Join us in shaping the future of Utopia Theatre! After a decade of remarkable growth and transformation, we are on the lookout for a passionate Deputy Artistic Director. This pivotal role will partner closely with our CEO/Artistic Director, playing a key part in bringing Utopia's bold vision and innovative programming to life.
As Deputy Artistic Director, you will collaborate to forge exciting new partnerships, enhance our artistic offerings, and expand our international reach. Utopia Theatre is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and we warmly welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Job Title:
Deputy Artistic Director
Reporting to:
CEO/Artistic Director
Salary:
£35,000 per year FTE
Hours:
Full time (37.5 hours per week), 5 days a week. Additional hours may be required to fulfil the role, including evening and weekend work for which no overtime is payable. A TOIL (time off in lieu) policy is in place.
Contract:
Fixed-term contract for 1 year, contract to be automatically extended subject to Utopia’s NPO funding status continuing.
Location:
This role will be office-based at Utopia Theatre’s offices in Sheffield, at 11 Rockingham Gate, S1 4JD. Some travel may be required and all work-related travel and accommodation will be covered by Utopia Theatre.
Key Responsibilities
1. Support the CEO/Artistic Director to develop and implement the strategic direction of Utopia Theatre.
2. Co-lead on the continued development of the business model to ensure the strategic direction and aims are achievable.
3. Support the CEO/Artistic Director to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across the wider sector, ensuring Utopia Theatre continues to be a key player in the national landscape.
4. Understand, interpret, and implement our artistic vision, turning it into actionable plans and projects.
5. Work alongside the Artistic Director to connect with today’s most innovative African/Caribbean and ethnically diverse artists across various genres and art forms, leveraging digital technology to push the boundaries of our work.
6. Help create Utopia’s programming to maximise our resources and enhance both creative and commercial potential.
7. Build on Utopia’s success in securing prestigious opportunities within the UK while exploring new possibilities in Europe, globally, and in digital spaces.
8. Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Marketing to bring bold artistic ideas to life through impactful events, tours, recordings, and broadcasts.
9. Assist the CEO/Artistic Director in preparing reports for the Board of Trustees by providing relevant information about your areas of responsibility.
10. Contribute to fostering a positive working culture at Utopia Theatre as a member of the senior management team.
Minimum Requirements
1. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
2. Experience of artist development.
3. Extensive knowledge and experience of producing, in a variety of settings, and on a variety of scales.
4. Experience of developing partnerships across the theatre ecology both nationally and internationally.
5. Strong experience of managing budgets, particularly artistic project budgets, and an ability to deliver on financial targets.
6. An enthusiasm for African theatre and in particular new writing.
7. A proven ability to cultivate, secure and maintain partnerships with artists, venues, and other stakeholders.
8. A demonstrable commitment to building a more equitable culture around African Theatre.
9. Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and teams.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
11. An understanding of how artistic planning interacts with fundraising, marketing, project delivery and financial management.
12. A willingness to travel for research and to represent Utopia at festivals, conferences, on tour and at other events as needed.
13. A commitment to upholding Utopia’s mission and values.
14. At least 5 years’ experience in a leadership and/or senior management role in the arts sector.
15. Experience of working strategically, including implementing business plans.
16. An understanding and experience of the national touring ecosystem.
17. A knowledge of and enthusiasm for Utopia Theatre and its work.
18. A knowledge of Arts Council’s NPO funding.
19. Experience of supporting the generation of income, particularly through fundraising.
How To Apply
Please send a CV and a cover letter to director@utopiatheatre.co.uk with the subject line: ‘Deputy Artistic Director Application’. We also accept applications in alternative formats, for example, a short video or audio recording (up to five minutes in length). Please contact Jude, at info@utopiatheatre.co.uk to discuss options. The deadline for applications is 22nd April 2025 but this vacancy may close earlier if we find the right candidate.
We commit to interviewing people who identify as disabled, from the global majority and/or working class who can demonstrate they meet the level of knowledge and skills required to do the job.
If you would like an informal conversation about this role, please contact Mojisola Kareem (CEO/Artistic Director) at director@utopiatheatre.co.uk or call on 07881 028135.
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