APPLICATION PACK: PROJECT MANAGER (MATERNITY COVER)
This pack contains information about the role of Project Manager (Maternity Cover), including terms and working conditions, information about Impressions Gallery, job description, person specification, and how to apply. a) TERMS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Job title Project Manager (Maternity Cover)
Location Impressions Gallery, Bradford
Due to Covid-19, it is expected that this post will be a mix of mainly working from the gallery with some working from home.
Working hours Full-time five days per week (37.5 hours).
We may consider this role as part-time position, four days per week (30 hours) depending on successful candidate’s circumstances.
Due to the nature of this role occasional weekend and evening work will be expected.
Responsible to Director
Salary £23,000 to £25,000 full time depending on experience
Pension Workplace Pension (NEST) employer’s contribution, with option to opt out.
Annual leave 28 days per year including Bank Holidays, full time.
Contract Fixed term for 12 months.
Option for salary PAYE or a freelance contract, depending on the successful candidate’s preference.
Probation All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre- employment reference checks.
The probation period for this post is 2 months.
Disclosure This role involves working with young people and requires an Enhanced DBS check.
Closing date Friday 11 June 2021 at midday.
Interviews Tuesday 22 June 2021, via Zoom.
A second, in person, interview will be arranged with final stage candidates in the week beginning 28 June.
b) BACKGROUND
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Impressions Gallery’s ambitious artistic and engagement programmes. The Project Manager (Maternity Cover) will work across most aspects of the charity’s work (exhibitions, education & learning, audience development, marketing). This role involves working with the staff team, multiple creative and cultural partners, and culturally diverse communities to deliver a series of inspiring and innovative creative projects.
The Project Manager will manage the production of high-quality, professional, accessible outdoor exhibitions. They will drive audience development and engagement with our local communities. They will enable young people to reach their creative and personal potential. They will devise and oversee meaningful events that provide rich experiences, (in person and online) for both the national photography community and the wider public. They will support the delivery of Impressions Gallery’s communications and marketing strategies.
About you
We are looking for a professional, highly organised, dynamic individual with a passion for arts engagement. You will be motivated and will be excited to help play a role in shaping and delivering multiple projects, from creative thinking (such as devising events) through to practical delivery (for example, working with young
people, community workshops) and communication (written, verbal, face-to-face, and online).
Enthusiasm and a positive approach under the pressure of small budgets and multiple deadlines are a must. You might not be from an arts background; however, you should have a keen interest in photography and a passion for working on projects which involve socially engaged practice, visual arts and contemporary culture.
Your prior working experience could involve self-initiated projects or those you worked on with others in an arts-related or cultural setting. By working experience, we mean you have acquired transferable skills and knowledge that demonstrate that you can bring ideas to fruition, resourcefulness, creativity, professionalism, attention to detail, and an ability to work well within a team.
You will have a strong understanding of arts engagement, with experience of working with culturally diverse young people and audiences. You will be motivated to work as part of the vibrant cultural sector in Bradford.
You must be committed to widening access, inclusion, and diversity in the arts. We are looking for someone who enjoys collaborating with others, including team members, artists, audiences, and project partners.
You will be comfortable communicating with the public and will be expected to represent Impressions Gallery’s work to press and media partners.
We encourage people from any background to apply for this post. We want to create a workforce which is representative of our society and brings together those with a variety of skills and experiences to help shape what we do and how we work. Disabled people and those of ethnically diverse heritage are under-represented in the cultural sector, so we particularly encourage applications from people in these groups.
About Impressions Gallery
Impressions Gallery is a charity that helps people understand the world through photography. We believe photography is for everyone, and people are at the heart of what we do.
Since opening in 1972, as one of the first photography galleries in Europe, we have grown to become one of the UK’s leading venues for championing photography.
We collaborate with photographers and others nationally and internationally to commission, exhibit and publish inspirational contemporary photography. We have a long history of supporting artists from non-western backgrounds, and our exhibitions make central the viewpoints of people who have often been overlooked by majority culture.
With an international reputation, we are proud to be in Bradford, with our exhibitions premiering here before touring to other galleries in the UK and beyond.
We work with our local and culturally diverse communities to create innovative opportunities that promote the understanding, participation and enjoyment of art and culture. Regular events, workshops and projects provide accessible opportunities for all. Those taking part range from 3 years old to over 80, and are from often marginalised communities, including people on low incomes and of ethnically diverse heritage. Our education and learning programmes benefit students from primary schools through to colleges and universities.
Open Out is our ongoing project that brings photography to the streets of the city centre for all to see and enjoy.
New Focus is our award-winning collective for young people to produce new projects that inspire and engage others. We support young people from Bradford, who may have little or no access to the arts, to gain professional skills to become the artists and leaders of the future.
Every year we welcome thousands of people, both in person or online, who visit our exhibitions, take part in our inspirational events, and come together to exchange ideas in a friendly and supportive environment.
Impressions Gallery is a registered charity, and our work is supported by public funding through Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
The team consists of • Three full-time posts - Director, Visitor Services and Bookshop Manager; Learning and New Focus Manager (maternity leave, June 2021), • Three part-time staff - Deputy Director, Associate Curator, Gallery Assistant. • Two-part time fixed term positions - Digital Creative Producer, Gallery Assistant. • The team is also supported by freelancers.
Covid-19
In line with the easing of national restrictions, the Gallery is re-opening to the public once again on 18 May 2021. The intention is to introduce an appropriate and suitable balance of office-based and working from home.
During lockdown and ongoing, we transposed our artistic programme and engagement activity onto the digital realm. The gallery is a social space, with strong connections to our audiences and our diverse our communities, both of which who we have nurtured over the years. The ongoing challenge is to stay connected to these regular and valued visitors, whilst also engaging with the national photography community. As we reopen both the gallery and our specialist bookshop, we will continue to build on this successful strand of our work by offering rich cultural experiences, both in-person and online.
Current position
Plans for 2021 include three outdoor photography exhibitions in the streets Bradford; at least two off site community projects; four online virtual exhibitions, and a series of innovative digital experiences and online events, in tandem with our artistic and engagement programmes that are based within the gallery space.
More details on the main projects linked to the Project Manager role can be found on our website:
• OPEN OUT https://www.impressions-gallery.com/impressions-receives-grant-from-art- fund-for-open-out-programme/
• New Focus https://www.impressions-gallery.com/new-focus/
• WE MAKE CULTURE! https://www.impressions-gallery.com/we-make-culture/
• In Which Language Do We Dream? https://www.impressions-gallery.com/event/in-which-language-do-we- dream/
• Bringing the Beat Back to Bradford (Bradford Live) https://www.bradfordlive.co.uk
c) APPLICATION GUIDELINES
When you send your application to us make sure you attach the following: • A covering letter (max 3 pages) explaining how you fulfil the essential criteria, and desirable where applicable, and why feel you are suitable for this role. • A current CV. • The names of two employee referees or similar trustworthy positions who have known you, at least, within the last three years. Please indicate if they can be approached prior to interview.
Please return your application by midday on Friday 11 June 2021 by email to [email protected]
Please note if you have not heard from us by Friday 18 June 2021 your application has not been successful.
Interviews will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 22 June 2021.
A second in person interview will be arranged with next stage candidate(s) in the week beginning 28 June 2021.
If invited for interview you will be asked to verify your residency status and provide proof, e.g. passport.
If you would like any information to be provided in a different format, please contact [email protected] or call 01274 737843.
d) JOB DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
A hands-on delivery post that supports the planning, development, co-ordination, and evaluation of Impressions Gallery’s ambitious artistic and engagement programmes, in relationship to specific projects. The Project Manager (Maternity Cover) will work across most aspects of the charity’s work (exhibitions, education & learning, audience development, marketing). This involves working with the staff team, multiple partners, and diverse communities to deliver a series of ambitious creative projects, helping to ensure Impressions Gallery fulfils its SMART objectives as set out in its Business Plan.
• To manage the production of high-quality, professional, and accessible outdoor exhibitions. • To support the realisation of our audience development strategy by devising and overseeing meaningful events that provide rich experiences, (in person and online) for both the national photography community and the wider public. • To enable young people to reach their creative and personal potential through New Focus. • To support the delivery of Impressions Galley’s communications and marketing strategies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Open Out
• Work closely with the Director to help realise the curatorial vision for Open Out outdoor exhibitions programme. • Oversee the logistics of Open Out. • If required, research and recommend potential sites. • Devise initial concept plans for installation. • Liaise with property owners/managers to negotiate relevant permissions for installation and de-installation. • Liaise with Bradford Council and any other relevant agencies to gain all relevant permissions and licences. • Liaise with exhibiting artists and graphic designers to ensure artwork and interpretation is designed in accordance with the professional standards of Impressions Gallery.
• Liaise with other partners to ensure all outdoor exhibitions are being accurately described and appropriately credited. • Liaise with contractors to ensure artwork and interpretation is produced and installed on-time, to a high standard and within budget. • Maintain email communications and updates to Art Fund. • Undertake regular reviews of exhibitions in situ and ensure installations are maintained to a high standard. • Plan and coordinate the accompanying talks and events to be delivered as part of the Open Out programme. • Ensure all licensing, risk assessments, insurance, checks, policies and processes are in place for each outdoor exhibition and event. • Write press releases as required and develop other marketing copy for example, for Impressions Gallery website. • Write an evaluation report at the end of each outdoor exhibition, including organising photographic documentation.
Bringing the Beat Back to Bradford
• Devise and deliver a series of community-based workshops to support our major exhibition Bringing the Beat Back to Bradford (launching September 2022). This includes a call-out for crowd sourced memories and photographs of the former Bradford Odeon. • Work with the Digital Creative Producer to create and manage the corresponding online call-out. • Work with the Visitor Services Manager to ensure the workshops and call- out go beyond the usual art and cultural sectors.
New Focus young people’s collective
• Provide leadership, support, and direction to members of New Focus, Impressions Gallery’s young people’s collective for 16- to 25-year-olds. • Understand and follow Impressions Gallery’s approach to supporting young people and create a positive and inclusive experience for those taking part. • Support New Focus to produce short films that enhance engagement with our artistic programme and exhibiting artists, in collaboration with the programming team and Digital Creative Producer. • Work with New Focus to manage their social media communications and ensure the coordination of campaigns across different platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram). • Enable effective evaluation of all New Focus projects and activities through
recording of participant data and comments, surveys, partner feedback, photographic documentation, event diaries and written summaries.
New Focus project – WE MAKE CULTURE!
• Work with New Focus to plan and deliver their community consultation project WE MAKE CULTURE! (WMC) • Lead inspiring planning workshops with New Focus to help them design their WMC consultation events and activities. • Consult with the Visitor Services Manager on older people engagement and related WMC workshops. • Support New Focus to run their WMC consultation events and activities offsite with local community partners and participant groups. • Manage relationships with WMC community partner organisations to clarify expectations and ensure their needs are being met. • Monitor the WMC budget, purchase relevant equipment and ensure reporting is accurate. • Work with New Focus to ensure the production of agreed outcomes following the WMC consultation events – including a short film, a series of photographic portraits and a written report of key findings. • Liaise with WMC stakeholders THE LEAP and ensure key objectives are fulfilled (THE LEAP is a Creative People and Places programme of arts and cultural activities in Bradford and Keighley).
Picturing England’s High Streets (PEHS)
• Attend PEHS consortium steering group meetings. • Liaise with PEHS Project Coordinator (based at Photoworks) particularly with respect to marketing and communications materials for the project.
Events
• Lead on the planning and delivery of our Feed Your Mind programme of lunchtime talks, ensuring liaison and collaboration across the organisation. • Lead on the planning and delivery of offsite talks as part of our Open Out programme of outdoor exhibitions. • Where appropriate, deliver events using online and social media platforms, e.g., Instagram and Facebook Live, and Zoom. • Work with the team in the delivery of our wider programme of events and
activities (onsite, offsite, and online), as required. This includes working with the Bookshop Manager on our annual Photobook Fair, and the Director and Digital Creative Producer on our annual Symposium.
Marketing and communications
• Write press releases for the projects and events you are leading and, circulate to relevant parties once approved by the Director. • Respond to press enquires on a project-by-project basis. • Liaise with PR contacts to generate press coverage, in dialogue with the Associate Curator. • Provide written and visual information to the Digital Creative Producer for relevant pages and posts on Impressions Gallery’s website. • As appropriate, contribute to Impressions Gallery’s social media and assist in developing content across platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube). • Ensure all communications are inclusive and relevant to diverse audiences, seeking guidance from the relevant team member where needed.
General
• Attend weekly team meetings and provide regular updates on projects and events to senior management and the wider team. • When required, assist the Associate Curator with the installation and take down of exhibitions in the main gallery space. • Take part in planning and evaluation meetings with the staff team. • Regularly report on a range of targets (including audience numbers, digital statistics, and press coverage) for the Director, Board, stakeholders, and funders. • Advocate for the charity and, where appropriate, attend key events and exhibitions in our programme, as well as representing Impressions Gallery and New Focus at external sector events / meetings. • To assist the charity’s fundraising aims by supporting relationships with existing and prospective funders and identifying opportunities. • To act in accordance with Impressions Gallery’s policies including diversity, equal opportunities, safeguarding and health & safety. • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role and individual actions.
e) PERSON SPECIFICATION
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
• At least three years’ experience successfully delivering projects within an arts organisation, cultural organisation, charity or similar. • A proven track record and recent experience of positive partnership working. • An understanding of the publicly funded arts sector. • Practical experience of working with young people, in a cultural, community, youth work, or other relevant setting. • A working knowledge of the Bradford district and its diverse communities, or an appetite to learn. • A strong understanding of the principles of diversity, representation and inclusion and a commitment to embed them throughout your work. • Experience of budget management. • Experience of communications and marketing. • Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects and a track record of compiling data and reporting information. • Knowledge of and interest in contemporary photography and cultural trends.
Desirable
• A degree in photography, visual arts, or relevant equivalent. • Experience of working within a photography organisation or equivalent. • Experience of arts delivery in areas of low arts engagement. • Experience of delivering digital events. • Experience of using social media platforms and developing engaging content and a working knowledge of the full online and offline marketing mix. • Experience of implementing safeguarding procedures when working with young people and community groups.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
• Excellent organisational skills including good attention to detail, the ability to plan and deliver multiple projects simultaneously on time, to budget and to a high standard. • Good communicator, both one-to-one and in public-facing situations, with confidence to talk publicly about a programme or activity and advocate for an organisation. • Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to build effective working relationships with a range of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. • Flexible and open minded, with an ability to think creatively and imaginatively. • Calm, professional and resilient with a proactive approach to work and the ability to take responsibility and problem solve. • Trustworthy, reliable, and able to keep matters confidential. • Good IT and keyboard skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel and Word), and strong administrative accuracy. • Conviction in the importance of arts and culture to society.
Desirable
• Ability to produce clear, engaging, and accessible interpretation tailored to different audiences and platforms. • Ability to write compelling and persuasive copy for press and marketing. • Ability to collect and interpret data and information. • Skilled at building relationships with young people aged 16-25. • Confidence in using digital platforms for meetings, talks and events. • Proficiency with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube). • Proficiency with software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign.