Urban Development’s vision is to be THE talent development centre and national youth music organisation for commercial and urban music - recognised by the public sector for the social and cultural impact of our work and respected and rewarded by the private sector for the value we add to the commercial music industry.
Combining business acumen with an understanding of youth culture, our work stands at the crossroads where the creativity of new music meets the industry. We offer a one-stop-shop for talent development led by artists, songwriters, producers and industry professionals with a proven track record of commercial success. Through sustained education, business/employment support programmes and showcase events, we help young people and emerging artists/professionals to access, and progress within, the highly competitive music industry.
Throughout our 16+ year history, we have produced transformational personal, social and creative outcomes for participants (core demographic of 14 – 25 year olds, 70% BAME and many from disadvantaged communities). Artists we’ve worked with in their early careers are now commercial household names. Young people and emerging professionals we’ve supported now work at industry institutions.
Following a 3/4-year process of business development, we are positioned to ‘fast forward’ our organisational development, sector impact, and growth trajectory – to scale up. We have set out a 3-year plan to establish a centre of excellence in east London, inspired by the need to ensure our young people benefit from the legacy of the London Olympic Games, AND a national progression pathway with pilot satellite projects in Manchester, Derby and Bristol.
As we move into our next phase of growth, we wish to appoint an energetic and enthusiastic senior deputy to the Director. Ideally having a business qualification, the successful applicant will have run a small company or a department of a larger organization in an education or social enterprise context. You will have a track record of income generation and managing a profit and loss account of at least £500k per annum. The job will involve line managing 4 members of staff whose responsibilities cover project management and marketing across our portfolio of charitable and commercial work. In the recruitment process, you will be required to evidence your past performance and set out your approach to this new role in an exciting and fast growing business as well as demonstrate how you will achieve the key performance indicators.
Main purpose of the job
To provide support to the Director and take over specifically identified functions:
Programme management
- Oversee Urban Development’s programme delivery, ensuring KPIs are met
- Ensure project management disciplines across the organisation
- Ensure staff time and company resources are adequately allocated in project budgets and funding applications/pitches
- Responsible for submission of accurate reports and returns to funding bodies and clients
Finance
- Responsible for financial control systems including data entry in conjunction with book-keeper
- Responsible for working to agreed budgets and production of management accounts in conjunction with accountant
Development & fundraising
- Work with the Director to achieve earned income and fundraising targets - identify new funding sources and contribute to the development and bids/pitches
- Execute specific tasks related to fundraising as required
Operational management
- Implement office/facilities management systems
- Implement systems in line with company policy and statutory requirements
- Responsible for HR processes
- Line management
- Support to board
Team responsibilities:
Advocacy & income generation
Work with the Director on profiling success and be an advocate / representative of the company.
Business planning
Work closely with the other team members on the development and delivery of company policy, business plan and contracts.
Attend and participate in regular team meetings and annual company planning day.
Personal
Take responsibility for ensuring agreed deliverables are met on time and provide regular reports to
the Director
Work to a high standard of personal time management and to Urban Development’s quality
standards.
Recognise the need within a small organisation to be flexible in work and time management practice.
Be committed to personal continuing professional development.
Person Specification
Essential
5 – 10 years related experience in private sector, education or social enterprise context
Excellent administrative and managerial skills
Evidence of entrepreneurial skills and track record in sales
Experience and skill in financial management and producing management accounts, ideally
demonstrating previous experience in running a P&L of at least £500k
Experience of contract/project management and line management
Hunger and drive to make a difference through your work
Ability to problem-solve and develop new approaches
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work accurately and to deadlines
Trustworthy and reliable
Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practice of Equal Opportunities
Support for the aims and objectives of Urban Development
Flexibility
Preferred
Experience of running a small business or department in larger organisation
Business qualification e.g. MBA
Connections within arts/music/creative industries
Knowledge of and enthusiasm for urban music
Terms and conditions:
See contract for full details.
Application process
If you are interested in applying, please send your CV (maximum 2 x A4) and a covering letter with
the subject title ‘General Manager’ to sarah@urbandevelopment.co.uk.
Your covering letter (maximum 2 x A4) should:
- Explain why you want this job
- Explain how your background and experience make you a suitable candidate
- Show what relevant skills and knowledge you will bring, referring to the person specification
- Confirm where you heard about this job advertisement
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments, due to a disability, to assist you in completing your application and/or attending an interview in the event that you are short-listed.
Closing date: 5PM on Tuesday 31st March 2017
Interviews: TBC – To be scheduled in early April
