We are looking for an Executive Director to join our team to help deliver a varied programme of theatre, dance, music, spoken word, comedy, film and creative learning events.
As a ground-breaking 60-year-old organisation, we want to continue the legacy of pioneering work with and for the people of Aberdeen, the Shire and beyond. You will be excited to work for a company with a small but talented staff at a time of change. You will collaborate, challenge, innovate and will be pragmatic in your approach.
Do not wait to apply after reading this description a high application volume is expected for this opportunity.
The role will provide strategic leadership and business direction and will lead on all managerial, financial and operational functions of the company.
This role needs someone who will be very organised and focussed. You will work alongside the Programming and Creative Director to jointly deliver on our vision in a sustainable and futureproof manner. This is a commercially focussed role to ensure that we are operating not only in a financially viable way, but that we remain compliant and meet our charitable aims.
REPORTS TO: Chair of Board
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Programming and Creative Director, Communications Advisor, Administrator, Facilities Assistant, Duty Managers, Volunteers
Leadership
* Provide inspirational leadership – drive the strategic aims and objectives, in line with the business plan as agreed with the Board of Trustees
* Lead and engage all staff and volunteers to enable high levels of performance and individual development, maintaining excellent team morale
* Proactive and effective management and development of the staff team, to ensure efficiency, quality of service delivery and a great customer experience from the team
* Identifying training and professional development for relevant staff, to ensure good morale, retention and high standards
* Demonstrates first class safety leadership, setting and maintaining high expectations
Commercial and Financial
* Ensure the commercial success of the centre to ensure its future as a sustainable creative hub for the community
* Commercial oversight of the business, robust financial management and seeking out and following up on appropriate funding opportunities
* Implementing new systems and processes that move the charity forwards
* Working with the board to manage and implement a fundraising strategy
* Working with the board and others to develop, write and submit fundraising applications for both core and project grants
* Developing new sources of funding and fundraising
* With the Programming and Creative Director, managing our relationship with other potential funders
* Overseeing the financial management of the charity and its trading, to create appropriate financial models, annual budgets and cash flow forecasts
* Supporting the correct implementation of all financial systems and procedures to enable proper and timely financial control using accounting software, Xero
* With the Finance Manager preparing financial reports including monthly management accounts
Marketing and Sales
* Being responsible for target setting and the financial solvency of the organisation to include charging to producers, promoters, touring companies, customers, ticketing etc
* Responsibility for marketing, sales and communication in order increase audiences, hit targets and promote Aberdeen Arts Centre to its fullest
* Develop a full strategy for sales and marketing all activity we do. This will involve deciding how we deliver this i.e through hiring in-house or third-party outsourced activity, providing analysis and insight on campaigns to help inform future strategy as well as conducting regular and ongoing audience research to inform future plans and decision making
Organisation Planning
* Driving the strategic planning process by developing a business plan in collaboration with the Programming and Creative Director and the Trustees
* Overseeing, planning and implementing growth strategies and working to diversify the business’ income stream
* Ensuring that we are competitive in our offering and making best use of our assets for maximum quality output and return, e.g. room hire, café bar, effective programming, etc.
* Build resilience into the business arrangements
Facilities Management
* Ensuring that our building is well maintained as appropriate and has a pleasant environment for our visitors, to include planned preventative maintenance, cleaning, and ongoing continuous improvement of the environment and facilities.
* Lead accountability for ensuring safe systems of work to ensure the health and safety of anyone using the building.
* Oversee health & safety compliance in conjunction with our third party providers
* Working with our Customer Service team to ensure resource management is effective and our visitors experience great customer service
Governance
* Ensuring that the activities of the charity meet its charitable aims and objectives
* Working with our finance team, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board, including quarterly and end-of year accounts, and preparation of information for auditors
* Preparing papers for and attend Board meetings, and undertake any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Board
* Ensuring that the charity is compliant with appropriate legislation
* Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders (local council, funders and local businesses)
HR
* Working with the Creative Director on HR including recruitment, contracts, salaries, welfare, training, disciplinary and grievance procedures
* Ensuring the implementation of all staff contracts, the staff handbook, and all company policies is achieved in accordance with the legal and best practice
* Keeping standards high across the organisation
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Executive Director will be expected to perform any other duties consistent with the role of an Executive Director, and/or any other duties reasonably required by the Board.
Person Specification
We are looking for a business leader who has done a combination of some of the below, in any capacity, including voluntary or education:
* Experience of strategic planning, implementation and strategic decision-making in an arts organisation or equivalent experience at a charity
* Experience of public building management
* Excellent financial skills and experience of managing charity finances including creating and managing budgets and financial reporting
* Experience of charity governance and of HR
* Track record of raising funds from Trusts and Foundations and Public Bodies with an ability to write persuasive applications and develop strategic fundraising plans
* Experience leading people and creating a positive culture where people want to work together
We are interested in hearing from people with transferable skills who have great potential and can pick things up quickly.
Often qualities are just as important as experience, and we are interested in someone who has:
* Enthusiasm about the arts and creativity, particularly in a venue responding to its neighbourhood
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire confidence and motivate people with clarity and kindness
* High level of numeracy skills
* High level of accuracy and ability to proof own work
* A positive, flexible and hands on approach
* Effective time management, organisational and administrative skills
* Excellent communication skills, online, on the phone and in person
* Proven decision-making ability
* A drive to deliver
Please note: it is not an expectation that you went to university to apply for this role
Apply Now
This is a full time, permanent position. Salary and pension are competitive and commensurate with the level of the role.
To apply, please submit a current CV together with a covering letter, to workwithus@aberdeenartscentre.com, explaining why you would be the ideal candidate and please advise us of your salary expectations.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to support your application.
Download a PDF of this job description HERE.
We will be back in touch with you in due course. Thank you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr