The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region.
Role Profile and Person Specification
Key deliverables
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Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.
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Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.
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Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.
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Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.
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Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders.
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Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.
Role profile
Leadership and governance
- Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board.
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Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs.
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Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.
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Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.
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Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team.
Advocacy, profile and civic engagement
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Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
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Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.
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Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region.
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Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.
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Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.
Creative
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Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City.
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Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences.
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Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.
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Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.
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Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.
Brand, commercial performance and income
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Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.
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Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme.
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Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.
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Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.
Finance and operations
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Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.
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Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.
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Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.
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Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately.
People and culture
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Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement.
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Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.
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Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.
Person specification
Essential
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Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries.
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Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.
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Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.
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Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.
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An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change.
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A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources.
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A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.
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Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.
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Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.
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A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.
Desirable
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Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme.
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An extensive network in the cultural sector.
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Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects.
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Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.
We believe that difference is our strength.
Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Our mission is to ensure the northeast of England is the best place to dance and to experience dance.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Title: Active Recovery Lead
Employer: The Southmead Project
Accountable to: Head of Active Recovery
Place of Work: The Southmead Project, Southmead, Bristol. BS10 6AS
Hours: 3 to 4 days per week. Must include Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £33,505 p/a pro rata
The Southmead Project:
The Southmead Project is an equal opportunities employer providing free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas. We welcome adults aged 18 and above of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, ability, language, religion and cultural background. We respect and cherish the differences between people and affirm every person as an individual. Our recruitment is done in line with safer recruitment practices.
We value our team very highly and pride ourselves on being a supportive employer. We provide the following benefits to encourage every staff member to have a supported, well-rounded and enriched working experience:
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Paid supervision for 1.5 hours per month, with an external clinical supervisor
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Line management for 1 hour per month
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Training budget of £500 per year to spend on relevant training of that person’s choice
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Optional private counselling for up to twelve sessions per year with an external counsellor of that person’s choice
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Employer pension contribution of 5%
The Active Recovery Project gives adult survivors of abuse the opportunity to take part in community-based activities. Members of Active Recovery can participate in a variety of group activities with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation. The activities are based on ideas from our members and include water-based activities (such as rowing, canoeing, sailing and kayaking), surfing, trips to community spaces and creative sessions (such as arts and crafts). Activities take place every week. Each activity will last approximately 2.5 hours each. Members can attend the group sessions for up to 18 months.
Job Purpose:
We are looking for a warm and passionate leader to come and join the Active Recovery Service.
As an Active Recovery Lead, their job will be to develop and deliver the Active Recovery Project in Bristol and in Somerset. Using a trauma-informed approach, the Active Recovery Lead will create and provide a safe and supportive space for clients from The Sexual Violence Alliance organisations (The Southmead Project, SARSAS, Womankind and the Bridge Sarc) to participate in a variety of group activities, with others who share or understand their experience and develop peer relationships, resulting in increasing confidence and reduced isolation.
Principal Tasks:
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Run two Active Recovery groups a week, with , with the help of the Practitioner.
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Provide initial trauma-informed assessment phone calls and/or meetings with potential members as part of the registration process for Active Recovery. This includes assessing need, risk and suitability for the service using a trauma-informed approach.
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Create safety plans and tailor activity sessions where appropriate after building relationships with members following the initial phone calls.
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Plan trauma-informed sessions for members, including producing risk assessments for each activity, visiting activity locations and delivering relevant trauma training to activity providers.
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Oversee and lead on setting up, delivering and debriefing about activity sessions with members, volunteers and staff. Ensuring members are clear on each session's ground rules and safeguarding processes, using the Member’s Agreement.
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Provide trauma-informed face-to-face support to members at sessions who may become overwhelmed or require help dealing with flashbacks and dissociation.
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To support volunteers and staff with safeguarding queries and ensure safeguarding procedures are followed. To be the safeguarding lead at activity sessions, escalating any onward safeguarding referrals and queries to the Southmead Project Designated Safeguarding Lead.
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Participate in and support the recruitment and induction training of volunteers.
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Support and line manage a team of volunteers.
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Develop and maintain an Active Recovery community through email, phone calls, texts and in person.
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Develop and drive forward the project’s aim to have the members’ voices at the heart of the project.
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Collaborate with developing outcome processes in line with the Southmead Project and its funders’ requirements.
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Analyse data and feedback collected through outcomes processes to adapt and constantly improve the planning and delivery of the project sessions.
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Contribute content for reports as required.
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Build and maintain positive relationships with partnership organisations for the project
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Manage the day to day budget for the project sessions, keeping accurate records to report to the Head of Active Recovery and planning how the budget will be spent across sessions, within guidelines provided by the Head of Active Recovery.
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Record data accurately and in a timely manner on Oasis.
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Produce social media and website posts about the project, including producing and editing videos.
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Attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings with the Head of Active Recovery.
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To attend monthly one-to-one clinical supervision with a Supervisor who is approved by the Southmead Project. Supervision is a requirement of this charity as an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
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To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.
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Follow the Southmead Project policies, procedures and professional code of conduct as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
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All members of staff, paid and unpaid, are required to undergo the enhanced level of Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL
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Full drivers licence and access to own transport.
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Professional qualification, such as a Diploma or degree in Counselling or in other relevant fields of work, such as; social work, psychology, mental health, education, support work or similar: or extensive experience in any of these fields.
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A sound understanding of the issues affecting members who have experienced trauma and abuse.
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Experience in managing projects.
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Excellent administration and organisational skills, including experience of managing sensitive personal information.
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Experience of and confidence in using multiple computer and case management systems.
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At least 2 years’ experience of delivering groups in the community, preferably activity based.
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At least 1 year’s experience of providing face-to-face support for survivors of abuse.
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The ability to arrange group activities and liaise with other local organisations to help plan them.
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The ability to plan sessions in detail to ensure that they are trauma-informed and having the experience and confidence to ‘hold’ groups when things do not go to plan.
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The ability to work flexibly within a team and support those within it.
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Experience in managing volunteers.
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Knowledge and awareness of how particular activities and social situations could improve people’s self-esteem, self-confidence, build friendships and reduce their isolation.
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A sound understanding of safeguarding and experience of supporting others to act in accordance with safeguarding policies and within the best interests of the Active Recovery member or those at risk.
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Experience in managing a long-term budget.
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Knowledge of survivors’ voice work.
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To be able to attend monthly one-to-one line management meetings and monthly clinical supervision.
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To work within the framework, spirit and ethos of the Southmead Project’s Equal Opportunities Policy, and actively engage in promoting the policy within the charity and in all dealings with clients and other agencies.
DESIRABLE:
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Experience of building and maintaining positive partnerships in the community.
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Experience of running a community based project.
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Experience of setting up processes for survivors’ voice work.
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Knowledge of making content for social media, including video recording and editing skills.
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Experience managing recruitment and training.
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Experience in chairing meetings and the ability to plan and review activities with a team.
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Experience designing outcomes processes and collecting outcomes data.
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Experience in writing reports, preferably funding reports in the charity sector.
Please note that there must be at least 12 months between receiving support from the Southmead Project as a client/member and starting this role.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Meaningful therapeutic support accessible for adults impacted by abuse and addiction. A safe space for growth, connection and wellbeing for all.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.