The Old Church (TOC) is an arts and performance venue in the heart of Stoke Newington. We are committed to inspiring arts and inspiring community, a mission in keeping with the rich history of our historic building which dates back to 1563. We have been operating as an arts venue since 2013, hosting a wide variety of music and other performance events. The building, which has an exceptional acoustic, remains a consecrated church with services every Sunday. We believe that through participation in innovative artistic projects, local people experience the arts in new ways, and through exploring their creativity together, build bridges within our community. By drawing diverse communities together, we celebrate diversity and thus deepening a sense of community and belonging.

The Old Church is a not-for-profit company run by a Management Board. We are seeking an artistic practitioner with experience of delivering successful and high quality community projects in any art form who will play a vital role in the continuing success and development of the organisation. As a senior employee, the Community Arts Programme Manager will be responsible to the Management Board both for the day-to-day running of the venue and the implementation of strategy. The role combines creative work with hands-on management. The Community Arts Programme Manager will have a deep understanding of the arts sector, with the ability to capitalise on opportunities for partnerships and collaboration, as well as excellent communication skills. The Community Arts Programme Manager will be supported by a part-time Venue Manager and a part-time Administrator.

Primary objectives
Design and deliver arts-based community projects to engage with local groups and particularly those that currently do not have a relationship with TOC. These projects should be in line with the values and mission and could be based around the candidate’s specialist art form - be it theatre, music, visual arts, or across art forms.
Fundraise for specific time-limited projects via grants, foundations and charitable trusts to realise these projects and design suitable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Raise the profile of the space as a destination for high quality arts whilst also supporting the Venue Manager in the running of events, management on the day, and creating a sustainable financial model.

Main duties
Network within the diverse local community, being alert to vulnerable groups who have less access to the arts and marginalised communities that TOC does not reach at present.
Initiate and develop artistic collaborations and creative partnerships with local groups, leading to community led programming.
Maintain a good working relationship with St Mary’s Church. Be sympathetic to, and prepared to work with, the church community.
Sustain and build on existing good relationships with local stakeholders, e.g. team of volunteers, the council, schools, businesses and artists.
Oversee programme of live events to ensure it is in line with the values and mission by identifying and collaborating with inspirational artists.
Shared responsibility for ensuring that the building is ready for upcoming events to include attendance at and management of events once a fortnight.
Overall responsibility for the venue’s operations and management of the team.
Identify and apply for relevant funding opportunities to enable the delivery of creative projects and for the preservation and maintenance of the building.
Monitor and evaluate community projects and the profile of participants and audiences.
Oversee financial management and report regularly at meetings of the Management Board and any sub-committees.
The list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time. The Community Arts Programme Manager may be required to perform other duties as operationally required and at the discretion of the Management Board.

Experience and knowledge
Significant experience of devising and delivering creative community projects, in any art form, working with diverse groups and different age groups.
Experience of community networking leading to greater participation by people often under-represented in the arts.
Project and budget management experience, including reporting to the board and other stakeholders.
Track record in raising funds from a variety of public and private sources and submitting successful bids for grants and sponsorship.
Proven record of working in partnership on projects and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
An understanding of effective marketing strategies to reach new audiences.
Familiarity with established evaluation and monitoring tools.
Experience of managing live events and familiarity with issues around health & safety and licensing
Experience of managing staff and implementing processes for regular feedback.

Skills and abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to think creatively, present, persuade, negotiate and advocate as required.
Excellent organisational skills with rigorous attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively.
Ability to work independently, and collaboratively as part of a small team.
Ability to work under pressure, deliver projects to deadline and within budget.
Ability to do some digital marketing of cultural events when necessary, and knowledge of how to grow a social media audience.

Hours and remuneration
This is a part-time role, initially 3 days per week. There can be some flexibility, in discussion with the Chair of the Board, over when those hours are worked, though the Director will be expected to spend a significant amount of time each week in Stoke Newington, and to commit to weekly meetings with other staff.
With such a small team, it is expected that all staff members will be able to cover each other’s roles for sickness/holidays. The Community Arts Programme Manager is expected to plan/run events in the absence of the Venue Manager.
The salary will be £15,000 for 3 days a week, equivalent to £25,000 a year if the role was full-time. We pay statutory pension contributions. 

Application process
To apply, please email [log in to unmask] and ask for an application pack. The Old Church is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants of all ages and abilities and from all backgrounds.

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