Learning and Engagement Manager

LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

PERSON SPECIFICATION In considering applications we will be assessing the extent to which applicants' qualifications, past employment and/or experience equip them to undertake this post.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following PERSONAL COMPETENCES

 A belief and passion in the value and role of contemporary arts/crafts.  A high degree of self motivation with the ability to work strategically, network effectively and collaborate with a wide range of clients and stakeholders.  An innovative, creative, dynamic and equitable approach to work.  A high standard of written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.  The ability to work in partnership and teams, both internal and external.  The ability to develop, plan, manage and deliver projects effectively.  A high standard of personal organisation.  The ability to actively apply principles of equality of opportunity and diversity (including disability) in a creative and learning context.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they have the following KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS

 Proven experience of at least 3 years and/or qualifications (degree level or equivalent) in the visual arts, community, education and other relevant sectors (e.g health) or cultural and creative industries.  A good working knowledge of contemporary crafts and design – or a willingness to learn.  Proven experience of developing participatory work with a range of people.  Good working knowledge of the formal and informal learning, education and community/voluntary sectors and associated policies.  An ability to determine high quality across working and artistic practices and participation.  A good understanding of equality and access issues and ability to apply that to all areas of the work.  Knowledge of safeguarding and protection issues for young people and vulnerable adults and experience of putting it into practice.  Proven experience of project management, administration, managing budgets and fundraising.  Competent IT skills particularly in word processing, outlook and excel spreadsheets and social media.

Desirable but not essential:  Knowledge of health, well-being and social agendas  Teacher training qualification (or arts equivalent)  Experience of curating/organising/producing small scale exhibitions/resources/productions.  Knowledge of disability arts and culture.  Training in equalities and impact assessment.  Ability to drive and clean license/own transport.

1 Other essential requirements:

 Enhanced disclosure (Disclosure and Barring Service) is essential for this post. If not already obtained the company will undertake this process.  Eligibility to work in the U.K. If invited to interview you will be asked to bring identification to prove eligibility.

Applicants should have, or be willing to develop, skills in the following areas:

 Equalities Training (including cultural diversity and disability)  Advanced IT skills  Presentation skills, manual handling and finance  Safeguarding and risk assessment  Time and project management  Fundraising  Press Relations  Digital tools in relation to commissioning, production and creativity

2 JOB DESCRIPTION: LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Job Title: Learning and Engagement Manager (job share) Accountable to: The Director Employed by: Craftspace Board of Directors Salary/hours: Part time (15 hours per week/2 days). The salary range in 2017 is £11,067 to £12,314 (pro rata rate). Holiday: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays pro rata

JOB PURPOSE AND ROLE:

Context:

This post inputs into the development and implementation of Craftspace’s strategic, programming and audience development plans and objectives. It sits within the programming team (comprising the Exhibitions and Project Development Manager and the Director) working to determine Craftspace’s core cultural offer. The programming team identifies and develops contexts in which to explore craft and making within an expanded field (across artforms, media, subjects, and sectors) and encompassing principles of excellence and quality.

This post is responsible for developing/initiating strategic opportunities, partnerships and collaborations which bring together wide ranging communities of interest and place, (locally, regionally, UK wide and internationally) to participate in craft related creative enquiry. In particular this role has a focus on learning and engagement in relation to young people (children and young adults) and families. Craftspace adopts an enquiry based, and often socially engaged, approach to innovation and to devising its programme.

This post also supports the production of learning resources for exhibitions and productions. The post holder is also responsible for implementing key elements of Craftspace’s fundraising strategy including undertaking consultancy work.

Craftspace is a leading organisation within the UK craft sector. This post is one of the few dedicated learning and engagement roles for craft and as such has a national role to play in craft development. The post holder is expected to demonstrate active leadership, critical thinking and develop methodologies for and dissemination of best practice.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Input into the development, implementation, monitoring and review of the organisation’s strategic/business plans including its vision. Contribute in particular to programming and audience development plans with regards to participation, learning and engagement work. Summary of key tasks include: development and delivery of enquiry based action research projects/residencies, provision of resources for touring exhibitions/productions, fundraising, networking, initiating/developing partnerships in the region, UK wide and internationally.

3 2. Initiate, develop and deliver activities, projects, resources and events linked to programming plans and objectives:

· Initiate and manage socially engaged and participatory programmes of work which target the informal youth, community and education sectors.

· Initiate and manage programmes of work which target young people within the formal education sector including early years.

3. Co-devise and co-deliver action research projects to support the research and development of exhibitions and productions. Use expertise to contribute ideas to interpretation and produce well researched learning resources (physical and digital) to accompany touring work.

4. Keep the organisation and its staff informed, up to date and engaged with current debates, best practice, latest national, regional and local policies, strategies and structures relating participatory work, youth and education sectors, health, well-being and social agendas.

5. Actively network and pursue cross-sector links and partnerships in the region, UK wide and internationally in relation to Craftspace’s programming objectives. Ensure good working relationships with equivalent posts in key organisations in the sector including Arts Connect, the Crafts Council and Engage.

6. Actively implement the organisation’s fundraising strategy and activities. Assist where appropriate with maintaining key funding or donor relationships. Identify and apply for sources of funding in conjunction with the Operations and Development Manager and/or Director. Actively seek and undertake consultancy work to support income generation targets as determined.

7. Input into and assist with implementation of audience development and marketing plans and activities. This includes research on audience finder, contributing to social media, press articles and being a spokesperson. Contribute to maintaining a database of influencers, freelancers and cross sector contacts.

8. Ensure Craftspace is at the forefront of innovative and best practice in learning, participation and engagement and disseminate examples of good and new practice.

9. Ensure that access issues relating to equality of opportunity including cultural diversity and disability are addressed throughout the devising and delivery of programmes of work.

10. Manage project finance and budgets effectively and efficiently in line with Craftspace’s financial procedures.

11. Ensure mechanisms are put in place and implemented for monitoring, documentation, feedback, impact assessment and evaluation of all work.

4 12. Actively pursue and develop all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Craftspace's core values, code of conduct, equality of opportunity policy, health and safety policy (including risk assessment and safeguarding), data protection policy and core values in relation to disability.

Craftspace endeavours to meet its obligations in relation to the Equality Act 2010 and Data Protection Act. Employees are required to carry out their duties in accordance with organisational policy, commitments and plans.

12. Work as part of a team and contribute to the viability, strategic planning and development of the organisation.

13. Be willing to undertake any consultancy work, training (particularly disability, race equality and awareness and safeguarding training) and any other duties as directed.

5 Terms and conditions of employment - Outline

Craftspace staffing policy was developed by the Chair of the Board. Terms, conditions of service and staff handbook have recently been reviewed by external consultants. Staff on are issued with a contract of employment which includes a range of entitlements, benefits, requirements and procedures.

This post is a permanent part time position 15 hours per week (2 days) based salary band/range of £11,067 to £12,314, (pro rata rate). Craftspace does not start new appointments at the top of the range. Starting salary within the range takes into account level of experience. Increments and inflationary increases are usually awarded annually at the discretion of the Board until the top of the salary band (funds permitting).

The post is based at the Craftspace office at Highgate Craft Centre, Highgate Birmingham. As we are an office based organisation, all of our delivery work takes place externally around the West Midlands region, nationally and occasionally internationally. Therefore staff must be willing and able to travel frequently.

Full time staff work a 37½ hour week, which can be worked flexibly, but which must be worked between the core hours of 10.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday inclusive. A 30 minute lunch break, which is unpaid, may be taken at any time between 12.00pm and 2.00pm. Staff should expect some evening and weekend work. No overtime is payable but time off in lieu may be taken in consultation with line manager.

Annual holiday entitlement is 25 working days for full time employees (pro rata for part time staff) together with normal bank holidays. Long service allowances are awarded on the basis of up to 2 extra days for every three completed years of service up to a maximum of 6 extra days.

All employees are auto-enrolled into Craftspace’s company pension scheme in line with current regulation. After 3 months from start of employment new employees will be auto-enrolled. Between 3 months and 12 months contributions will be paid in line with the minimum rates as required by the pensions regulator. After 12 months the following contributions will apply: employee 4% of annual salary and 6% of annual salary by the employer.

All posts are subject to a probationary period of 6 months with subsequent annual appraisals and six monthly reviews of work. Two calendar months’ notice must be given for this post. Craftspace employs people on the basis that they are eligible to work in the U.K and agree to have a Disclosure & Barring Service check to comply with safeguarding policies and procedures.

Applicants should note that Craftspace office is non-smoking.

Craftspace endeavours to promote equality of opportunity by employing people on the basis of their ability to do the job in question, irrespective of gender, race, age, religious creed, sexual preference, marital status, social origin or disability.