Events Programmer
Context
In 2012 Discover joined the Arts Council’s national portfolio and have secured support from the
Esmée Fairbairn to enable us to expand our exciting artistic programme. Based in Stratford, east
London over 70,000 children and adults visit our venue each year and participate in a dynamic events
programme. The programme provides opportunities for children and families to participate in a broad
range of arts activities and workshops including storytelling, visual arts, puppetry, music and drama.
Events take place at the Discover Centre during school holidays and weekends led by our Story
Builders. Alongside the in-house events we also programme authors, illustrators, storytellers and
artists. Recent visitors have included Shaun Tan, Oliver Jeffers, Cressida Cowell, Tony Ross and
Michael Rosen. In March each year we produce The Big Write a festival of stories and children’s
literature featuring the UK’s most exciting leading and emerging children’s authors and illustrators.
The Big Write also includes events for schools and adult events for emerging writers and illustrators.
The 2012 festival had 49 events over 8 days with 21 authors and illustrators. Alongside the events in
our venue we also deliver activities externally for example in shopping centres, festivals and in
partnership with other arts and literature organisations.
Main Purpose of the Position
The Events Programmer is responsible for researching, planning, developing and implementing a
vibrant and viable programme of events both in the Discover Story Centre and externally. The
postholder works closely with our Marketing and Communications Manager and Chief Executive to
ensure the events programme delivers high quality artistic experiences for families and supports our
artistic ambitions. The postholder will support the development of the programme through building
relationships with publishers, authors/illustrators and cultural organisations, bringing a greater
understanding of the wide range of different arts practices to the organisation.
Responsible to:
Key External Relationships:
Marketing and Communications Manager
Authors, illustrators, publishers, artists and external agencies
Specific Responsibilities
 Programme and oversee delivery of family events at the Discover Centre including designing
content, sourcing/preparing materials and monitoring Story Builder delivery.
 Work with the Chief Executive to identify potential authors and illustrators for The Big Write
Festival.
 Take lead responsibility for programming and scheduling The Big Write Festival
 Extend the appeal of the events programme to as wide an audience as possible
 Work with the Marketing Manager to develop and deliver family arts activities for external
clients for example festivals, local authorities and shopping centres.
 Act as the principal point of day to day contact for visiting authors/illustrators and artists.
 Ensure that the events programme is balanced in accordance with Discover’s artistic vision,
and that its scheduling and co-ordination is deliverable with available staff and technical
resources
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Undertake detailed logistical planning and administration of events.
Be responsible for communicating details of events and projects to all relevant departments
including the Operations Team.
Oversee delivery, set up and technical requirements for all events alongside the Operations
department and to Discover's standards
Ensure Discover's Story Builders (facilitators) are briefed and have prepared for each event.
Maintain and develop relationships with publishers, authors, illustrators, literature
organisations and festivals.
Support the Marketing Manager in the recruitment and management of Community
Ambassadors – who promote Discover within local communities.
Ensure risk assessments, contracts and invoicing are completed for any external events
undertaken by Discover.
Continually monitor and review events to ensure a high quality programme.
Collect data and evaluation to measure impact of the events programme and provide
information for reports to funders.
General
 Represent Discover at functions internally and externally
 Comply fully with the company’s policies and guidelines, particularly in such areas as Health
and Safety, Equal Opportunities, and Safeguarding
 Take on any other duties as agreed with the Marketing and Communications Manager or Chief
Executive
Events Programmer Personal Specification
You will have a passion for developing and delivering high quality popular arts events for children and
families. You will combine creative ideas with strong project management skills and the ability to
deliver great events in a busy public venue.
Essential experience:
 Minimum of 2 years’ experience of programming events and family workshops.
 A passion for children’s literature and arts events.
 A commitment to producing high quality activities for families.
 Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with internal and external
stake-holders at all levels
 Experience of identifying and nurturing fruitful partnerships with a range of individuals and
organisations
 Positive, flexible and proactive approach to work
 Able to work constructively in a team as well as independently on own initiative.
 Outstanding administration and project management skills with precise attention to detail.
 Excellent time management skills and proven ability to work to and meet deadlines
 Commitment to working hours as required to deliver events to a high standard
 Broad knowledge of London’s arts/culture scene
 Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office)
Desirable
 Experience of producing participatory events and workshops for external clients and agencies.
 Excellent contacts with publishers, arts organisations, individual authors and illustrators.
 Experience of working in an arts venue or visitor attraction.
Type of Contract
This post is offered on a permanent contract which is subject to a three months probationary period.
The post holder will be required to undertake an Enhanced CRB Disclosure.
Working Hours
This post is a full-time contract working 40 hours per week.
The nature of this role determines that flexible working arrangements are necessary, although it is
expected that the postholder will spend a reasonable proportion of time during core office hours of
9.30 – 5.30 Monday – Friday. Inevitably weekend and evening work is a pre-requisite of the post. No
overtime is payable; Discover operates a policy for time off in lieu (TOIL).
Discover’s premises are fully accessible.
Salary
£21,000 - £24,000 depending on experience.
Holidays
25 days plus statutory bank holidays per annum
Closing Deadline
Interviews
Friday 28 September at 5pm
Weds 10 October
September 2012