Job Vacancy | Venue Director at Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
Riverbank Arts Centre, the county arts centre for Kildare, located at the heart of the county in Newbridge, is entering an exciting period of change and development and to help lead the organisation through this period of transformation they are seeking to recruit an experienced and skilled Venue Director.
The role, which will report directly to the Board of Riverbank Arts Centre will be responsible for the effective and efficient business delivery, ensuring Riverbank Arts Centre achieves its artistic and developmental objectives.
Objectives of the Role:
Business performance management
Work closely with the Board in developing and executing the company’s annual business strategies.
Manage the overall activities of the business in line with the Board policy, stakeholders, and all approved financial objectives.
To develop and implement an artistic and commercial programme that meets the needs of the theatre.
Work with other members of the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the implementation of operational and strategic plans.
Communicate and maintain trust relationships with stakeholders, business partners and authorities.
Develop relationships with artists, performers, agents and performance networks.
To devise and implement strategies to further develop the theatre’s operations, and enhance the return from Box Office and other retail streams.
Sustain market position and seek out opportunities for expansion and growth by developing new business relationships.
Negotiate / devise / develop new arts initiatives in response to perceived needs.
Negotiate terms for the use of the centre.
Work to maintain and deepen positive relationships with other cultural, educational and funding bodies, including the Kildare County Council, The Arts Council, The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Manage and oversee the Arts Centre building, its facilities and equipment regarding Health and Safety; maintenance and cleanliness programme, with cognisance of the Licence to Use Agreement between Riverbank Arts Centre Ltd and Kildare County Council.
Ensure that any scheduled maintenance works are carried out in a timely and efficient manner to an acceptable standard.
Programming
To source and/or generate an artistic and commercial programme that meets the needs of the arts centre, with particular emphasis on efficient scheduling of the building, timely completion of contracts, efficient communication with incoming companies, and regular analysis of the performance of programmed shows.
Develop a strategic plan for the long-term arts programming of the centre, which will engage both existing and potential audiences.
HR Management
Manage the Riverbank Team: Ensure clarity of all employee roles and responsibilities, and effective management and accountability.
Liaise with and advise the Board on all matters relating to employment and contracts.
Design and implement an effective internal communications strategy.
Be responsible for employee welfare, including safety, training and discipline.
Financial Management and Governance
Manage overall budget and evaluate performance against productivity and competitiveness.
Liaise with the Board of Directors on all matters relating to finance, with cognisance of the Cultural Funding Agreement between Kildare County Council and Riverbank Arts Centre Ltd.
Set clear financial targets and work with The Board to determine the annual budget.
Prepare a multi-year Business Plan and within this, an annual operational plan, with cognisance for resources available.
Support the Board to ensure the company polices and the corporate governance framework is implemented.
Source and maximise grant aid, sponsorship, donations, earned income and other sources of funding
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience
- Third level Degree in Arts Management, Business or Marketing and/or equivalent in discipline(s) relevant to the job accountabilities
- Experience devising and developing successful artistic and commercial programme
- A minimum three years’ relevant senior management experience either in a commercial organisation or in the management of an arts organisation, preferably venue based
- Experience of maximising profit through financial planning and analysis
- Strong business acumen, strategic thinking and focus on operational excellence
- Competencies in relation to governance, HR, and financial management
- Strong analytical ability
- Excellent communication skills
- Problem-solving aptitude