DIRECTOR, BLACKHEATH HALLS
JOB DETAILS - CONTENTS
Page 2 Advertisement
Page 3 Job Description
Page 9 Person Specification
Page 12 Structure Conditions of Service Summary and Page 11 Staff Benefits
Information on Trinity Laban Page 12 Conservatoire of Music and Dance
Director, Blackheath Halls
Salary: £42,908 - £50,508 (including LWA) Contract: Full-time, permanent
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance is seeking a dynamic, creative and forward-thinking Director to lead and re-launch Blackheath Halls following major refurbishment and restoration works. Delivering a reinvigorated programme that fulfils our vision for a community venue with a cutting edge arts offer, we are looking for an experienced leader with the drive and creative flair to engage the diverse audiences of South East London that we serve, while reflecting the high standards of artistic practice, creativity and innovation that we stand for as an institution.
Built in 1895 by William Webster, Blackheath Halls is part of the oldest surviving purpose built cultural complex in London. The current programme includes classical music, folk, comedy nights, talks, literary events, exhibitions and children’s theatre as well as a community engagement programme that includes the critically acclaimed ‘Opera for All’ initiative. Regular commercial hire activity, including rehearsals and recordings by professional performing ensembles, weddings and other social events are also a regular feature of activity in the Halls. And, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, these activities sit alongside the Halls’ role as a primary performance and rehearsal venue for Trinity Laban students.
As Director, you will be an inspiring artistic leader and an excellent manager, able to ensure the smooth running of the Halls and lead the staff team through a time of change. You will care passionately about the audience experience and instil a culture of excellent customer care. You will build the profile of the Halls in its immediate vicinity, and further afield, establishing partnerships that support the development of commercial opportunities as well as ambitious artistic programming. Most importantly, you will have extensive knowledge of arts programming and audience development in the UK and beyond, and the programming skills to put Blackheath Halls on the map.
You will have extensive and proven track record of leadership (including team, budget and project management) within an arts venue as well as outstanding communication, interpersonal and people- management skills. Thriving on a busy and varied workload within a highly creative environment, you will be committed to developing new audiences for the arts. On a day-to-day basis as Director you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Halls. In addition to a strong customer service ethic, you will be able to demonstrate experience of identifying and cultivating new partnerships, attracting supporters and cultivating a strong donor base, and maintaining strong relationships with key individuals and organisations. Experience of work with volunteers, community organisations and/or higher education environments would be an advantage.
As a leading arts organisation, Trinity Laban actively supports Arts Council England’s Creative Case for Diversity. In seeking a leader for our South East London venue, we are particularly keen to encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and those with experience of engaging diverse communities and artists.
You can download a job pack and application form from http://www.trinitylaban.ac.uk/about-us/job- opportunities/vacancies and for any queries you can contact Chloe Roper on 02083054382 or email [email protected]
To apply for this position, please send your completed application form to the email address [email protected]
Closing date: 6 February 2017 12 Noon (no agencies) Interviews: 15 &/or 16 February 2017
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales Company No. 51090. Registered Charity No. 309998.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post: Director, Blackheath Halls
Reports to: Director of Music, Faculty of Music (Trinity Laban)
Directly responsible for: Blackheath Halls staff (salaried & hourly paid – NB structure under review) including operations, programming and hires, community engagement, marketing, technical, maintenance, finance, development, box office, bar and front of house
Grade: 8
Contract: Full-time, permanent
MAIN PURPOSE AND CONTEXT OF THE ROLE The Director is responsible for articulating and achieving the artistic vision and business objectives of Blackheath Halls to create a versatile, vibrant and profitable performing arts center.1 Working to the Director of Music, who has executive responsibility for Blackheath Halls on behalf of Trinity Laban and the Blackheath Halls Board, the Director is responsible for leading and managing the Halls’ staff team, and for delivering key objectives in relation to artistic direction and programming, business strategy and overall financial health, and fundraising.2 The Director also plays a pivotal role in connecting the Halls to the artistic strategy and activities of the Faculty of Music and in contributing to the development of a coherent approach to public programming across the institution. They are expected to play a key role in building relationships, on behalf of both Blackheath Halls and Trinity Laban, with stakeholders including local communities, and in making local, national and international connections that allow the Halls to operate at the forefront of contemporary arts practice. Critically, in providing leadership and vision for staff, volunteers and stakeholders, their oversight will lead to an environment where members of the Halls own staff, other Trinity Laban staff and students, and visiting artists and organisations are enabled to work to their full potential and where audiences, community groups and visitors feel welcomed and stimulated.
Key responsibilities:-
To articulate and implement a strategy for Blackheath Halls – including its creative development and financial stability within the policy frameworks of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – and to cultivate strong and supportive partnerships with and between the Halls staff, artists, the wider staff and student body of Trinity Laban, and the Board to ensure its effective delivery.
To deliver Trinity Laban’s vision for the Halls as a cutting edge community venue that is representative of the diverse local community that it serves, working with the Director of Music on the development of the Hall’s artistic policies.
To take a leadership role in strategically enhancing and diversifying both artistic programming and the Halls’ audience, seeking and developing professional links, operational and strategic partnerships, collaborations and relationships as appropriate.
1 As an integral part of Trinity Laban, Blackheath Halls is supported by the full range of central service departments including Finance, Marketing, Development, and Estates & Facilities. 2 NB The current Halls staffing structure is under review, and the new Director will play a key role in reviewing and defining the final structure adopted. To ensure the efficient operational management of Blackheath Halls and its facilities and to ensure compliance with all current legislation in relation to company and employment law, local bylaws, licensing laws and hygiene and safety regulations.
To take overall responsibility for the financial management of the company, to raise funds from public, private and charitable sources and to maximise income throughout all of the company’s operations.
To take responsibility for on-the-ground oversight of the ongoing capital refurbishment programme, making a major contribution to strategic planning for the Halls’ capital investment and development.
To ensure that the staff team has the expertise, organisation and capacity to deliver Blackheath Halls’ objectives and to take overall responsibility for all personnel issues within the company including recruitment, performance management and training.
To maximise Blackheath Hall’s role in the wider community and arts ecology by being an ambassador for the organisation and stimulating innovation and creative thinking within artistic and community engagement programming.
To develop ambitious and imaginative approaches to marketing, fundraising and other initiatives to support continual enhancement of the Halls’ reputation and profile.
To develop and enhance customer care standards and the audience experience, particularly in relation to the needs of new and under-represented audiences.
To ensure that Trinity Laban’s equal opportunities policy informs all activities undertaken within and by Blackheath Halls including programming, access and employment.
To report to the Board, and other appropriate committees on any issue concerning the company and its associated charities (Blackheath Halls, Blackheath Enterprises and the Friends of Blackheath Halls).
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy
Together with the Board, regularly review and update the Halls’ Business Plan, integrating the Hall’s artistic and business strategies and developing effective systems for the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the Halls’ full programme of activities.
Establish, maintain and/or enhance new and existing partnerships including internal relationships across Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and with strategic bodies such as Arts Council England, local authorities, arts and other agencies as well as with companies and artists.
Ensure that Blackheath Halls plays a proactive role with regard to local, regional and national, initiatives and collaborations.
Artistic Programme
Lead programming of all artistic programme activities, with support from relevant staff, partner organisations and/or volunteers as appropriate, identifying new artists and potential collaborators, and researching new opportunities in the UK and abroad.
With the Director of Music, develop programming and audience development policies that engage audiences that reflect the diversity of local communities in Lewisham, Greenwich and the South East more widely, with specific attention to those with protected characteristics or who are less engaged in the arts.
Ensure effective contracting and communication procedures with visiting artists and companies.
Lead the strategic development of residencies, commissioning and other initiatives to maximise the use of Blackheath Hall’s facilities and underpin its pivotal role in arts provision across London and the South East.
In conjunction with relevant colleagues from across Trinity Laban and relevant partner organisations, develop and manage a programme of associate and emerging artists, seeking to maximise the potential of relationships for all parties.
Maximise the potential of collaborative working within programme development.
Engagement with Trinity Laban staff and students
Build a strong and supportive partnership with Trinity Laban staff and students, seeking to explore and develop collaborative opportunities with the Faculties of Music and Dance and their respective Learning and Participation teams as appropriate.
Ensure a flexible and accommodating approach to the timetabling of Trinity Laban student/staff activity within the Halls, developing a strategic and balanced approach to venue usage for educational activities alongside the Halls own artistic and community programming.
Provide appropriate facilities together with a welcoming and supportive approach to staff, students and associated artists and partner organisations.
Community Engagement Programme
Oversee the development of a strategy for community and young people’s programming and ensure the effective delivery of a dynamic and innovative year-round programme of associated work, in conjunction with the Community Engagement Manager, the wider Trinity Laban Learning & Participation teams and participants.
Oversee delivery of the Halls’ Community Engagement programme, seeking opportunities to collaborate with Trinity Laban’s Learning & Participation teams and programmes and through the work undertaken, optimising organisational relationships with external partner organisations and individuals.
With the Community Engagement Manager, and supported by the Trinity Laban Learning & Participation teams and their partners, identify and develop new initiatives in community engagement, educational, participatory and outreach work that extend the Blackheath Halls’ audience and engages target groups currently under represented in the Halls’ audiences.
Respond to community needs and seek opportunities to develop the Hall’s role locally in collaboration with the Friends of Blackheath Halls and other relevant local organisations.
Commercial and Hire Activity
Identify opportunities to develop new income strands, through commercial programming and other initiatives including venue hire, developing a strategic approach to the booking of such hires.
Marketing and Audience Development
Develop and implement an effective marketing & audience development strategy to build strong audiences and financial support.
Ensure effective marketing of all artistic, community and commercial events and opportunities for hire in conjunction with the Marketing Manager, and the implementation of all appropriate audience development initiatives.
Work closely with the Trinity Laban Marketing & Communications and Development teams and explore opportunities for more cohesive approach to marketing and audience development.
Liaise closely with the Friends of Blackheath Halls to expand and diversify their membership for the benefit of Blackheath Halls.
Explore opportunities for support and partnership with local authorities and other appropriate institutions and organisations including trusts, foundations, Arts Council England, etc.
Effectively communicate the Hall’s achievements and activities to raise its profile, and encourage participation and support.
Management
As Blackheath Halls’ lead officer, take a proactive, hands-on approach to general management duties associated with the Hall’s programme, ensuring operational success and effectiveness, and the effective execution of day-to-day decision making processes.
Lead and manage all direct reports, and oversee visiting production staff, including as appropriate implementing formal Performance Management processes, inducting and mentoring new staff.
Maintain and motivate a collaborative and inclusive staff team (liaising with other relevant Trinity Laban Heads of Department as appropriate), ensuring full engagement of the Blackheath Halls team with the strategic intent and artistic vision of both the Halls, and Trinity Laban as its parent company, and their ability to effectively interpret and implement this in their day-to-day work.
Develop a high quality approach to data management, including efficient and effective box office operation, data reporting and customer service and care.
Hold a Personal License and be Designated Premises Supervisor.
Maintain close liaison with the Chair and Board of Trustees including preparation of reports for Board meetings and attendance at Board, Board Committee and other relevant Blackheath Halls and/or Trinity Laban committees and/or working groups.
Work closely with the Trinity Laban Estates & Facilities, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing & Communications, Development and Production teams to ensure effective utilization of their services, exploring and setting up where appropriate commercial and/or shared services agreements.
Finance & Fundraising
Provide leadership and vision in the management of finances to ensure long-term sustainability and the maintenance of proper financial controls.
Acting as the Halls’ primary budget holder and authorised signatory, provide financial approvals and authorisations for payments, hire agreements and artists’ contracts, as well as external contracts and service agreements.
Ensure that all activity undertaken within or in association with the Halls (including its creative programmes) are delivered within set budgets, that financial information is reported accurately and promptly, and that effective and timely invoicing and payment processes are implemented.
Build an entrepreneurial and diversified approach to income generation, in line with Blackheath Halls’ mission and charitable objectives.
Working closely with the Trinity Laban Director of Corporate Affairs on strategic matters, and the Heads of Development and Marketing & Communication on operational delivery, play a key role in the development of the marketing and fundraising strategies for the Halls, playing a leading role in the development of funding bids as appropriate.
Deliver funding agreements, ensuring the Halls makes a positive and well regarded contribution to funders' key goals and objectives.
Ensure fulfilment of the Hall’s legal obligations to its funders, Companies House, Charity Commission, Local Authority and other statutory bodies such as HSE, and other public interest safeguards.
Supervise the preparation and presentation of the annual budget and forecasts to the Board, including reviewing salaries and wages and providing details to support the Hall’s income projections.
Promotion and advocacy
Promote, as a key Institutional ambassador, Trinity Laban nationally and internationally, seeking opportunities for contacts, collaborations and other opportunities that will enhance the artistic and community engagement programmes at Blackheath Halls and the Trinity Laban student experience while supporting the reputation of the Institution.
Develop personal contacts and recognition by pursuing purposeful and sustained involvement with relevant aspects of the profession.
Establish and maintain contact with those leading equivalent areas of activity in other comparable organisations.
Maintain an active interest in artistic and community programming innovations, keeping up-to- date with the activities of other comparable organisations and the wider venue management profession within the UK.
Support the work of the Trinity Laban Development Department in relation to fundraising initiatives such as concerts and events, and assist in the stewardship and cultivation of existing and new Faculty of Music donors.
Inform the Director of Music, Principal’s Management Group and wider Institution as appropriate about developments within Blackheath Halls’ artistic programme planning processes and activities.
The post holder must:
Observe and promote Blackheath Hall’s and Trinity Laban’s Policies and Procedures, in particular being at all times committed to Trinity Laban’s Equality and Diversity Policy and adhering to all policies and procedures relating to our Financial Regulations, Safeguarding policy, and Health and Safety in the workplace;
Engage actively with the range of IT systems and platforms currently in use within Trinity Laban;
Act with professionalism and integrity at all times in the carrying out any duties for and on behalf of Trinity Laban and the Blackheath Halls Company;
Build positive relationships with all key stakeholder groups including Trinity Laban staff and students, Friends of Blackheath Halls, audiences, participants and the wider local and regional communities;
Be willing and able to travel nationally to represent the Conservatoire and the Halls and to attend meetings, conferences and/or any other events both within and outside normal working hours related to the duties described above, as agreed with the Director of Music;
Promote the profile and image of Trinity Laban’s portfolio of programme and performance offerings and the Conservatoire wherever possible;
Participate in relevant Institutional staff development/instruction programmes as required by the Director of Music;
Ensure that personal leave is taken at times which do not conflict with the efficient discharge of the above duties;
Undertake such other duties or responsibilities as may, from time to time, be reasonably expected within the scope and grading of the role.
Further information
NB This role requires regular attendance at evening concert and other evening and/or weekend events, compensated by time off in lieu.
This job description reflects the core activities of the role at the time of appointment. However, the post-holder must be willing to adapt to changing organisational priorities, which will inevitably lead to changes in duties. The post holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post. All members of staff are required to be professional, co-operative and flexible in line with the needs of the Conservatoire.
PERSON SPECIFICATION: DIRECTOR, BLACKHEATH HALLS
Criteria Essential Desirable
Education, Qualifications & Training A good quality arts, arts management or other relevant degree or X equivalent, underpinned by track record of relevant experience A postgraduate arts or arts management degree or equivalent X Membership of a relevant professional society / association or equivalent X
Knowledge & Skills Up to date knowledge of contemporary performing arts, including the opportunities – and realities – of developing and delivering creative X programmes in artistically and financially demanding environments Evident knowledge of relevant aspects of the business, artistic and funding environment within the visual and performing arts sector including X knowledge of monitoring and evaluation procedures required by funding bodies Knowledge of current Arts Council England and other relevant policy and strategy initiatives and national agendas, including the Creative Case for X Diversity and other relevant recent and emerging initiatives within the wider music and arts performance and venue management sector Demonstrable awareness of local, regional, national and international dimensions of the arts sector, and their likely impact on the development X of a diverse and varied professional arts programme Persuasive communicator, able to influence and motivate teams through consultation, cooperation and mutual professional respect, and to relate X well not only to artists and colleagues but also to audience members, community volunteers and participants, and to students and young people Evident ability to take a strategic overview, and to plan, delegate and X organise effectively Excellent presentational, negotiating and oral and written communication X skills including advocacy and public speaking Ability to utilise a range of IT systems/resources confidently and to good X effect in relation to communication and in support of sound financial control Governance, legal and statutory requirements of running a charitable X company
Experience Versatile and creative arts venue manager, with demonstrable venue X oversight, programming, development and team leadership experience Managing complex budgets and achieving financial targets including public and private fundraising in the cultural sector, with an understanding of the X requirements of project funders Building business and philanthropic giving in an arts environment X The development and engagement of diverse new and existing X audiences Experience of partnership working, including working with different partners to achieve multiple objectives and of working with artists on the X development of projects Experience of programming or delivering participatory work with young X people and adults Proven record of having led and managed specific organisational projects, e.g. designing and implementing a specific programming or venue X management initiative Evident established relevant professional venue management profile and X strong professional networks within the cultural sector Prior engagement with the education sector, at Higher Education or other X level
Personal Characteristics Ability to accept and fulfil delegated responsibility, to work in cooperation X with senior colleagues and to inspire and motivate others Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships at all levels in order X to successfully deliver both day-to-day and medium/long-term activities Systematic and self-motivated worker, able to use time efficiently, meet X priorities and deadlines and act on their own initiative when necessary Evident record of relevant and commitment to own professional development and to supporting and developing staff colleagues at all X levels Committed to promoting equality of opportunity and able to recognise and X value diversity in a socially engaged and culturally diverse environment Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends X
Director, Blackheath Halls CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – SUMMARY AND STAFF BENEFITS
Contract: Full-time, permanent, subject to a six month probationary period.
Hours: 40 hours per week. Ability to work flexible hours when required including evenings and weekends, for which time off in lieu will be given.
Salary Scale: Trinity Laban Staff Salary Scale, Grade 8, Incremental Points 37 - 43, 42,908 - £50,508 p.a. inclusive of a London Weighting Allowance of £3,584. Salaries are paid on the last working day of the month into bank or building society accounts.
Location: You will be based at the Blackheath Halls, but may also be required to work at any other of the Conservatoire’s sites (i.e. the Faculty of Music in Greenwich, King Charles Court, Old Royal Naval College and Faculty of Dance, Laban Building, Creekside, Deptford).
Annual Leave: 25 days in addition to Statutory, Bank and Public Holidays.
Pension Scheme: The successful candidate will be auto-enrolled in to The Universities’ Superannuation Scheme. Employee contributions are dependent on their monthly salary. The Conservatoire currently pays the Employers contribution at the rate of 18.1% of pensionable salary.
Sick Pay: Trinity Laban operates the Statutory Sick Pay Scheme, and staff may be eligible for benefits in excess of this under Trinity Laban’s own sick pay scheme.
Car Parking: A limited number of parking spaces are available, subject to availability.
Cafeterias: Our recently refurbished Cafeterias on both sites serve a range of hot and cold meals plus drinks and snacks.
Classes: Reduced rates access to most Adult & Children’s Classes.
Events: There are a wide range of music and dance performances each week, most of which are free to members of staff.
Childcare: Trinity Laban operates the Edenred childcare voucher scheme. Details are available on request from the HR Department.
Eye Care: Vouchers for eye tests are available for VDU users.
Health: Reduced rates for Health services and access to the Cash 4 Health plan. Details are available from the Trinity Laban Health Department.
INFORMATION ABOUT BLACKHEATH HALLS AND TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC AND DANCE
BLACKHEATH HALLS
Based in the heart of Blackheath village, Blackheath Halls is a performing arts venue with a fascinating history beginning in the nineteenth century. Driven by the cultural diversity and creative mix of South East London, its performance programme works across a wide variety of genres including theatre, music, literary evenings, community events and art exhibitions. The Halls has an impressive rostrum of performers and visiting artists past and present including Jimmy Carr, Monty Don, Romesh Ranganathan, Sir Simon Rattle, Kate Rusby, Michael Portillo, Ruby Wax, Sir Willard White and Robert Winston. The venue is frequent host to visiting ensembles such as the Academy of Ancient Music, City of London Sinfonia, English National Opera Orchestra, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Philharmonia, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Academy of Ancient Music for recording sessions and rehearsals, and to the Royal Opera House to showcase its new talent. Blackheath Halls seeks to establish itself as a significant London arts venue, building on its existing reputation as the home to, and crucible for, creative development in the performing arts. The Halls currently have two performance spaces, including its Great Hall (capacity of up to 600 seated or 1,000 standing), Recital Room (capacity of 150 seated or 220 standing) and a café bar space. It welcomes public audiences of over 23,000 per year attending performance events and 1,000 local people participating in community and education projects. It has historically be successful in attaining grant funding from Arts Council England, the London Borough of Lewisham and Royal Borough of Greenwich, and a wide range of trusts and foundations for its community engagement work. Today Blackheath Halls is an integral part of Trinity Laban, and – in addition to being one of its four campus buildings – is supported by the full range of Trinity Laban’s central service departments including Finance, Marketing, Development, and Estates & Facilities. (NB The current Halls staffing structure is under review, and the new Director will play a key role in reviewing and defining the final structure adopted).
In 2016 Blackheath Halls successfully attracted donations of over £2m, including funding from Arts Council England and other major philanthropic awards, for major refurbishment and restoration capital works that will support significant improvements to the facilities available to artists, students and audiences. This work is expected to take place during 2017, with a possible further phase of additional development to expand the range of creative spaces available beyond this, subject to successful fundraising. The programme of work will require the closure of the Halls for a period of time, during which the newly appointed Director will have the opportunity to invest time in developing the venue’s artistic programme in collaboration with the Blackheath Halls and wider Trinity Laban team. Trinity Laban’s vision sees Blackheath Halls as a thriving community venue, as a meeting point for artists from diverse cultural traditions that offers cutting edge artistic programmes for audiences from across South East London, North Kent and beyond, and as a venue whose particular mission is to address the under representation of less engaged audiences in the arts.
TRINITY LABAN CONSERVATOIRE OF MUSIC AND DANCE
In 2005, Laban joined nearby Trinity College of Music to form Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The pairing of these two leading organisations has created a diverse community of performers, choreographers, composers, designers, teachers, researchers and writers. As the traditional divisions between art forms blur, Trinity Laban provides its students with unique collaborative opportunities in an environment of creative and technical excellence. We encourage our students to explore the ever-evolving art forms of music and dance, and provide the real-world skills they need to become the artistic leaders of the future.
The Conservatoire runs a vibrant programme of performances and festivals as well as ground-breaking education, community and social-inclusion schemes.
MUSIC
Located in the beautiful Wren-designed King Charles Court at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music is one of the UK’s leading centres for the training of professional musicians. We are a creative and cosmopolitan community of performers, composers, teachers and researchers and provide a realistic preparation for the ‘portfolio career’ of the modern performing musician: developing a diversity of skills on the one hand, and intense specialisation on the other. Programmes are tailored to the personal interests and needs of individual musicians, from pre-undergraduate through to postgraduate and professional development courses. Our professional staff are renowned musicians – many work as acclaimed soloists or belong to top London orchestras, opera and musical theatre companies, chamber, jazz and other ensembles, etc.
DANCE
Trinity Laban is one of Europe’s leading centres for the training of professional contemporary dance artists, attracting students from around the globe. We have the largest team of specialist contemporary dance teachers in the world as well as exceptional facilities. Our state-of-the-art building won the UK’s highest architectural award - the RIBA Stirling Prize for ‘Building of the Year’ - and recently topped The Daily Telegraph’s list of the most inspiring buildings in Britain. No. 1 for Dance in the Guardian University Guide for the last 4 consecutive years we are training the leading dance artists of tomorrow - we provide our students with the best artist training and the skills they need to succeed in the professional world.