Arts Officer

Arts Officer

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

Temporary (Approx 20 weeks)

£21.55 per hour

36 hours per week

Main Purpose

• To manage in conjunction with the Arts Officer (Programming) the Arts Service, staff and resources, including the Down Arts Centre building.
• To be responsible for the district wide development of arts programming by working in partnership with external bodies to ensure that Down District Council takes the lead in meeting the arts development needs of Down district.
• To devise, implement and monitor the Arts Service Visual and Participatory Arts Programme by demonstrating and maintaining an in-depth knowledge of local and national artists and practitioners and audience development practice.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

1. To lead, motivate and appraise those staff reporting directly to the post holder within agreed timescales and promote the development of staff to ensure the coordination of all work programmes to meet and achieve the objectives of the Council
2. To demonstrate and maintain a specialist knowledge of the visual and participatory arts in Northern Ireland and to maintain a good understanding of the key trends in these areas across the UK and Ireland.
3. To develop and promote effectively the Councils provision of visual and participatory arts services.
4. To have overall responsibility for the maintenance of a safe working environment, ensuring that health and safety requirements are adhered to at all times.
5. To prepare financial estimates for the service and deliver the service within the predetermined budgets.
6. To prepare, implement and monitor business plans and to evaluate and agree/review performance objectives for the service; to contribute through the Assistant Director to the Corporate Plan and budget.
7. To prepare, implement and monitor a risk register for the Arts Service and give a stewardship statement as required to the Assistant Director or Director on the management of the register.
8. To develop, monitor and review Arts Service strategies, policies and procedures to meet the current and future requirements in line with best practice and change legislation, which support the Councils corporate plan.
9. Identify and negotiate contracts with all service providers of visual and participatory arts events, ensuring that all relevant legal requirements are fulfilled.
10. Ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to cover the Councils liability in respect of insurance, security and Health and Safety for the visual and participatory arts programme.
11. To prepare reports for Council and Committee meetings as required by the Assistant Director.
12. To authorise the purchase of goods and/or services in accordance with the Councils procurement policy.
13. To design, implement and monitor marketing and audience development activities for the Arts Service and for the individual events within each season programme.
14. To collaborate with other services, departments and external organisations in the promotion of festivals and other events that promote Down district.
15. To identify and bid for financial resources from third parties, ensuring value for money and effective use of resources within the allocated areas of responsibility.
16. Carry out evaluation and research in order to develop the services.
17. To act as Duty Officer, taking full charge of the Arts Centre Building and other venues/sites when appropriate.
18. This involves working outside normal hours.
19. To contribute to corporate, departmental and regional working groups as required.
20. To assist with the implementation of the Councils Emergency Plan when required.
21. To ensure that corporate policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.

Essential Criteria:

(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)

1. A relevant third-level qualification in Arts Management, Arts Administration, Cultural Management, Fine Art or a related discipline.

2. A minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in managing or developing visual and/or participatory arts programmes, preferably within an arts, cultural or public sector environment.

3. Experience of managing staff and resources, including motivating, supervising, appraising and developing staff to achieve organisational objectives.

4. Experience of financial and budget management, including preparing financial estimates, monitoring expenditure and ensuring value for money.

5.Hold a full current driving licence and access to transport, or access to transport to meet the requirements of the post

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level