Post: Exhibitions Manager
Contract: Permanent part time: 24 hours per week
Salary: £18,083.19 per annum (full time equivalent £30,138.65)
GLL is looking for a Exhibitions Manager to work at the Hub, Sleaford. If you have the skills, vision and ambition to join us as a Exhibitions Manager, there's never been a more exciting time to join the Hub team. This is more than a Exhibitions Manager job, it's a career.
We are looking for an ambitious and dynamic Manager and Curator to research, develop, deliver and manage our renowned exhibitions programme. As Exhibitions Manager, you will be a pivotal part of the Hub programming and management team contributing to the strategic development of the venue and organisation as a local creative hub, and national artistic and cultural institution.
Visit the Hub Website to download the Application Pack.
Summary of what you’ll do:
- Working in collaboration with the General Manager/Artistic Director to research, curate, deliver, select and manage a high-quality programme of contemporary craft and design exhibitions
- Work with the wider team to develop the Hub’s artistic programme in collaboration, contributing ideas and creative thinking to bring together a dynamic and engaging programme that strives for quality and excellence, builds and increases diverse audiences, increases income and leads by example
- Co-ordinate and manage freelance technical support, Hub team, artists, guest curators and partners, to successfully deliver the installation and take down of each exhibition
- Lead on the administration of the exhibition programme, managing and overseeing loan agreements, artist contracts and fees, insurance and transportation arrangements, art handling and condition checking requirements
- Ensure the exhibitions programme always reflects best practice and meets the Hub’s standards of artistic quality, excellence, diversity, accessibility and environmental objectives
- Work with the Visitor Experience & Operations Manager to ensure health, safety, care and due diligence of each exhibition, carrying out thorough risk assessments and safe exhibition working processes
- Undertake research including artists, exhibitions, commissions and residences, and stay informed of developments in craft, design and visual culture to develop new ideas and concepts for the Hub programme and bring this knowledge to the wider team
- Maintain and develop a team culture and set of values that ensures the highest standards of service delivery across the programme, empowering the team with the right knowledge and understanding of the exhibition programme to meet audience and visitor needs
- Contribute to the strategic planning and development of policies, practices and future creative programmes, ensuring the Hub remains relevant, progressive and innovative and meets the needs of the communities and audiences it serves
- Ensure the exhibitions programme meets established timeframes, budgets and targets, contributing to the delivery of the Hub business plan and the priorities and ambitions of North Kesteven District Council’s Arts Strategy, and Arts Council England NPO requirements
- Work with the Hub’s Head of Partnerships & Communities to seek out new funding and partnership opportunities to develop the exhibition programme and long-term resilience of the Hub
- Work with marketing colleagues to create appropriate exhibition related marketing material and texts, and support external communication and PR of the programme to increase and diversify participation, audience and profile
- Maintain and develop appropriate networks with artists, freelancers, organisations, communities, sector groups and organisations, seeking out new sustainable partnership opportunities that benefit the exhibition programme
- Line mange the Visitor Experience Assistant (Exhibitions) Team
- Represent the Hub where appropriate at conferences, events and exhibitions in order to maintain its position within the sector
- Carry out any other duties required by the business
What you need:
Skills
* Degree or equivalent knowledge and experience in a related discipline
* Well-developed interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate, enthuse, persuade, negotiate and influence confidently with a range of different people
* Excellent communication skills both written and oral, with a range of audiences
* Ability to work independently and as part of a creative team, and build team spirit in the workplace
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work effectively to meet deadlines
* Ability to build effective relationships and partnerships with a strong network of contacts across the craft and design sector
* A willingness to undertake physical work essential for the gallery environment
* Ability to critically evaluate exhibition proposals
Knowledge
* Knowledge of contemporary craft and design at a national level including trends, policies, networks and the artists working in the sector today
* Knowledge and track record of implementing safe working practices and plans and leading teams to successfully install and de-install exhibitions
* Knowledge and experience of developing and engaging audiences through innovative exhibition programming and curation
* Knowledge and understanding of evaluation to develop and inform future exhibitions
* Knowledge and strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, in particular accessible and sustainable exhibition design
* Good knowledge of Microsoft systems in particular Excel.
* Track record of managing budgets and achieving commercial and performance related targets
Experience
* Significant experience of curating high-quality exhibitions in a freelance capacity or as part of a gallery/ museum
* Proven track record and wide-ranging experience of managing, developing and curating innovative, accessible, inclusive and high-quality exhibitions
* Direct experience and knowledge of managing people, providing support, motivation and leadership to inspire and empower excellence
* Ability to demonstrate visionary flair and creativity and have original and achievable ideas
Other
* Highly motivated with a flexible and adaptable approach
* Evidence of continual personal and professional development
* Confident and enthusiastic creative thinker
* Self-motivated with a strong enthusiasm for the arts with a passion for working with artists.
The Hub is owned and funded by North Kesteven District Council and is a National Portfolio Organisation of Arts Council England. The Centre is operated by Better who is part of GLL; a charitable social enterprise and the UK’s largest public leisure operator.
As a charitable social enterprise owned by its staff GLL has a great range of benefits for its employees:
A salary of £20,396.25 per annum (based on 28 hours per week
A part-time permanent position within a visionary organisation and team
Discounts in the Hub shop and CafeBar
Learning & CPD to support career development
Industry leading rates of pay
Good pension schemes
Free eye tests and discounted glasses
Health assurance
Opportunity to join the GLL Society and have a say in how GLL is run plus associated social events
Exclusive discounts on villas in Portugal and Ski chalets in Bulgaria; discounted membership at GLL/Better leisure centres for you and a friend; 20% off GLL spa experience treatments and associated products; and 25% off Red Letter Days and Buy A Gift.
GLL is an inclusive employer and seeks and welcomes diversity in our teams. All pay rates are subject to skills, experience, qualifications and location
To apply:
Please read the Application Pack very carefully. Your application will be assessed on the job demands specified.
Along with an up-to-date CV, please include a covering letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining your suitability and motivation for the role and what being the Hub’s Exhibition Manager means to you. Please note you can only upload one attachment so please save your CV and letter as one document.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the Hub reserves the right to end the selection process before the application deadline. You are encouraged to submit your application early to avoid disappointment.
Deadline: Wed 18 Sep 2024