Recruitment BriefExecutive Producer, Leeds 2023

Closing date: 23 September 2020Interview date: 6 & 7 October 2020Contract type: Fixed term to March 2024Salary: 60,000 per annum

LEEDSCULTURETRUST

0113 378 7751www.leeds2023.co.uk

Leeds Culture Trust (Limitedby Guarantee) Registeredin England and Wales.No: 10674601Charity number: 1184883 Girl Gang Music Leeds, Andrew Benge

Introduction to Leeds 2023

Leeds 2023: Year of Culture

Leeds 2023 will be a landmark year of culture for the city and region. Our ambitious and ground-breaking programme will transform people’s perceptions of Leeds, confirming it as an international centre of cultural activity and cementing its reputation as a cultural giant in the world.

Showcasing creativity across all forms of culture, we will partner with local, national and international artists, creatives and storytellers to deliver a series of world-class signature events across the year. From dance to design, art to architecture, poetry to pop, sculpture to sport, there will be something for everyone!

We are now looking to build our team and are on the look-out for talented people who share our passion, enthusiasm and commitment to delivering a year of extraordinary experiences.

What are we looking for?

Reporting lines

Responsible to: Executive DirectorWorking closely with: Creative Director/ CEO

Main Purpose

To manage the producing and creative delivery function for Leeds 2023, effectively and efficiently, over all programmes of work. The Executive Producer will oversee delivery of a range of new artistic commissions, co-productions, collaborations and other events for the lead up to and during the Leeds 2023 festival. Provide leadership and support to line Producers from R&D through to presentation of the projects in Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Producer will work closely with the Creative Director/CEO with the following responsibilities:

Commissioning, Programming and Curation

With the Creative Director/CEO devise a multi-arts cultural festival that showcases Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region.

Support the development and commissioning of new work that has international, national and regional significance.

Work closely with existing cultural institutions, artists and the creative community to curate and programme the cultural offer in line with the Leeds 2023 strategic plan.

Ensure representation is considered across all areas of the programme.

Where appropriate, work with existing organisations to devolve the delivery of events, installations, exhibitions and cultural activity.

Ensure projects and events are appropriately modelled and delivered particularly in light of the Covid-19 requirements.

Executive Producer Job Description

Executive Producer Job Description

Technical, Production & Operations

• Lead the procurement of any specialist technical, production or operations requirements to enable and support the delivery of the year of culture.

• Support digital innovation across all activities as necessary

• Ensure that activities are carried out in full compliance of all Health & Safety requirements

• Work with appointed cultural organisations, artists and partners to draw up rehearsal, production and live event schedules to fit into overall planning.

• Ensure a high standard of operational management and service across all functions.

Programme Management

• Lead the day-to-day management of the delivery and production team, ensuring all areas of work are staffed and resourced to a consistently high standard.

• Monitor progress against milestones and project timelines to deliver to schedule and within budget.

• Create artistic and operational delivery plans for the year of culture, helping recruit and guide the producing team to deliver these.

• Working with the executive team, contract all artists and cultural partners; securing all rights, permissions and copyright for materials in the delivery of creative projects.

• Ensure that all projects are delivered to the highest possible standards and within Leeds 2023 values and guidelines.

Audiences & Digital Engagement

• Working with Marketing & Communications team to maximise opportunities for audiences to engage in the year of culture, supporting cultural partners to deliver joined up promotion and audience development.

• Maximise the opportunities for participation, community engagement and access across the year of culture.

• Ensure digital art is central to our commissioning and programming plans, maximising new audience development and global engagement.

• Work closely with the Creative Director and the Chair of the board to maximise opportunities for audiences to experience the year of culture through online and broadcast platforms.

Budget & Fundraising

• Lead on the day-to-day management of the programme budget, working closely with the Executive Director to report and monitor variance to planned expenditure.

• Support the development of funding applications to support the year of cultural, including devising draft production budgets, negotiating co-commissioning opportunities and delivering research and development for new commissions.

Stakeholder Relations

• Work in genuine partnership with the cultural sector and creative community of Leeds and the region to deliver a successful and creative year of culture that leaves the arts ecology of Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region stronger.

• Manage cross-functional relationships to ensure effective communications and coordination.

• Develop creative presentations to be used to communicate with the multiple stakeholders.

• Work to satisfy differing needs of multiple stakeholders; ensuring the best outcome for Leeds 2023, Leeds City Council, partners, sponsors and artists.

Responsibilities of the role will evolve during the lifespan of the programme and it is likely that the role profile will evolve with the changing needs of the Leeds 2023.

Executive Producer Job Description

Executive Producer Skills Profile

Essential

Qualifications:

• Relevant industry experience in culture and multi-arts programming; including a significant working knowledge of Leeds and the region’s cultural sector and creative community

Skills & Ability

• Highly skilled in multi-arts programming with excellent creative connections• Ability to find clarity and direction in a multi-stakeholder creative environment in order to deliver a

high-quality cultural programme and audience experience• Exceptional planning and project management skills • Ability to assess production requirements and implement the most appropriate delivery model for

Leeds 2023• Energetic and dynamic individual with senior level organisational skills.• Resilient with an effective approach to resolving challenges and identifying solutions• Able to model different budget options in the development of a cultural programme• Ability to build relationships, with speed and credibility, with people at all levels (internal or

external)• Proven success in managing new commissions, co-productions and/or cross organisation

cultural programmes• Strong analytical skills in solving multi-faceted problems, weighs up cross-organisation and

external factors in reaching a decision for Leeds 2023

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven effectiveness in delivering high-profile creative projects• Working knowledge of all parts of production, delivery and audience development • Proven record in people management• Proven experience delivering cultural programmes in partnership with multiple creative

organizations• Experienced in budget management for rapidly evolving time-limited projects• Experienced in working within a multi-stakeholder environment• A commitment to championing diversity at every level of the organisation with a knowledge of a

diverse range of cultures and a proven ability to work with people from a wide variety of backgrounds

• Experience of using digital collaboration and engagement tools and ambition to remain at the forefront of new digital innovations

Desirable

Knowledge and Experience

• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent

Executive Producer: Personal Qualities

Teamwork

• Embraces diversity and displays respect and loyalty to colleagues, the organisation and partners• Engages effectively, and is helpful and supportive towards others• Highly collaborative, taking the time to engage with team members• Reliable and committed to success of the team• Able to multitask and willing to take on additional roles and tasks

Communication

• Natural communicator at all levels, approachable and knowledgeable; • Open and transparent but also maintains trust and confidentiality;• Prepared to challenge information and bureaucracy;• Embraces and absorbs new information;• Proposes ideas and communicates these to others

Commitment and results delivery

• Displays the highest levels of integrity and commitment with an ability to deliver excellent results• Plans ahead and manages time effectively• Deals with ambiguity, flexible and creative in approach to delivery• Resilient and positive through change and adapts positively • Takes accountability and ownership of tasks and problems• Tenacious and seeks to overcome obstacles and challenges• Meets milestones and is committed to achieving a positive result• Uses initiative to resolve matters within control and understands when to pass on relevant issues or

incidents• Follows rules and guidelines• Provides quality work that is fit for purpose• A strong commitment to equality and diversity• A strong commitment to the green agenda and a good understanding of global climate change issues

Motivation and drive

• Self - motivated and proud to be part of the experience• Demonstrates enjoyment in their work• Professional, polite and approachable manner• Positive attitude and optimistic and able to work under pressure• Resilient, calm and in control of emotions

How to apply:

Please send your CV and cover letter to JenniferGridley@leeds2023.co.uk, please address your cover letter to Mark Hollander, Executive Director of Leeds 2023.

The closing date for applications is 17:00 Wednesday 23 September 2020 with interviews scheduled for 6 & 7 of October.

This is a fixed term contract until March 2024

If you have any questions relating to your application please contact: Jennifer Gridley at JenniferGridley@leeds2023.co.uk or on 0113 511 2023