Royal College of Music Graphic Design Assistant

Further particulars of the post

Introduction

Introduction The Royal College of Music enjoys a worldwide reputation as an international conservatoire where musicians are trained to the highest professional standards. Established under Royal Charter in 1882, and unique among English conservatoires in having degree-awarding powers, the RCM is a publicly-funded higher education institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The College has an exceptional programme of concerts, opera, recitals and other events which regularly attract critical and public acclaim. Among its regular visiting conductors are Bernard Haitink, Sir Roger Norrington, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Andrew Litton.

The College’s creative, cutting-edge image is now vividly reflected in an outstanding suite of publications and website, and relations with the press and other media have never been stronger or more productive.

The RCM is now seeking to engage a Graphic Design Assistant to lead on in-house design across all Marcomms activity. Exciting future projects include the implementation of a refreshed visual identity and this position will play a critical role in realising this goal.

Alumni The College’s influence on the development of music in the last 120 years is incalculable. Former students of the College hold key roles in music and the arts in all parts of the world – as performers, teachers, composers, conductors, animateurs, administrators and entrepreneurs. Through its doors have passed some of the most distinguished and influential figures in music. Former students include composers Sir Arthur Bliss, Gustav Holst, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Benjamin Britten, Sir Michael Tippett, Lord Lloyd-Webber; conductors Leopold Stokowski, Sir Charles Groves, Sir Colin Davis, Sir Neville Marriner; singers Dame Joan Sutherland, Sarah Connolly, Sir Thomas Allen; and instrumentalists Sir James Galway, John Lill and Barry Douglas. The College’s influence is not merely historical, however: it continues to grow year by year, attracting some of the finest talent of each generation. For example, in recent years students have gone on to win many of the major prizes, to take up roles in this country and overseas in the major opera houses and orchestras – as will be evident from a quick glance at the ‘news’ section of the RCM website.

Professorial staff The College aims to provide teaching of the highest international quality. There are over 200 members of professorial (teaching) staff, the majority of whom are also busy

1 industry professionals, who include the teaching of advanced students among the various musical activities that they regularly undertake. Their work, and the work of the College as a whole, is supported by a team of approximately eighty administrative staff. In addition to the main body of professorial staff, there are five ensembles in residence, and a number of visiting professors, who also support the work of the College on an ongoing basis. Each term there are visits from other performers, teachers, composers, conductors and scholars who contribute to the College’s workshop, masterclass and lecture programmes.

Students The student body in the main College totals around 800, most of who study full-time. In addition, the highly-regarded Junior Department provides specialised tuition for over 300 talented students of school age on Saturdays. Within the main College, just over half of the students are studying at undergraduate level on the four-year BMus (Hons) degree programme, and the remainder are on postgraduate programmes.

International dimension Thanks to its worldwide reputation, the College is an international community: more than one third of the students come from outside the UK, and at any one time there are students from more than fifty different nations studying at the College. There are several international partnerships and exchange schemes with the USA, Far East and Europe from which the institution benefits. In addition, many of the professorial staff enjoy careers that take them to every continent.

Location The College benefits from its particular location in South Kensington – one of the most attractive and interesting parts of Central London. The area is well served by public transport; South Kensington tube station is within ten minutes walk, and several bus routes pass the Royal Albert Hall. Kensington Gardens and the main museums are only a short walk away; the Imperial College London is next door; the Royal College of Art and the Royal Albert Hall are just across the road. The area, known originally as Albertopolis, emerged as location for national institutions in the arts and sciences after the Great Exhibition of 1851 largely because of the enthusiasm of Prince Albert. Relationships with neighbouring institutions are friendly and supportive and the RCM is an active member of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group (ERCG).

THE POST

Availability The post is available immediately and permanent.

Remuneration Grade 4 of the RCM pay spine (£21,168 - £23,850 pa)

2 Pension The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is available for all administrative staff. Full details of the scheme can be found on the USS website: http://www.usshq.co.uk. A contracting-out certificate is in force in respect of the scheme; arrangements exist for members to make additional voluntary contributions (AVCs). Hours of work The normal official working day in College is from 9.30am to 5.30pm from Mondays to Fridays inclusive, but variations in these times and days are implicit in the nature of your appointment. You are officially entitled to a daily lunch break of one hour and time in lieu for any evening or weekend activity. This role is available for four days a week.

Paid leave entitlement 6 weeks holiday per annum, plus public holidays, pro rata for part-time appointments

Season tickets Interest free season ticket loans are available to cover the cost of a 12 month season ticket between a member of staff’s residence and the College. The loan will be repayable by deduction from salary over the period of the duration of the season ticket or on leaving the employment of the College, if earlier.

Smoking policy The College has a no smoking policy in its offices.

Talia Hull Director of Communications September 2015

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