Dated April 2016 Circa 35,000 to 40,000 (dependent on experience) Permanent Full-Time Post IMPORTANT NOTE

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1 Post Head of Programme Reporting To Director Dated April 2016 Salary Range Circa 35,000 to 40,000 (dependent on experience) Status Permanent Full-Time Post IMPORTANT NOTE The purpose of this Job Description is to provide an overview of the position, reporting lines and key responsibilities. It is not designed to set boundaries or limit the Job Holder s ability to operate in the way that is most effective, which may change and will evolve as the new Business Plan of Firstsite is executed. THE ROLE The Head of Programme works with the Director to creatively develop the strategy and delivery of Firstsite s artistic and learning programme in line with our Business Plan with specific focus on aligning the gallery with local and regional needs to generate increased and sustainable audience relationships and world class quality artistic activity. Firstsite advocates an integrated vision for its artistic programme, one that comprises temporary exhibitions, learning and partnerships, a film and music programme, artist s commissions and projects, publications and archive. This is a new, pivotal and demanding role in the organisation, created at a moment of significant opportunity for Firstsite as it enters a new phase of provision for Colchester. The Head of Programme will work alongside the Director to: Translate our ambitious Business Plan into a programme of world-class exhibitions and cultural activities focusing specifically on generating significantly increased and sustainable new audiences from the regions, as well as linking to international artistic conversations and interests Respond to the local and regional cultural, political and economic direction to generate activity that places Firstsite at the heart of civic life in the South East Ensure that all activities at the gallery are aligned with education and skills development needs in the South East region looking specifically at the regional schools provision, the University of Essex agenda and skills development for employers in the region Ensure that Firstsite has a publicly acknowledged reputation for creative excellence with all its partners and stakeholders Look to the future to ensure that all Firstsite activity is fit for purpose for the next generation of artists, cultural consumers and producers, positioning the gallery as an innovative and creative place with a unique role in amongst the cultural landscape of the UK. You will devise and deliver a distinctive and unique artistic and learning programme, one that is thoroughly international in scope and simultaneously engages with the remarkable history of Colchester and its environs, making Firstsite one of the foremost European and International institutions for the presentation of modern and contemporary art. The Head of Programme will bring with them excellent existing national and international contacts, recent demonstrable experience in the making of critically acclaimed exhibitions and the ability to communicate and inspire a range of audiences through learning and public programmes.

2 ENVIRONMENT Firstsite is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. The Board of Trustees are Directors who meet regularly to manage the Charity s affairs. Firstsite has a close relationship with the Arts Council of England (East), Colchester Borough Council and Essex County Council who provide funding to enable Firstsite to carry out its charitable objectives. Firstsite is also a member of the Plus Tate network. Founded in 1994, Firstsite s original home was Colchester s 18 th Century Minories building where its innovative programme of exhibitions and professional development for artists began to grow and flourish. In 2011, it moved into its current iconic building where the spectacular space enables it to offer a varied and challenging programme of exhibitions, commissions, residencies and screenings, in a broad range of media and art forms, by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. Its ambition is to create an entity that develops over years making a positive contribution to creative industries, engages with local audiences, businesses and the international contemporary art community. CHALLENGES FOR FIRSTSITE OVER NEXT 3 YEARS Enabling Firstsite to become the gallery of choice that maximises the use of space to promote regular programmes of world class contemporary art; photography and film; and local art space where the building is optimised to increase its functionality becoming a welcoming social space. Generating footfall of 200,000 visitors annually through enthusiastic conversations around ambitious programmes of contemporary art with local people Creating a viable entity that creates sustainability in the arts sector and maximises the use of all funds for public benefit Increasing our membership scheme (whether as a business, a collector or a school) which provides an enviable range of benefits whilst supporting Firstsite to develop its unique programme further, engaging with more people, from all ages and backgrounds within the arts Becoming renowned, locally, nationally and internationally, for its ability to look outwards developing a distinctive brand that brings vibrant exhibitions of art together with its community Using contemporary art to support the improvement of educational outcomes creating connections between young people, creative industries, wider skills development and entry into work. JOB DESCRIPTION STRATEGIC As a member of the Senior Management Team to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation and actively participate in new developments including capital planning, communications, partnerships and fundraising To strategically develop and manage the programme at Firstsite and contribute to the organisation s artistic and learning vision in agreement with the Director To formulate and agree the learning, partnership and audience development strategies at Firstsite and to ensure their delivery To actively seek opportunities for strategic partnerships with external partners that further Firstsite s reach and audience engagement. ARTISTIC PROGRAMME To research and develop Firstsite s artistic and learning programme in direct response to the Director s vision and responding at all times to the priorities in the Business Plan particularly around audience development and engagement

3 ARTISTIC PROGRAMME continued To successfully plan, manage and deliver all aspects of Firstsite s artistic and learning programme including exhibitions, auditorium activities, offsite projects and commissions, learning and public programmes and events to time and to budget In collaboration with the Director, to directly initiate a proportion, and curate and deliver Firstsite s temporary exhibitions and learning programme (amongst other related artistic projects) To directly manage the work programmes of the Curatorial and Learning Team staff, ensuring the successful administration and technical installation of exhibitions and projects whilst continually thinking about and ensuring high quality audience experience To develop the Programme Team s expertise and to be a role model for professional excellence To commission and assist with the production of artist s commissions To manage, write and provide editorial co-ordination to Firstsite publications To feed into the organisation s evaluation models and use analysis of the information gathered to inform activities To liaise with collectors and lending institutions on private and public administration of loans To actively seek programme collaboration and partnerships with other institutions nationally and internationally. FINANCIAL AND FUNDRAISING To plan and control the Programme Team s budget, in agreement with the Director To raise additional funds for the artistic and learning programme from Trusts and Foundations, sponsorship, private individuals and other sources against identified targets and in liaison with the Director and Head of Development & Communications To support the Director and Head of Development & Communications in leading Patrons tours and events, supporting programme related fundraising initiatives and coordinating evaluation for major Trusts and Foundation awards To seek opportunities for the commercial recoupment of investment in artist s commissions and to actively work with colleagues on realising the full commercial income and fundraising potential related to programme activity. COMMUNICATIONS & ADVOCACY To deliver presentations of the programme and to represent Firstsite to Press and Media and to various local, national and international constituencies and stakeholders, inside and outside the art sector To deputise for the Director, when necessary, on matters relating to the artistic programme To work with the Communications and Learning Team to ensure that the programmes reach a wide range of formal and informal groups and visitors in direct response to audience research To oversee the commissioning of texts, images and other content for exhibition print, the website and interpretation of the artistic programme in dialogue with the Communications and Learning Team. GENERAL To report to Firstsite s Board of Trustees and Programme Board, when requested To liaise with the Buildings and Visitor Services Managers on risk assessments and front of house communications To travel and work outside of core hours, as required To be aware of relevant legislation (eg DDA, Employment Law, Health & Safety, etc) To demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the role that diversity and inclusion play in the activities of Firstsite To undertake any other duties as required by the Executive, Director or Board

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION Management and development experience in an arts context Extensive knowledge of international contemporary art, its professional contexts, and ability to generate strong proposals for exhibitions and artist s projects Wide ranging contacts in the art world nationally and internationally Experience of managing substantial exhibitions, and touring exhibitions, of international art Understanding of, and ability to work well with artists and collaborate effectively with other organisations, including Education and Learning providers A commitment to and evidence of delivering innovative and impactful learning, public programme and audience development initiatives Experience of gallery innovation and change A commitment to and an interest in civic responsibility and the positive role Firstsite can play in society through its artistic programme Flexibility in terms of travel and working hours Ideally, educated to degree level or equivalent.

5 CRITICAL BEHAVIOURS AND COMPETENCIES IDENTIFIED LEADING AND SUPERVISING Provides others with a clear direction Sets appropriate standards of behaviour Delegates work appropriately and fairly Motivates and empowers others Recruits staff of a high calibre Provides staff with development opportunities and coaching RELATING AND NETWORKING Establishes good relationships with artists, partners, audiences and staff Builds wide and effective networks of contacts inside and outside the organisation Relates well to people at all levels Manages conflict Uses humour appropriately to enhance relationships with others PERSUADING AND INFLUENCING Makes a strong personal impression on others Gains clear agreement and commitment from others by persuading, convincing and negotiating Promotes ideas on behalf of self or others Makes effective use of political processes to influence and persuade others WRITING AND REPORTING Writes clearly and succinctly and correctly Writes convincingly in an engaging and expressive manner Avoids the unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language Writes in a well-structured and logical way Structures information to meet the needs of the target audience CREATING AND INNOVATING Produces new ideas, approaches or insights Creates innovative products or designs Produces a range of solutions to problems Seeks opportunities for organisational improvement Devises effective change initiative PLANNING AND ORGANISING Sets clearly defined objectives Plans activities and projects well in advance, taking account of possible changing circumstances Manages time effectively Identifies and organises resources needed to accomplish tasks Monitors performance against deadlines and milestones Updated 18 April 2016