Forest Forge Theatre Company
Endeavour Park Crow Arch Lane Ringwood Hampshire
Creative Producer Job Description (October 2015)
Forest Forge is a professional touring theatre company based in a purpose built
theatre centre in Ringwood Hampshire on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
The Company have been providing high quality drama for rural communities in
theatre and non-theatre spaces for over 30 years and has an annual footfall of over
30,000 participants and audience. The Company has a large outreach programme
(Creative Learning) that includes a thriving Youth Theatre and undertakes
Community projects and formal education work. Forest Forge is funded by
Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council and through project
funding, the Arts Council England.
The Company has been through significant changes in the past year and this new
post is part of the restructuring process.
The core team of the newly restructured company will be a full time Creative
Producer supported by a full time Assistant Producer( who is already in post) .The
Outreach work will be led by the current Creative Learning Director ( 3 days a week)
who will work alongside the Creative Producer .
This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership and inspiration as
Forest Forge evolves towards a new and more sustainable business model
Purpose of job: To take Forest Forge forward as a successful, respected and
financially sound producer of creative learning projects and theatre productions. To
provide strategic leadership and inspiration, Seeking exciting opportunities and
ensuring the effective operation of the organisation. The Creative Producer has
overall managerial responsibility for the organisation.
Responsible to: The Board of Directors
Responsible for: Creative Learning Director and the Assistant Producer. Also for
freelance bookkeeper, freelance performers, writers and creative teams.
Job Brief /Main Purpose
To take this well-known and loved company forward by
1. Managing and collaborating with The Creative Learning Director in developing
and sustaining the profitable Outreach business
2. Usie the high quality facilities of the Theatre Centre to generate income by
creating opportunities to use the space as a Centre of Excellence for
community arts provision
3. Seek and develop financially viable projects and collaborations.
Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic Vision
1. Write and develop the Company Business Plan with special focus on the
aims and objectives of the artistic and outreach programmes. To ensure that
all work then follows that Business Plan.
2. Ensuring The Company meets the objectives and policy requirements of the
key stake holders
3. Actively promote and position Forest Forge as a centre of excellence for
community arts provision amongst key industry and external policy makers
4. Seek or identify opportunities for income generation, fund raising and
sponsorship using a sound knowledge of national and international arts
policies and trends
5. Integrate self into relevant networks locally and nationally and build good
relationships with key partners
Creative Development
1. Seek collaborative partnerships with other theatre, arts or creative
organisations with whom Forest Forge can expand its artistic ambitions and
share its resources nationally and internationally.
2. To develop and implement the Creative Learning and touring work .
3. Seek and develop new financially sustainable projects.
4. Manage delivery of co-production partnerships and agreements.
5. Outline plans of forthcoming projects at least 12 months in advance.
6. Maintain good relationships with venues, research new touring circuits and
build new partnerships as appropriate.
7. Bring together the best artistic collaborators for each project.
8. Book all tours UK and internationally
Management- Personnel and Financial
1. Promote a positive working environment by clear information exchange and a
proactive approach to communication
2. Ensure the company is fully compliant with law on issues of human resources
taxation NI and contracts
3. Oversee the content of all external and internal public relations marketing and
press releases. Manage all marketing campaigns for all productions
4. Act as Company Secretary in line with requirements of Companies House
5. Arrange Board meetings, liaise with Board and maintain up to date register of
members
6. Report to the Board on all matters through monthly liaison meetings with the
Chair and other interested board members, and quarterly full Board meetings
7. Ensure a culture of sound commercial sense and long term viability
8. Produce yearly budgets and forecasts
9. Oversee company finances ensuring income and expenditure are met
10. Monitor expenditure of productions and Outreach
11. Manage cash flow and ensure that the company remains solvent
12. Manage and oversee computerised accounting systems including supervision
of data entry payroll and petty cash control
13. Ensure the Company meets all tax obligations and VAT
14. Produce monthly management accounts for the board in conjunction with the
bookkeeper
15. Produce end of year audited accounts in liaison with the bookkeeper and the
auditors
16. Ensure that appropriate insurance is in place.
17. Ensure the company is trading legally and safe
18. Ensure the company is complying with all gift aid regulations.
19. Negotiate financial deals with venues, ensuring income is maximised
20. Issue venue contracts in conjunction with relevant production company as
required and ensure that they are exchanged within the appropriate time
frame
21. Complete and submit annual returns to Companies House and the Charity
Commission within deadline
22. Ensure that the Company has up to date policies and procedures in line with
requirements of the law.
Funding and Development
1. Maintain good relationship with core finders and other stakeholders; ( the Arts
Council, Hampshire County Council and New Forest District Council)
2. Submit annual activity plans and budgets for approval; negotiate annual
funding agreements and attend annual review meetings; implement any
recommendations or address any concerns raised
3. Develop The Company’s fundraising strategy to maximise income from public
and private sources, writing grant applications and proposals
4. Oversee the administration and update and strengthen the friends and alumni
scheme
General
(i)
(ii)
Oversee the day to day running of the office and the building.
Ensure the safety of people using the building.
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL
1. Minimum of 3 year’s experience at a similar level in performing arts
management.
2. Experience of developing and implementing a strategic business plan and of
planning a programme of work, which balances artistic and business
objectives.
3. Knowledge of national and international arts policies and trends.
4. Demonstrable business acumen: experience of preparation and management
of budgets; cashflow; wages control; inland revenue procedures; preparation
and presentation of management accounts.
5. Fundraising: At least 2 year’s proven experience dealing with diverse sources
such as trusts and foundations, Arts Council, local authority and individual
donors.
6. Significant experience in appointing and leading professional artistic teams
with demonstrable success.
7. Experience of developing theatre work within a community/education
environment.
8. Excellent written and oral presentation skills, which includes computer literacy
on word and excel..
9. Understanding of marketing and publicity and the creation and implementation
of audience development strategy and the ability to act as ambassador for
Forest Forge.
10. Ability to work in a small team.
11. A well-organised approach and ability to maintain and create systems to
maximise company efficiency in an ever-changing environment.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Self-starter while also able to work collaboratively.
Positive, enthusiastic, but ability to remain calm
Ability to work in a small team.
Willing to work flexible hours
DESIRABLE
1. Knowledge of ITC/Equity contracts and terms and conditions.
2. Knowledge of HR management including experience of implementing policies
& procedures and awareness of issues surrounding Health & Safety, Child
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Race Equality policies.
3. Knowledge and experience of small-scale touring theatre: its funding, artistic
and strategic role.
4. Basic understanding of office maintenance and lease terms.
5. Understanding of issues around rural touring/New Forest.
6. Experience of developing and overseeing outreach programmes.
Terms and Conditions
1. Although this job description provides a guide to duties please note that
flexibility is essential. The job is offered on the basis of a working week of 40
hours worked Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work. Please note
the postholder may be required to work longer hours when necessary and a
TOIL system is in place.
2. There will be a three-month probationary period.
3. There will be a two-month notice period rising to three months after the first
year. Note holidays may not be taken in during the notice period.
4. The post is offered as a permanent contract of employment.
5. Salary available is £32,000 to £34,000 depending on experience. (subject to
tax and NI).
6. The post holder will be based at the Forest Forge Theatre Centre in Ringwood
and other locations as required.
7. The job description and role will be reviewed six months from the contract
start date.
8. Holiday – annual entitlement will be 28 days including bank holidays.