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DIRECTOR

St John’s Smith Square is looking for a new Director who will both build on its established strengths as a leading venue for classical music, taking full advantage of its magnificent site in the heart of Westminster, and have the skills and energy to develop its programme in innovative ways and new fields.

The successful candidate will combine artistic vision and entrepreneurial flair with practical management and financial skills. S/he will ideally have at least ten years’ experience in the arts world, preferably but not necessarily in the field of classical music, and have the communications skills and network of contacts necessary to develop partnerships with performers, sponsors and other funders.

Salary: £45,000 p.a., plus pension contribution, though we may
offer more in the case of an exceptional candidate.

Closing date: 3 February 2012. Interviews will be held in early/mid February.

CV and covering letter to: stjohnsdirector@gmail.com

A draft fuller job specification appears below
 

Draft/JOB DESCRIPTION

[NB this job description is indicative only –

Details of the responsibilities will be developed

in discussion with the successful candidate]

The Director is the chief executive of SJSS, which has a full-time staff of seven, and is ultimately responsible to the Trustees for all areas of its operation – However, responsibility for some areas, in particular some of those under the heading “Management” below, will to a greater or lesser extent be delegated to an Assistant Director(s) and to that extent the responsibility will be one of oversight rather than direct management

The headings below are inevitably rather dry.  The Trustees are looking for a Director who will show imagination, energy and leadership in all aspects of his or her work

Subject to that, the principal areas of responsibility are:

Strategy

1) Working with the Trustees to develop and implement an artistic strategy for SJSS, building on its existing strengths as a classical music venue while developing in new directions and promoting growth in artistic and professional terms

2) Developing and implementing new marketing strategies to attract and retain performers and audiences

3) Developing and implementing new strategies for funding, including raising sponsorship and voluntary income and venue hiring for events
 

“Ambassadorial”

4) Maintaining good communication and relationships with all those central to the success of SJSS – including crucially (a) performers and other hirers and (b) sponsors and potential sponsors – Continuing to cultivate sponsors and maintain their loyalty to SJSS

5)  Keeping up to date with developments in relevant artistic, political and commercial fields, maintaining appropriate contacts and networks, both in the UK and abroad

6)  Dealing with the media and with local councillors and officers as necessary
 

Management

7) Managing, coaching and developing all SJSS staff to ensure effective performance, skills development, and high standards of motivation, communication and teamwork; fostering a high performance culture and positive relationships within the team.

8)  Ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of SJSS, including concert schedules and performances

9)  Negotiating terms and other arrangements with performers and hirers

10)  Liaising with the franchisees of the Restaurant and monitoring performance of the contract

11)  Ensuring the maintenance and development of the SJSS Friends scheme

12)  Overseeing the conservation and day-to-day maintenance of the building

13)   Overseeing the finances of SJSS and ensuring sound financial procedures and systems.  Developing cost-effective practices and working within budgets to maximise administrative and artistic output.

14) Recruiting employees when required and taking responsibility for their terms and conditions, ensuring all objectives, best practice and compliance requirements are met

15) Ensuring that SJSS is at all times a safe environment for staff audiences and all who are in the building

Regulatory

16) Acting as Company Secretary to SJSS which is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee

17)  Being the designated premises supervisor for licensing purposes