Take the lead on developing programmes and events that fill the streets, hearts and minds with the wonder and colour of circus.
The overall purpose of the new Head of Programmes, Pathways and Participation role is to ensure our vision is realised and progress towards our creative objectives evidenced. Day-to-day responsibilities include: working with a team of skilled freelancers, artists and performers as well as managing a couple of outreach roles to ensure our programmes and events are brilliant and surprising. You will also be responsible for building strong relationships with our new Circus Advisory Board and leading on developing a culture of participation and collaboration in all that we do. For more detail, see the full job description and person specification attached.
Application is by CV and covering statement. Deadline is 31st October 2021. Interviews will be held on the 8th/9th/10th November, in Belfast/by Zoom.
A bit about us
Over the past three years we have focused on listening to our circus family and key stakeholders about what they think our strengths are and where we can do more. Out of that work we identified the need to rebrand and redefine our purpose.
It’s really important to us that the people who love us have been part of that journey and continue to be part of that journey as we:
• build on the past 35 years
• understand the now, and
• propel ourselves into the future.
Over the last 18 months we have been working hard to develop a new strategy and make internal changes so that we have the right people in the right roles to implement our strategy until 2025.
We’re proud of the work we have done to get us to here and we believe we can hold our heads high as we continue to develop BCCS with our history, brand, vision, mission and values at the centre of everything we do.
Vision A 21st Century where streets, hearts and minds are filled with the wonder and colour of circus.
Mission We support people to surprise themselves through Circus. We meet them where they are, have fun and create a community together.
Main areas of responsibility are to:
• Lead on the design, development and evaluation of our circus programmes – including class content, skill development, accreditation, performance and new projects we have not yet imagined – Always working to ensure a high-quality experience that supports all participants to develop personally, socially and emotionally.
• Take responsibility for leading a team to realise our Christmas Show, Community Corner at Festival of Fools Showcases and other performance work and fundraising events.
• Develop, implement and secure funding to enable clear routes of progression and high-quality participation for people of all ages and abilities.
• Build and advocate for a culture of team support, participation, shared decision making and consistent approaches to project management across the organisation.
• Manage and support the outreach staff team and our team of freelance trainers/performers/artists.
• Enable and support trainers, circus artists and performers to develop their art form, skills and characters.
• Identify, build and realise brilliant relationships with other individuals and organisations, working towards opportunities for street theatre and circus artists across Ireland and internationally.
Key facts:
• Reports to: This role is line managed by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Hours per week: 37.5 hours over 5 days.
• Salary: Scale PO1/PO2 – £31,346 – £35,745 (Depending on experience.)
• Holidays: 25 days per annum, plus 11 bank/public holidays (Subject to review.)
• Contract Term: Permanent, subject to funding. As a new role, there will be a six-month probationary period.
• Line management: This role manages the outreach team (staff team) and has responsibility for supporting and leading the freelance team.
• How this role is funded: Belfast City Council, Garfield Weston, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Esmée Fairburn Foundation and various other sources.
• Blended working: This role will be predominantly office based, but also offers opportunities for remote working.
Please refer to the attached PDF for the full job description and person specification.
Who you’re likely to be working with:
Our relationships with each other and all the people we work with are essential to everything we do. This is particularly true for this role. As such, to successfully deliver our strategy, the successful applicant, will play a pivotal role in delivering all our strategic goals and will depend on strong relationships with all other members of the team and wider circus family.
Application process:
- Ready to apply?
- Send the following to: Jenna@BelfastCircus.org by midnight on Sunday 31st October 2021.
- A covering statement (no more than two sides of A4) that clearly evidences how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria listed above.
- An up to date CV.
- Contact details for two referees. (These must be current/previous employers and/or someone who has taught you at school, college or university.)
- We may approach your referees before the process has concluded. If you’d rather we didn’t please note this on your application.
- What about the interview format?
- We expect interviews to take place on/around 8th/9th/10th November 2021.
- We hope to be able to do face to face interviews in Circus School. Should this not be possible for any reason we will use Zoom.
- Please notify us of any access requirements / reasonable adjustments you need in order to participate fully in the interview.
- We may:
- ask applicants to do a presentation/undertake a seen/unseen task.
- involve the wider team in recruitment.
- opt to have a second round, if needed.
- Do you have questions or want to know more?
- Email Jenna (CEO) Jenna@BelfastCircus.org to arrange a time for an informal (confidential) chat.