MARKETING MANAGER, ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN S APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Transcription

1 Queen s University Belfast MARKETING MANAGER, ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN S APPOINTMENT INFORMATION Closing Date for Applications Monday, 18 February 2013

2 Appointment of Marketing Manager, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s 1. Queen s University Belfast the Festival 2. Job Description 3. Person Specification 4. Terms of Appointment 5. Appointment Process Operating Structures Appendices 1 and 2 2

3 1. THE UNIVERSITY 1.1 History Queen s University Belfast is unique. Few other universities across the world combine an international reputation for excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos and a leadership role in the community. Queen s makes a hugely important contribution to the life of Northern Ireland and the influence of the University also transcends its geographical location. As a Russell Group University, it is one of the UK s leading higher education providers and a global force in research. Queen s is now on a further transformational journey with the objective of becoming a Global Top 100 university over the next five years. The University s proud academic tradition stretches back over 160 years. Established by Queen Victoria in 1845 as one of three Queen s Colleges in Ireland, the University received its Royal Charter from King Edward VII in Today, Queen s is the UK s Entrepreneurial University of the Year, a magnet for inward investment, an international centre of academic excellence, a major patron of the arts and a driving force in the region s educational, economic and social development. Queen s University places Northern Ireland firmly on the world stage. Its researchers work closely with more than 250 universities around the world. Through its global networks, Queen s researchers, working on the frontiers of knowledge, benefit society locally, nationally and around the world. The University s greatest strengths have always been its staff and students who together make up an exceptional learning community. From Nobel prize winners to medical pioneers, and from political and business leaders to leading figures in science and the arts, the Queen s family has made its mark in the professions, in business and in civic and political life throughout the world. Fundamentally, Queen s is a broadly-based, research-driven University, combining a liberal education with professional and vocational disciplines. It also has a fully integrated Medical School. Staff and students are working at the frontiers of knowledge and the University s outstanding achievements have been recognised by the award of a Queen s Anniversary Prize on four separate occasions. Some 17,100 full-time equivalent (FTE) students are being inspired by a challenging curriculum, whilst enjoying the most distinctive Queen s Experience reflecting the wider sporting, cultural and other extracurricular activities which are on offer. 1.2 Culture and Arts at the University Queen s culture and arts offering is world class. The University played a unique role in developing the cultural infrastructure for the city and region during recent difficult times as some of its enterprising postgraduates and lecturers identified a need to ensure that Northern Ireland s citizens could access international arts and that this would do much to promote development and a more positive image of Belfast. Allied with high ranking academic Schools with unique offerings such as the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry and the Sonic Arts Research Centre, the Queen s culture and arts portfolio finds its closest parallels with US institutions such as Princeton and UCLA. Certainly, it is virtually unrivalled in the UK and Ireland even within the Russell Group. 3

4 The Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious arts festivals in world. It is a cultural asset, with deep roots and a flagship event of international significance which provides focus for economic growth through the development of destination tourism, hospitality and the entertainment industry. The School of Creative Arts stages around 50 live concerts per year which feature invited international artists and a wide variety of Queen s student ensembles. It also programmes its own international festival, Sonorities, each autumn. It has co-presented in partnership with the Festival many times in the past. It also presents its own productions during semester in the Brian Friel Theatre. Drama Studies works closely with the Festival on presentation, has benefited from workshops and masterclasses given by visiting artists supplied by the Festival, and has collaborated with QFT on a major Beckett season, amongst other projects. The School currently manages the costs of these events from within its own budget. Its programmes tend to reflect teaching and research interests. The Seamus Heaney Centre is not only one of the chief centres for the encouragement and teaching of Creative Writing in the UK, but also the pre-eminent one in the island of Ireland. Its wide-ranging events showcase Belfast writers and writers at Queen s, and nurture the next wave of Queen s and Belfast writers. The Centre has co-presented events with the Festival since its commencement. 1.3 Governance and Management The University operates on an integrated management structure under the leadership of Professor Peter Gregson, the President and Vice-Chancellor. The President and Vice-Chancellor is the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of the University. As such, he is accountable to Senate, the Governing Body, for the strategic direction of the University. The Registrar and Chief Operating Officer is the head of a unified administration, responsible for managing, leading and coordinating the provision of a comprehensive range of professional support services. Festival is a department within the Culture and Arts Unit, within Queen's, and reports to the Director of Student Plus and is accountable to the University s Culture and Arts Committee which reports to Planning and Finance Committee and to Senate. Culture and Arts sits within the Directorate of Student Plus which was established in 2006 to make a contribution to the unique student experience at Queen s. [See Appendix 1 and 2 for structure charts]. 1.4 Finance Festival 51 will take place in the autumn of In 2012 the Festival welcomed over 500 performers from 18 countries to the city and sold 39,522 tickets of which 9 per cent were to out-of-state visitors. Total income of 1.447m includes box office, fundraising and sponsorship. A total audience of 79,552 includes attendances at free events. The overall value of coverage was 945,566 from July to November The Festival caters for both the student population at Queen s University, as well as members of the public. 4

5 Funding of 627,044 has been confirmed for Festival 51 with a further 200,000 applied for from NITB and the British Council. Committed funding includes the Arts Council, Ulster Bank, EU and the University. The Festival's significant marketing power is underpinned by strong media partnerships with the Belfast Telegraph and BBC NI. In additional to its cash sponsorship, the Ulster Bank also makes a marketing intervention of 0.13m. The Festival is the only major festival in Belfast with no geographical or political boundaries and celebrated its 50 th Anniversary in 2012 as a key project for the City in that year alongside the Titanic Signature Building. Financial management and fundraising support is provided by the Student Plus Directorate Office and the Development of Alumni Relations Office respectively. 1.5 Culture and Arts Vision A key priority for the University s Corporate Plan is the development, in consultation with key partners, of a socially inclusive education and outreach policy for Culture and Arts which links to relevant academic areas. Within this context and building on the existing excellence and potential outlined above, the conclusions of academic and non-academic staff and the Students Union President were that key elements of the aligned vision and aims of an integrated culture and arts proposition should include: Gaining recognition of the contribution that culture and arts make to the achievement of the University s corporate objectives. Maximise audiences via the development of a coordinated marketing plan for culture and arts activities across the campus. The use of culture and arts as one of the drivers which positions Queen s as the University of choice in key markets. Enhance the Queen s experience by broadening student access to culture and arts activities as active participants and spectators. Identify ways culture and arts can contribute to making Queen s a seven-day-a-week campus. Emphasis and maximisation of the contribution made by culture and arts to Queen s public engagement agenda to the wider community, to the quality of life, image and economic well-being of the city and region. Support of the University s internationalisation aspiration and build on its international reputation in the creative arts and literary matters, enhancing that reputation and making Queen s a place where students, staff and international visitors can be stimulated culturally and artistically. Maintain and develop strong links between Queen s and the broader culture and arts sector in Northern Ireland, providing opportunities for students to enhance skills and hence employability across this sector and beyond via the development of team working, communications, self-confidence and self-awareness, and presentational skills. 5

6 Maximise opportunities for the production and exposure of practice-based research primarily in the area of arts and humanities and for the development of international connections. Emphasise the possibility of fruitful interactions between creative practice, practicebased research and more conventional modes of academic research in the Arts and Humanities. Develop types of Knowledge Exchange which draw on the accomplishments of both academics and creative practitioners for the benefit of the wider public. Enhance the impact of such work at Queen s both in the narrow REF sense and, more generally, in terms of the University s reach into society at all levels, local and global. Use culture and arts to lever funding for research, particularly in the area of arts and humanities, and explore how culture and arts can contribute to REF impact assessment in this area. Engage with the student body through the Students Union, to avail of opportunities for culture and arts intervarsity competitions to be hosted at Queen s. Maintain public sector support for culture and arts at Queen s, engaging positively with stakeholders. Use culture and arts as one of the drivers which positions Queen s as a primary tourist destination in Northern Ireland 2. MARKETING MANAGER OF THE ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN S JOB DESCRIPTION Reports to Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s. The Marketing Manager will lead the marketing function within the Festival, securing existing audiences, developing new audiences and maximising box office income. Main Activities/Responsibilities: 1. To develop and implement integrated marketing plans for the Festival, incorporating communications, sales and audience development strategies. 2. To establish and oversee the marketing budgets for Festival ensuring best value is obtained from all key suppliers and ensuring compliance with the University s purchasing procedures, in liaison with Festival Director. To monitor agreed income targets adjusting spend where necessary. 3. Work closely with major Festival sponsors as required to deliver agreed marketing outcomes and to maximise branding opportunities for sponsors. 4. To develop joint marketing initiatives with stakeholder organisations, particularly in the area of cultural tourism, acting as key point of contact with appropriate external bodies. 6

7 5. To take line-management responsibility for the Festival Box Office Manager, putting in place appropriate conditions of work, sales targets and monitoring the effectiveness of the sales team at each box-office location. 6. To continue the effective and efficient management of box office software throughout all festival sales venues in conjunction with external software suppliers. To deliver timely and effective monitoring reports for Festival to track sales progress and identify strategic gaps and opportunities. 7. To develop, in conjunction with appropriate partners, the e-commerce function of the Belfast Festival, and other arts units where appropriate, including the management of the Festival website and online ticketing. 8. To line manage the Culture and Arts Press Officer in the development and implementation a year-round media strategy for the Festival to ensure a consistent delivery and application of key messages and announcements. 9. To line manage the Festival temporary marketing staff as required to assist in the delivery of year-round marketing support. 10. To produce and oversee distribution of all publicity for the Festival including corporate print, main Festival brochure and other event publicity. 11. To set in place and monitor effective Marketing Information and Customer Care Systems which answer the needs of the Festival. 12. To lead on any market research required by the Festival. 13. To maximise advertising revenue potential from brochures and other media. This to be applied with recognition of the competing needs of programme information space and requirements of established sponsors. 14. Any others duties that may be required. Planning and Organising: Contribute to organising short or medium-term developments or process changes in Festival, by applying specialist marketing, audience development, sales and communications knowledge. Develop and determine appropriate workflow and activity scheduling in order to meet targets and turnaround times. Resource Management Responsibilities (e.g. People, Finance, Equipment): Oversee resources and contribute to the resource planning process to ensure that marketing finances are appropriately and efficiently managed and monitored. Responsible for strict adherence to agreed marketing budgets. Organise own specialist work and advice, to meet Festival objectives. 7

8 Internal and External Relationships: Attend internal and external meetings to ensure that Festival work issues are appropriately represented and reported. Liaise with contacts in the wider University body to support own work activities/specific tasks, as required. May coordinate activities and communicate across and outside the University and contribute to collaborative initiatives, projects or events. 3. PERSON SPECIFICATION The University wishes to appoint an individual of the highest possible calibre, as the new Marketing Manager of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s. Candidates will be creative professionals with proven experience and a track record of achievement, with an enthusiasm and ambition to succeed. They will have an understanding of the artistic needs, challenges, and opportunities related to a multi-disciplinary international arts festival. To successfully fill this challenging role, candidates must have: Degree level education At least three years experience of Sales, Arts Marketing, Direct Marketing, Audience Development or direct sales/promotional activity. Demonstrable experience of drawing up and managing a budget, responding and adapting to fluctuations in income. Experience of income generation through advertising and other outlets. Knowledge and experience of managing a computerised box office, including online sales. Experience of planning and progressing work activities within general, professional guidelines or organisational policy, using initiative and independent judgement in their application. Able to make decisions quickly and implement them. Ability to make a strong case as an advocate for the organisation both verbally and in writing and back it up with appropriate facts and figures. Experience of setting up and managing databases. Financial training sufficient to manage budgets. Suitable analytical and problem solving ability. Creative with an ability to achieve a lot with limited financial resources. Able to communicate with wide range of people from political representatives to student volunteers. Draw up and carry out a detailed marketing plan. Produce presentations on Powerpoint. Excellent verbal, written and mathematical skills. Strong sales focus. 8

9 Demonstrate enthusiasm for the arts and a desire to make them accessible to a wide range of audiences. Tenacity and the ability to work to a range of deadlines. Able to adapt quickly to change. Courteous in the face of demanding colleagues, artists and audiences. Self-motivator. Willingness to work irregular hours throughout the year, occasionally attending evening and weekend functions. During the three weeks of the Festival, must be able to commit to working significant hours. The following desirable criteria may be applied at shortlisting and candidates, within their application, should clearly identify what experience they have in these areas: Postgraduate Marketing Qualification. Three years marketing experience in an arts or leisure environment. A current clean driving licence would assist the post holder in this role. 4. TERMS OF APPOINTMENT It is hoped that the successful candidate will be able to take up the post of Marketing Manager of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s as soon as possible, subject to existing contractual obligations and a number of conditions, including satisfactory references. The salary for this position will be in the range 30,424-39,649 (including contribution points). The successful candidate will also be eligible to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Assistance with relocation costs, if applicable, will be provided. 5. APPOINTMENT PROCESS The University is an Equal Opportunities Employer and fully complies with all Codes of Practice aimed at removing unlawful discrimination in the field of employment. Applications should be made through the Queen s University website ( Information provided on the application form should address the criteria in the person specification with specific examples included to demonstrate career achievements. The deadline for applications is Monday, 18 February It is anticipated that the Selection Committee will meet in late February 2013 to decide on the field of shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will then meet with the Selection Committee to participate in formal interviews in early March

10 Appendix 1: Student Plus Directorate Structure and Functions Director ISABEL JENNINGS Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment Culture and Arts Head of Childcare Head of Eventus Director of Accommodation and Hospitality Head of Queen s Sport Director of the Students Union MARKETING, RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS Marketing and Creative Services Domestic Recruitment and Widening Participation International Recruitment and Partnerships Admissions and Access Service Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s Queen s Film Theatre Delivery of complementary education and outreach programme Delivery of platform events to encourage discussion and debate about the arts Development of appropriate cultural and commercial partnerships Three crèche sites and an out of school club Nursery 0-12 months Tots 1-2 years Toddlers 2-3 years Pre-school 3-4 years After school 4-11 years Conferences Events Ceremonial Timetabling and Room Booking Naughton Gallery Welcome Centre Box Office Student accommodation Elms Village Student accommodation Queen s houses Staff accommodation Great Hall Banqueting Third party catering contracts PEC Malone Playing Fields Boathouse Mourne Cottage Student Sporting Clubs Sports development Sporting events Student engagement and community development Democratic services Student support Clubs and societies Enterprise and development Volunteering Bars and entertainments

11 Appendix 2: Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen s Core Team Festival Director Clerical Officer Finance Officer 0.8 FTE Marketing Manager Programme and Operations Manager Box Office Manager 0.8 FTE Additional staff recruited at peak times includes Assistant Marketing Manager, Assistant Programme and Operations Manager, PR Executive, Box Office staff, and support of over 100 volunteers. 11