

Nottingham was awarded As a member of the UNESCO • We use the UNESCO UNESCO City of Literature , we play accreditation to enable young status in December 2015 and a cultural and creative role on people to discover the sheer now takes its place as a member the international stage. creative joy and life-changing of the UNESCO Creative Cities power of reading and writing. network, enabling it to play a Our vision as a UNESCO City cultural and creative role on the of Literature is for a city where • We promote Nottingham’s international stage. everyone is reading and writing their amazing and radical literary way to a better life. We believe in the heritage — it has shaped who power of literature as a reflection of we are today. humanity and a way for everyone to better understand each other and • We commission new work the world we live in. and create new partnerships with schools, libraries, young people and communities to create a place of exchange and celebration for writing and reading.

• We broker opportunities for international collaboration and exchange for the benefit of Nottingham writers and creative communities. Our Nottingham City of Literature in 2020 Projects • We re-designed MyVoice – a virtual • We launched a new Letters of We are a young organisation, celebration of Nottingham’s young Solidarty campaign to further young only 5 years old. During that voices, as they explored the key people’s experiences of writing for time, we have run a number social justice issues central to their meaning and expression, encourage a of projects, including: young lives. Watch performances love of words and capture a moment from Debris Stevenson, award- in history. winning Derek Owusu and Jerub. Read the incredible letters • Big City Reads

• We published Speak Up! A new • We collated a one-stop hub of • Eastwood Comics anthology of Nottingham’s young literary resources for younger diverse voices. readers. • MyVoice Download your copy • We launched a Life During • Young City of • We produced a series of virtual Lockdown series from a fantastic Literature Ambassadors author events with authors Tayari array of Nottingham writers Jones, Ann Patchett, Philippe and illustrators who all share their • Young Poet Laureate Sands, Emily Pine and SJ Watson perspectives on lockdown. broadcasting to global audiences of 2,000.

You can find out more The Charity by visiting our website. We are a team of six part-time staff. Our Board of We are funded by Nottingham City Council, trustees consists of eleven dedicated professionals Nottingham Trent University, University of who, steered by our chair, author David Belbin, Nottingham, and Arts Council England. Nottingham volunteer their time to guide the organisation City of Literature is a charity (1161161) and a company strategically. limited by guarantee (09144072) Who We Are

Sandeep Mahal Leanne Moden Matt Turpin

Creative Engagement Communications Director Coordinator Coordinator

Sandeep is responsible for leading the Leanne provides administrative Matt joined Nottingham City of company artistically and strategically support to the Director and Literature to help support promoting to support Nottingham's arts and creative programmes which the bid. Now we have the title, Matt literature community. She works works with young people, schools, works to ensure the city makes the closely with partner organisations to libraries, universities, audiences best of it: promoting Nottingham and develop ideas, creative opportunities and our local communities. its formidable talents at home and and ambition to make Nottingham an around the world. even more creative city.

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Who We Are

Phoebe Stafford Katie Harrison Jo Heldreich

Creative Pathways Associate Researcher Finance Manager Intern

Phoebe is part of the Creative Katie is the Associate Researcher Jo joined Nottingham City of Pathways programme led by at Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature in 2020 as Finance Lakeside Arts through the University Literature working on the Erasmus Manager. Jo qualified as a of Nottingham. She is passionate funded Story Valley project. Chartered Accountant in 2001 about reading and writing and will be followed by 10 years leading the involved in some of the many exciting Finance Department of one of the City of Literature projects East Midlands largest in Nottingham. housing providers.

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Who UNESCO Creative Cities Network We Are

In 2004, was the first city to become a UNESCO City of Literature, sparking a global network of creative cities. Now there are 39 Cities of Literature that come together as an international advisory hub for aspiring Cities of Literature.

Each city is dedicated to a host of international projects, collaborations, and advocacy for literature. Who UNESCO Creative Cities Network We Are We are a global network of 39 cities that specialise in literature

The UNESCO designation ‘City of Literature, Music, and Media Literature’ recognises excellence Arts – have all received UNESCO and places an obligation on cities to designations, which recognise past, nurture and support their artform. present and future: a strong cultural We collaborate internationally by heritage, a vibrant and diverse sharing best practice, supporting contemporary cultural scene, and freedom of speech and running aspirations to extend culture to the projects which ensure literature next generation at home and to reaches as wide and diverse an other cities in a global partnership. audience as possible, locally and internationally. The designations are monitored and reviewed every 4 years by UNESCO. The 39 Cities of Literature are part To meet the criteria, each city of a wider UNESCO Creative Cities makes a commitment to develop a Network currently made up of 246 shared network strategy, foster the UNESCO Creative Cities globally. exchange of information, encourage Members from over 70 countries global partnerships, and promote covering 7 creative fields – Crafts & creativity and culture. “Reading for pleasure is the single Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, most important thing that will make a child successful in life.”

— UNESCO About Job Description the Role Operations Manager

Working closely with the Salary: Director, Sandeep Mahal, the £34,000 pro rata (£20,400) Board and team, this newly created role will be responsible for managing the day-to-day Term: business operations of a busy Fixed-term contract until June 2022 with potential for renewal city of literature office. With (subject to successful fundraising) a significant track record of leading people, processes Hours: and planning, the Operations Manager will have the ability Part-time, 21 hours (Monday – Wednesday) to motivate and develop teams and provide a foundation for Base: the company’s smooth running A blended model of office and remote working. We are based at and financial resilience. If you Left Lion’s offices, 44-54 Freckingham St, Nottingham, NG1 1DQ care deeply about our vision, and are skilled at developing Reporting to: organisations in ways that create productive, enjoyable working Director, Sandeep Mahal environments, we would love to hear from you. Role Key Responsibilities Purpose

To work alongside the Director • Supporting the Director in the overall • Ensuring Policies and Procedures are up to date, management of the organisation, including line fit for purpose and adhered to. to shape Nottingham City of management responsibilities. Literature, create and implement • Preparing quarterly reports for the Board its business plan and lead on the • Ensuring the organisation operates within on company, financial and staff matters and agreed annual budgets, manage restricted attending Board meetings. appointment and management budgets and reporting on these to funders. of staff. The Operations Manager • Managing procurement and supplier will have particular responsibility • With the Director shaping and implementing management including contracting and a sustainable, future facing income model contracts. for the financial and operational and ensuring that client, funder and partner relationships are well managed. wellbeing of the organisation, its • Actively promote and ensure compliance work, staff and community. with company policies relating to equality of • Developing and maintaining efficient opportunity and diversity, and Data Protection administrative systems across the organisation, regulations (GDPR). including the implementation and operational oversight of a new database and related support • Representing NUCoL as appropriate including contracts. deputising for the Director at stakeholder meetings and events. • Evolving the collaborative culture of NUCoL, ensuring comprehensive and well socialised • Maintaining the ethos and values of the charity employment policies are in place, and that Note: This description is a guide to the nature of and positively promote the work and activities of Freelance Associates are integrated within the the work and it is not wholly comprehensive or the charity. life of the organisation. restrictive. As we are developing the organisation, we will examine job descriptions and update • Assuming any other responsibilities that may them to ensure that they accurately reflect the • Ensuring that statutory and governance matters reasonably be required. job required to be performed, or to incorporate are dealt with in a systematic, timely and proposed changes to said job description. accurate manner. Essential skills and experience Knowledge & Experience

• 2 years+ experience in a similar role managing and developing small teams. The successful candidate will ideally bring the following qualities and experience: • Excellent planning with the ability to multi-task, delegate and prioritise within a busy working environment. • Highly experienced in • Methodical organiser, able organisational support and to foresee issues, overcome • Experience of financial management, development work challenges and find workable including budget holding. solutions to problems in • Experienced in managing a team consultation with others as • Experience of shaping efficient required operational systems including CRM. • Excellent communication and management skills • Attention to detail • A thorough understanding of good charity governance. • Approachable, supportive and • Able to make critical judgement, encouraging to colleagues and knowing when to seek advice and • Knowledge of emerging fundraising others assistance, and from whom models and experience of implementing online donate systems. • Resilient: able to model good • Committed to personal growth and development and to the growth self-care, work to deadlines and Our staff team bring a range of perspectives to our budgets and development of others organisation and we welcome applications from individuals who are under-represented in the cultural sector including those of Black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage, those who • Able to think systematically and • A strong commitment to the have faced socio-economic barriers, those who identify as charitable objects and aims of LGBTQ+, and those with disabilities. All applications for this analytically to improve operational position will be treated equally and confidentially. and financial processes Nottingham City of Literature. Terms & Conditions

Probationary Period: There will be a probationary period of 6 months. Salary & Contract Location: A blended model of remote and office working. Nottingham City of £34,000 pro rata (£20,400) Literature is located at Left Lion, 44-54 Freckingham Street, Nottingham, NG1 1DQ. There will be some travel across Nottingham required.

Term Holidays: Paid leave of 13 days per year plus statutory public holidays.

Pension: Nottingham City of Literature operates a qualifying workplace Fixed term contract until pension scheme. 30th June 2022 with potential for renewal subject Period of Notice: 1 month with additional weeks accruing for length of service to successful fundraising. (the notice period during the probationary period is 1 week).

Expenses: You will be reimbursed for all reasonable travel, accommodation, Hours and other expenses which are wholly and necessarily incurred in relation to the performance of your duties and responsibilities, in line with Nottingham City of Literature’s expenses policy. Part-time 21 hours References: Offers of employment are subject to the receipt of two Monday – Wednesday. satisfactory references.

Policies and Procedures: You are required to comply with all the policies and procedures stated in the Nottingham City of Literature handbook. Closing deadline How to Apply for applications: 1st June 2021 Please send us a comprehensive CV (no more than 3 pages) and a personal statement (no more than 2 pages long) explaining:

Shortlist Confirmed: by 4th June 2021 • Why this opportunity interests you;

Interviews: • What your relevant experience is in similar work environments; Friday 11th June 2021 • What particular skills and qualities you can bring to Nottingham UNESCO Candidates selected for City of Literature; interview will be notified after the closing date and access • Your notice period for your current work. requirements will be discussed at this point. If you have any questions, or require further information prior to submitting your application, please contact [email protected]

Applications should be sent to the same email address with the subject heading: ‘Application for Operations Manager. Please note that late applications will not be considered.

Please detail any support we could provide you to enable you to carry out the role. If you have an access pack we are happy to receive this. Please note this will not have an impact on the selection process. Other information Partners

To find out more about Nottingham City of Literature Nottingham City of Literature is supported by: please visit: nottinghamcityofliterature.com

@NottmCityofLit NottinghamCityOfLiterature

For information on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network please go to: https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities/home