NSA Assistant Director
Job Description
Application deadline:
5pm 04 July 2008
| Job Title: | Assistant Director, Creative & Cultural National Skills Academy |
| Contract: | 1-year fixed term contract |
| Salary: | £47,750 plus benefits |
| Location: | London |
| Responsible to: | Executive Director, Programmes & Industry |
| Direct Report: | Project Assistant |
Overall Purpose of the Role
In May 2008 Creative & Cultural Skills received Government approval of its bid to build a National Skills Academy (NSA), a £15 million employer-led, world class centre of excellence for delivering the skills of the creative and cultural sector. From April 2009, the NSA will have its administrative centre (hub) in Purfleet, Essex and will operate across the country through regional spoke organisations. Initially focusing on technical theatre and live music, the NSA’s remit is, working together with employers, freelancers, colleges and training providers throughout the country, to execute industry-led standards, training and qualifications with the appropriate learning and skills agencies, in order to achieve ‘world-class training’ for the world’s greatest stages
This role presents an exciting opportunity for the Assistant Academy Director, working to the NSA Project Director, to put in place the NSA business plan and to:
- Take the development of the NSA to the next stage in terms of policy, practical and capital development.
- Work with further and higher education partners, trade and industry bodies and regional industry to establish the NSA to start operations through regional spoke organisations from September 2008.
- Work on the capital application process and work with Thurrock and Thames Gateway Regeneration Corporation, the architects and the construction teams to deliver a new-build centre for the NSA in Purfleet to open between September – December 2010.
- Develop the approach for CPD co-ordination for the technical theatre and live music sectors.
Resources Impacted On
The projected turnover of the NSA in year one is:
Turnover £1,350,800 (2008/2009)
Budget £1,350,800 (2008/2009)
N.B. £900,000 of the budget is part of agreed development funding from the LSC and Arts Council England. Additional income will need to be realised in Year One to achieve this turnover
Other Requirements:
- The successful candidate will be based at Creative & Cultural Skills’ office in London SE1. The post holder will need, however, to travel on a regular basis to Thurrock to liaise with the Thames Thurrock Gateway Development Corporation and to make arrangements for establishing the NSA at an appropriate site in the Thurrock region, prior to the opening of the new building.
- Hours of work will be 0900 – 1800 with the expectation that the post holder will manage their own hours and take on any national and regional travel in order to realise the establishment of the NSA through its regional spoke organisations across England.
Key Accountabilities:
Working to the NSA Project Director, to:
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Manage the development of the NSA including the successful opening of the regional programmes / spokes by September 2009, the development of NSA products and services, etc. as detailed in the business plan.
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Manage the development of the capital project in Purfleet, leading to keeping the project on track for a successful opening by the end of 2010. This will involve ongoing negotiations with Thurrock Thames Gateway District Council and Development Corporation; applications for capital funding; implementing and managing a capital fundraising strategy.
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Manage fundraising for the project in all its aspects to achieve the necessary income for the NSA’s successful operation.
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Maintain excellent links with the Learning and Skills Council and other relevant educations agencies; employers, employer organisations and freelancers in order to fully engage all parties in the NSA.
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Oversee the curriculum and academic development of the NSA to ensure that it establishes itself as a leading training provider in technical theatre and live music.
Work with Creative & Cultural Skills to ensure the successful implementation of the Creative Apprenticeships programme. -
Ensure that the NSA is a best practice employer, achieving excellent performance in the areas of equality and diversity.
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Work with stakeholders both within and beyond the immediate constituency, to ensure the long-term viability of the NSA.
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Build and manage relationships with employers, training providers, and stakeholders to ensure the effective running and continued development of the NSA.
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Regular communication with employees to ensure projects and operational tasks are developed, targets and deadlines are set, which are in line with CCSkills objectives and values.
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Manage, develop and support employees using regular performance reviews.
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Take responsibility for your own development and skills needs by committing to at least 5 days continuing professional development each year.
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To take responsibility for the health and safety of self, staff and clients – identifying recording and acting upon potential safety matters promptly and in accordance with organisation’s policy and procedures.
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In addition to the duties set out above you may from time to time be required to undertake additional duties as necessary to meet the needs of the organisation.
Person Profile
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Experience | Track record of working with the cultural sector at a senior level / project management Experience of managing complex projects on time and to budget Experience of working in complex stakeholder contexts Experience of fundraising Experience of capital projects |
Experience of working with the education sector, particularly at further and higher education level, and / or with policy making and funding bodies |
| Attainments | Educated to degree level or equivalent |
Arts or Cultural Management qualification |
| Special Aptitudes | Understanding of the technical theatre and live music sectors Understanding of current developments in the learning and skills sector Understanding of the funding and policy environment within which the NSA will be operating Excellent communication skills and ability to present to groups |
Change management experience |
| Disposition | A self-reliant team player – ability to work on own initiative to a high-level brief |
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| Thinking Style | Innovative approach |
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| Circumstances | London based, but regional travel as required to engage with partners across England. |