Event Producer, Ark Schools Music Gala

Post: Events Producer, Ark Schools Music Gala
Project fee: £11,440; equivalent of 2 x days per week Jan 16th – July 17th inclusive, but the event producer will work flexibly to the needs of the project and in response to the needs of schools.
Location: Remote or from our office near Latimer Road, with some in-person meetings
Core dates: The event producer will need to be available in person on the dates below

The Ark Music Programme

High quality music education is unparalleled in its ability to stimulate personal, emotional and intellectual development, and motivate social change. Given the right conditions, we believe that every child can be a musician, and enjoy improved life chances as a result.

The central music team exists within Ark to support music-making across the network of schools. Our mission is to ensure that every pupil in an Ark school is set-up to enjoy a life enriched by music and the many holistic benefits that brings. We want our young people to leave school knowing that they are creative individuals who belong to a vibrant artistic community.

At Ark Schools, we believe that every young person deserves to inhabit the world’s best stages, regardless of their background. That’s why we have the Ark Schools Music Gala. A celebration of our pupils and of music in our 40+ non-selective State Schools, the Gala unites our community of schools through musical experience, expression and artistry. We know that for many pupils, it forms the highlight of their school careers.

Delivering events of this scale where pupils feel happy and safe to express themselves demands high focus and commitment from pupils and staff teams alike. The Gala Producer will deliver an inclusive yet extraordinary music Gala that brings joy, creativity and inspiration to our pupil, parent and school communities.

Main purpose of the job

This role presents the opportunity for a talented Events Producer to deliver high-quality musical experiences for hundreds of pupils. Joining our team at a critical time, you will produce the Ark Schools Music Gala and associated projects and events leading up to it. Your work will be detail-orientated, creative and impact-driven.

There are three core waves of activity connected to this project:
1. Sing into Spring series
Whole day events that introduce pupils to the repertoire and creative projects which are central to the Gala programme:
• London: 6th, 7th February
• Hastings: 8th February
• Birmingham: 10th February
• Portsmouth: 23rd February

2. Dress rehearsals
Refining and polishing ahead of the main performance:
• Hastings: 22nd June
• London: 27th, 28th June
• Birmingham: 30th June

3. The Ark Schools Music Gala
700 pupils from across our network of schools taking to the Barbican stage, with a diverse line-up featuring everything from steel pan bands to dhol drummers to gospel choirs.
• London: 6th July

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing projects from start to finish, including leading on project planning meetings, managing progress through GANTT charts, and managing post-event wash-up and evaluation
• Leading on operations for the events, developing comprehensive operations plans for the days, and managing small teams of ops support staff for the events
• Liaising with the venues regarding room set-up, catering, equipment and resources
• Coordinating communications strategy for schools, artist teams and external partners
• Creating, printing, distributing resources
• Developing and implementing evaluation strategy for the events
• Collecting photos, quotes and case studies
• Report regularly to the Head of Creative & Extended Curriculum to update on progress
• In collaboration with the Artist and Partnership manager, lead the evaluation strategy, including collating feedback from participants and teachers
• Collating information from schools and managing databases
• Coordinating filming schedule for Gala intro videos and production of a printed programme
• Printing, filing, and other administration
• On-the-day support with front-of-house, managing school groups, ushering, volunteer management

Please note that this is a non-exhaustive list, to serve purely as a guide and is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive.

Closing date: 12pm on Friday 6th January 2023
Start Date: As soon as available
Interviews: Week commencing 9th January 2023.

How to apply:

Please complete the online application form, making sure to detail the events you’ve managed and the communities you’ve worked with. At interview you will be asked to present examples of events you’ve managed previously, as well as outline your plans to manage one of the projects above.

 
Person specification

Qualifications criteria
• Right to work in the UK (essential)

Values
• Genuine passion and a belief in the artistic potential of every young person.
• Personal vision is aligned with Ark’s high aspirations and expectations of self and others.
• Recognition of the importance of smooth operations systems at events in supporting outstanding creative outcomes for young people.
• Desire to recognise and equally value all types of music and musician.

Knowledge, experience and skills
• Experience of leading a wide variety of events within an educational and/or music context, with direct experience working on events for young people.
• Experience with the complex nature of working with multiple schools, juggling their varying needs and priorities, and lightening teacher workload as best possible.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, and comprehensive IT skills.
• Inspiring and engaging leader with experience of motivating teams and getting the best out of a diverse group of people.

Personal characteristics
• Positive and motivated, action-oriented style.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can use initiative and problem solve under pressure.
• Confident and capable in managing varying workload and prioritising time effectively.
• Strong commitment to quality and excellence, with a keen eye for detail.
• Reflective and emotionally literate.
• Professional integrity and resilience.
• Highly collaborative and flexible.
• Values creativity in all its forms, able to build environments where creativity can flourish.

Other
Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and must have the right to work in the UK.