Job title:                                              LEARNING & PARTICIPATION DIRECTOR

Department:                                      Learning & Participation

Who you report to:                         Artistic Director

Who reports to you:                       Learning & Participation Manager, Education Officers, Participation Producer, Head of    Youth Theatres, interns, freelance practitioners and project workers 

Salary:                                                £38,250

Hours:                                                   As required

Probation Period:                             6 months

Holiday entitlement:                        20 rising to 25 days + public holidays

 

Previous applicants need not apply 

PURPOSE:

To work with the Artistic and Associate Directors to initiate, develop and deliver The REP’s strategy for learning & participation activity and programming

KEY AIMS OF ROLE:

=         To devise and plan a programme of work to engage young and adult participants in the work of The REP and in theatre activity in general

=         To lead the work of the Learning & Participation team and manage relevant staff in delivering the agreed programme

=         To develop, foster and maintain  appropriate relationships with  key stakeholders  in the education and community sectors

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

=         Support the Artistic Director and work with the Associate Directors in creating and developing the theatre’s learning & participation policies and strategy

=         Explore and develop mutually beneficial relationships with primary, secondary, higher and further education institutions in the Birmingham city-region

=         Explore and develop mutually beneficial relationships with community partners for adult learning & participation work in the Birmingham city-region

=         Keep abreast of national and international developments in arts learning & participation policy and practice and ensure that The REP’s offer is in line with best practice

=         Support the Artistic Director and work with the Associate Directors in programming work for, by and/or with young people at the theatre

=         Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with companies and artists creating work for young people

=         Oversee the design and delivery theatre days, workshops, resource packs and other engagement resources around the theatre programme

=         Lead and manage the work of the Education Officers, Head of Youth Theatre, Learning & Participation Manager, Participation Producer and any other relevant staff engaged in the theatre’s learning & participation team 

=         Ensure a free flow of communication with all members of the learning & participation team, involving them in strategy and planning work and supporting them through regular line management meetings, feedback and appraisals

=         Support the organisation and its staff through the effective use of the performance management system

=         Regularly monitor and evaluate learning & participation activity in relation to targets and instigate action where appropriate

=         Act as a member of the theatre’s senior management team, attending SMT and Board meetings and actively participating in relevant strategic discussions

=         Take senior management responsibility for the liaison of the learning & participation team’s work with all other relevant departments in the theatre

=         Take senior management responsibility for developing, implementing and monitoring the theatre’s safeguarding policies and practices

=         Set and manage the budgets for all of the theatre’s learning & participation work

=         Work closely with the theatre’s Finance Director and his team  to ensure timely and efficient management of the accounting processes for the theatre’s learning & participation work

=         Work with the theatre’s Associate Director and fundraising team to identify and apply for funds from trusts, foundations and other sources to support the learning & participation work

=         Work closely with the theatre’s Head of Marketing & Communications to devise and support appropriate audience development and marketing strategies 

=         Act regionally, nationally and internationally as an ambassador for the REP, it’s learning & participation activities and its work in general 

=         Support and promote all company policy, with specific attention to Equality & Diversity, Customer Care, Health & Safety and Data Protection.

=         Ensure a safe working environment is maintained at all times with particular regard to the health, safety and welfare of customers, visitors, staff and yourself.

=         Any other reasonable duties required to ensure the smooth running of the theatre’s learning & participation operation.  

PERSON SPECIFICATION

To fulfil the post of Director of Learning & Participation the successful candidate will possess the following qualities, skills and attributes: 

Experience

=         A good track record in managing multiple tasks, working to deadlines and responding well under pressure.

=         A minimum of two to three years experience of working in a busy education department in the arts or non-              profit sector.

=         Demonstrable solid experience of project management.

=         Experience of dealing with issues relating to diversity and access.

=         Experience of dealing with people effectively and diplomatically.

=         Experience of budgetary management and control. 

Special Knowledge

=         Experience of database management and research.

=         Working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages, specifically Word, Power Point and Excel.

=         Demonstrable understanding of:

=         key issues in arts education, audience development and diversity.

=         the value of relationship and stakeholder management.

=         the power and diversity of communication 

Disposition/Attitude

=         Excellent communicator, able to deliver concise instructions and convey complex messages

=         Ability to deal tactfully with sensitive information and work diplomatically with a wide diversity of people.

=         Professional attitude with a commitment to delivering the highest quality of work and                         egendering  high standards from others. 

=         Meticulous approach to tasks, which, once started, are then successfully completed.

=         Attention to detail especially where planning events.

=         Creative aptitude and the ability to think laterally about issues and problems.

=         Self motivated, with the ability to work with the minimum of supervision and take             initiative where appropriate. 

=         Team worker able to organise and motivate others.

=         Ability and willingness to work flexible hours.

=         A passionate interest in contemporary culture and particularly theatre.

=         A keen interest in learning new skills and furthering your breadth of knowledge concerning learning            through theatre. 

=         A commitment to furthering the aims of The REP             

 

A clean enhanced DBS is essential.  A clean driving licence is desirable.

COMPETENCIES

The REP uses a competency framework to describe the abilities and personal attributes expected from its staff.  We use the framework during selection, performance appraisals and change management processes. The competencies applying to the post of Learning & Participation Director are:

=         Achieving Results       

actively contributes to organisational success at various levels

=         Creativity                   

confident in providing new ideas and concepts

=         Communication                     

ensures good flow of relevant information to create mutual understanding

=         Dealing With Difficult Situations

steers people toward a constructive outcome

=         Expertise In Role

has prolonged or intense experience of practice or education in role

=         Giving Feedback

confidently provides appropriate opinion to improve performance

=         Interpersonal Skills

actively communicates through listening and understanding

=         Managing Others

motivates people to increase performance and achieve job satisfaction

=         Relationships at Work

develops productive relationships across the organisation

=         Safety Orientation

actively considers the safety and wellbeing of self, customers and staff