New Board Opportunities!

For over 55 years, the Ulster Orchestra has been at the forefront of musical life and culture in Northern Ireland, with a mission to enrich lives and inspire, making music accessible for all. In 2022, we moved into our new home at Townsend Street, placing us firmly within the community.

With this move, our strategic plan is to create an inclusive and accessible space for rehearsal, recording, performance and learning and community engagement through music, collaborating with others towards the economic and cultural development of the area and creating a sustainable purpose for the site.

To support us on this exciting new stage of our journey, we are expanding our Board capabilities to include expertise in the following areas:

- Orchestral Sector (Commercial): we are looking for someone with a strong background in working in the commercial areas of orchestra activity: experience of building international profile through touring, commercial hires, recording for film and other media, and of commercial programming and its connections to audiences.

- Heritage Sector: we are looking for someone with a strong background in heritage to guide and advise us in the creation of a permanent heritage exhibition to be displayed at Townsend as well as ongoing living heritage projects and celebration events connected with the project.

A bit about the Ulster Orchestra:

What we do: As Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra, our aim is to provide inspirational musical experiences that are accessible to all. We believe the best orchestras draw from their communities, by reflecting their cultures, their hopes and dreams. They help their communities find their creative voices; that is what we are about.

Our Vision & Values: Our vision is ‘to be a vital force in the cultural, social and educational life of Northern Ireland’. It is an ambition that requires constant evolution to meet its challenges. Society doesn't stand still, and nor do we. We strive towards achieving our vision through always living our values: we CARE about our colleagues; we COMMIT to being world class; we ENGAGE with our community.

EDI Commitment: The Ulster Orchestra values equality, diversity and inclusion and it is at the core of our values. We are committed to providing a space where every person is treated with dignity and respect and feels welcomed, accepted and supported, where they can excel at what they do and can fulfil their potential, whatever their background. Through our membership of Black Lives in Music as well as collaborations and partnerships with inclusive music ensembles, such as Acoustronic and Performance without Barriers we are committed to playing our part in working towards a music industry which is truly inclusive.

A bit about the Board:

Our Board members bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience across a wide range of sectors, including private business, public sector, education and local government. Working collaboratively with staff and players, it provides governance, oversight and guidance on strategic direction, business planning, funding requirements, policies, and decision-making.

What can you expect?

Time: There are 6 scheduled meetings per year, September to June, outside normal working hours.

Location: Geographical location isn’t important. All our Board meetings are hybrid, so you can join from wherever you are.

Tenure: Minimum term is 3 years, renewable for an additional 3 years to a maximum of 6 consecutive years.

Benefits: Onboarding and ongoing training will be provided; you will receive complimentary tickets for at least one season concert each year.

Remuneration: this is a non-remunerated appointment.

What’s in it for you?

Being on a Board can be an incredibly rewarding experience! Even better, when it’s within an industry where you have a passion, so you can gain access and insight into how everything works and contribute to its success. In addition, board membership can enhance your leadership skills and abilities as well as giving you the opportunity to work alongside a diverse range of people and make a valuable contribution to the organisation.

“Joining the board of Ulster Orchestra has been a truly enriching experience. It offers a unique opportunity to support the arts and collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals. The sense of community and shared purpose is incredibly fulfilling, and each meeting is organised and effective, being steered by a welcoming chair. Being part of the board has allowed me to contribute to something that aligns with my own personal values and interests. “ Lucy Costelloe, Board Member

Can you demonstrate the following?

* Specialist knowledge and experience of either Orchestral Sector (Commercial) or Heritage Sector
* Experience in formulating & implementing strategic plans
* Strong independent thinker with sound intellect and judgment
* Robust understanding of governance and the ability to operate effectively at Board level or equivalent
* Good communication skills, and the ability to act as an ambassador for the Ulster Orchestra
* An insight into the strategic issues facing orchestras
* Willingness & aptitude to chair and/or actively contribute to relevant Board Sub-Committees

If the answer is yes, we would love to hear from you!

You might still have questions - if so, we can put you in touch with one of our current Board members to hear about their experiences, just contact our People & Culture Leader, [email protected].

Ready to apply?

Please e-mail the following to the above email address no later than 12pm on Friday 6th September 2024, stating clearly which position you wish to be considered for:

- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
- A Statement of Suitability setting out your interest in the role and how you meet our requirements
- A diversity monitoring questionnaire which you can download from our website

Please note, we aim to conduct interviews week(s) commencing 9/12th September 2024.

The UO is committed to building a Board that is fully representative of all demographical aspects of society. Within this context we particularly encourage applications from people with disabilities, LGBTQI+, Black, Asian and other global majority backgrounds, and those from backgrounds of social and economic deprivation.