Performing Arts Audience Development & Engagement Coordinator

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here

The Role and the Department   

The Student Enrichment Directorate (SED) is striving to play a pivotal role in developing, delivering and transforming a Wider Student Experience that is as impactful as anything in the world. We remain steadfast in our core commitment to accelerating the growth of far-reaching and market-leading programmes across performance, participation and community outreach, whilst fostering a culture that safeguards academic excellence. We are guided by the belief that an investment in the Wider Student Experience is ultimately an investment in the quality of graduates that the University produces and are motivated by the opportunity to engage and inspire the next generation of talent. In doing so, we feel confident that we are making a positive contribution to the development of rounded, global citizens.

The Audience Development & Engagement Coordinator will take the lead on marketing all Durham University Student Performing Arts activities, and all events at the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre. They will take the lead on developing a programme of access and outreach, to enable wider use of the theatre.

They will work with University, local and national partners.

They will work closely with the Performing Arts Senior Manager, Performing Arts Manager, Operations and Technical Coordinator, Theatre Building Coordinator and Finance Assistant. They will play a key role in the development of the four Performing Arts graduate interns. 

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
•  The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• We offer generous pension schemes.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification 
When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.   
  
 

Your application should cover the following criteria: 

Essential Criteria

Qualifications/Experience

1.      Five GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics or a Post-16 qualification or equivalent experience.

2.      Experience of working in a busy performing arts environment delivering front line administrative services to a high standard.

3.      Experience of managing time to meet deadlines and working under pressure without compromising on quality.

4.      Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.

5.      Experience of working on the front line with service delivery, and the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6.      Arts marketing experience, including the creation of printed materials

7.      Social media management and content creation

8.      Website maintenance

9.      Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

10.   Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications.

11.   Ability to solve problems yourself and as part of a team and resolve issues, plan solutions and make pragmatic decisions.

12.   Demonstrable passion for working in the Arts, in music, theatre or another discipline.

13.   Committed to continuing professional development.

14.   Ability to participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.

Qualifications/Experience

Desirable Criteria

1.     Box office and ticketing experience

2.     Experience of increasing revenue in an arts environment

3.     Knowledge of the Durham Student Organisation framework

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. 

There will be a practical test prior to interview.

This role requires occasional evening and weekend work, particularly during term time, to support and enable Student Performing Arts activity for which time of in lieu will be given.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails
 
 What you are required to submit:
 •    A CV
 •    A supporting statement which shows examples of how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification 

Contact details
If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Nicola Candlish is happy to speak to you. [email protected] .

Typical Role Requirements  

Service Delivery

·        Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

·        Help to develop and implement policies and procedures relating to your service area.

·        Ensure that data is accurate and provide reports and analysis of patterns and trends to senior colleagues.

·        Prepare reports for senior managers.

·        Grow and maintain a network of contacts including visitors, audience members, alumni, University staff, professional practitioners, local and national Arts networks. 

Planning and Organising

·        Organise and schedule assigned tasks, delegating to Performing Arts Graduate Interns.

·        With the team oversee theatre calendar to ensure appropriate programming, considering the University values of inclusion, diversity and participation.

·        Co-ordinate external hires and actively promote the Assembly Rooms Theatre as a venue for local, regional, and national theatre groups to hire for performances.

·        Monitor processes and activities to ensure team priorities are met.

·        Lead on delivery of audience development and outreach for the Performing Arts unit. Working with local partners and Durham University Student Volunteering to develop the existing outreach and engagement offer.

·        Contribute to an action plan to achieve an increase in the numbers of students from underrepresented groups participating in Performing Arts.

·        With the team devise methods to increase Theatre revenue, through advertising, concession partnerships, and external hires. Demonstrate effective revenue generation through financial record keeping.

·        Working closely with the University Marketing and Communications Department to develop and deliver an action plan to enhance the overall visibility of Student Performing Arts both internally and externally, including marketing of the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre.

·        Design and create items of print marketing and programmes, working with Graduate Interns and student societies as required.

·        Write and proof-read copy as required.

·        Develop and implement a social media marketing strategy.

·        Maintain Unit websites and SharePoint sites.

·        Continually review what is required from students and colleagues to make sure the best possible service is provided.

·        Ensure that processes and business systems effectively support the services being delivered by the team. For example, in show listings, box office and reconciliations.

Teamwork

·        Identify opportunities and contribute to decisions on how to improve services being delivered by the team.

·        With the team ensure box office listings are created in a timely and accurate manner.

·        With the team ensure Box Office IT systems are functional and compatible with University IT provision.

·        Provide specialist support and advice to team members on audience development and outreach matters.

·        Explain and provide instruction to other team members on marketing/social media.

Communication/Liaison

·        Use your knowledge and expertise to provide advice and guidance to resolve problems and respond to a wide range of queries.

·        Seek feedback from staff, students and theatre users on their requirements from your service and recommend improvements to senior colleagues.

·        Provide instruction and demonstrations to others within casual Box Office and Bar team.

·        Create good working relationships with other team members and anyone else that you come across as part of your role to work together on joint activities.

·        Create good working relationships with internal and external partners and suppliers to work together on joint activities.

·        Build relationships with contacts and contribute to internal and external networks to share good practice and exchange information.

·        Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, specialists and service providers to plan the delivery of services and events.

·        Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University  which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.