THE ORGANISATION: The John Hewitt Society
HOURS: 37 hours per week
LOCATION: Primarily working from home or remote. Some travel may be required to help facilitate events.
RESPONSIBLE TO: The Board (through the Chair)
TIMESCALE OF ROLE: Initially 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025. Renewal subject to satisfactory performance and finance being secured.
THE ROLE: The Director will play a central role in delivering our charitable objectives, including our annual festival, The John Hewitt International Summer School. This is a multi-faceted role that covers a range of areas of responsibility including events and operations management, business development, stakeholder management, fundraising and company administration.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The post-holder will work in consultation with the Trustees to ensure that the day-to-day operations of the Society run smoothly. This includes applying for funding, reporting to funders and also ensuring that festivals and associated activities are delivered on time and within budget.
Specific responsibilities include:
* Work alongside the Trustees and Programming Committee to source and book speakers, performers and events;
* Work with existing partners and build new partnerships with additional organisations such as funders, agents, community groups and venues;
* Assist on the development and management of the strategic and business plans;
* Liaise with, and manage where appropriate, the Society’s contractors and any temporary staff including volunteers, PR, marketing and design teams, venue managers and others;
* Manage and develop fundraising and sponsorship initiatives;
* Ensure that appropriate evaluation is undertaken on completion of events;
* Represent the organisation effectively to external stakeholders.
PERSON SPECIFICATION: The ideal candidate will be someone with a passion for arts and literature and 2+ years’ experience of curating, planning and delivering public events.
* At least 2 years’ experience of managing a programme of events across multiple venues and days e.g. festivals or arts events;
* At least 2 years’ fundraising experience in the arts and cultural sectors;
* Experience of strong partnership working, and creating and managing networks of stakeholders;
* Managing and coordinating volunteers and third-party contractors where required;
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (written, verbal, presentations).
* Experience of budget management over £100k;
* Experience of successful income generation from a wide range of sources including ticketing receipts, trusts and sponsors;
* Possess a full driving licence and access to a car.
* 3 years’ experience of programming a large-scale festival.
CONDITIONS: The post holder will be expected to primarily work remotely. This is a fixed term post up to December 2025, which could be extended if funding allows. The post holder is expected to work a 37-hour week, from Monday to Friday. During festival periods, it is expected that the Director will work at times and on days to meet the needs of programmed events. Subsequent time off in lieu can be discussed and agreed in relation to festival periods. Annual leave is 25 days, plus bank holidays.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send your CV, completed monitoring form and a covering letter of no more than 500 words outlining your experience and suitability for the post. The CV should include the names, addresses, email, phone number and occupation of two people, not related to you, to whom references may be obtained. One of your referees must be your current or most recent employer.
CLOSING DATE: for applications - 12 noon on Friday 15 November 2024.
INTERVIEWS: week commencing - 25 November 2024 in Belfast city centre.
The applicants who fit the specifications outlined above most closely will be shortlisted for interview, so please make sure you tell us everything relevant on your CV and covering letter. Please note that we are unable to consider any applications which are received after the deadline. If you cannot make an offered interview time, we may not be able to provide you with an alternative.
We strive to be an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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