Head of Events & Programming

at  The Auckland Project

The role purpose
The Head of Events will be responsible for leading, organising, and executing a diverse array of events, ranging from small gatherings and regular programming activities to large-scale signature initiatives, all designed to align with organisational priorities, including TAP’s charitable, social and commercial objectives.
Reporting into the Director of Operations, you will develop an events & programming strategy, produce and manage budgets, set standards for operational effectiveness and utilise evaluation to measure impact and value to help shape future offers. You will be financially and commercially astute, a confident negotiator, and able to work successfully with a wide range of stakeholders - an inspirational and dynamic leader, with strong operational and commercial expertise.
This senior position requires an individual with strong leadership capabilities, excellent organisational skills, and an in-depth understanding of event planning and execution. The ideal candidate will lead a team and work closely with other departments to ensure the successful delivery of events which engage a wide range of audiences enabling people to enjoy and learn from our sites, stories and collections, whilst generating commercial income to contribute significantly towards the long-term sustainability of TAP. You will be hands on, supporting operationally with delivery of events, whilst also operating in a strategic and managerial capacity too.
You will have a proven track record of successfully delivering events and driving income generation, with experience of leading teams in heritage, hospitality, or commercial sector, bringing strong commercial acumen and be adept at working toward ambitious targets and KPIs. As a compassionate and capable leader, you will have a keen ability to identify opportunities where others may not.
You will develop an effective events offering, initially with assistance from other teams (primarily Visitor Operations staff and volunteers, F&B, as well as external partners) to facilitate delivery. Based on high presentation and hospitality standards, excellent operational understanding and extensive experience of delivering high quality events, the post holder will help to grow and develop the team through a time of transition to form a positive, efficient, well-trained and knowledgeable group.
An established programming team and schedule is in place and you will be expected to lead and further develop this offering to deliver our cultural and social engagement activities for the public, including community groups, visitors, adult and family audiences and others:
You will have excellent communication and presentation skillsd to be able to articulate and demonstrate the value and importance of this work internally and externally. The post holder will act as a key internal champion for audiences who may face real or perceived barriers to engagement – social, cultural, physical or financial – particularly in our local area. In addition, you will build strong relationships with other stakeholders including local organisations, consultants and peers in the cultural sector.
Context:
The Auckland Project is a continuously changing and evolving workplace, you would be working within a fast-paced environment where priorities are changing and no two days are the same. We work as one team, supporting each other, moving in the same direction towards a shared vision and purpose. This role will provide vast experience and exposure to the many different roles associated with running events and programming. Given the sensitivity of the information you will be handling, confidentiality is key.
Key Responsibilities:

Events programme development and delivery

• Support, develop and implement the strategic and operational plans for events across TAP ensuring that they meet agreed commercial targets and KPI’s, whilst aligning with the values of the organisation.
• Create a portfolio of events that are commercially successful and enhances the visitor offer, promotes exhibitions and grows audiences. To include:
• Largely scale and commercially successful signature events
• A lively seasonal events offer for families, children and young people
• Private Events
• Public programmes including talks, creative workshops and performances for adults and families, as well as activities which enhance the visitor experience.
• Community programmes including regular social, creative and wellbeing sessions for local residents and projects inspired by TAP assets which enable deeper engagement and reach people who might not otherwise be able or willing to visit our sites
• Striking an appropriate balance between
• making the best use of our venues as spaces for culture and entertainment
• fulfilling our role as a significant organisation in our local community, and
• protecting our environment and heritage.
• Develop alternative concepts and themes to create sources of income beyond existing events that are in keeping with TAP’s values and objectives.
• Develop strong internal and external relationships to enable efficient delivery of events
• Ensure that all events achieve maximum profitability, meeting or improving on budget, cost and efficiency targets, whilst realising the best possible balance with the interests of the organisations broader priorities
• Conduct site visits and perform due diligence for event applications to ensure that all applicable requirements and regulations are observed, including TAP’s terms & conditions, health and safety obligations, and licensing requirements
• Create opportunities for positive local engagement
• Support the roll out of an effective evaluation methodology, gathering data and insights to ensure we can evaluate and refine our approach and make informed decisions for delivery going forward
• Explore creative opportunities to expand departmental resource so that our work can reach more people

Volunteers

• Working with the Head of Volunteering and Volunteer Coordinator, you will ensure that volunteers are fully integrated into TAP’s operations, identifying new role opportunities and training requirements.
• Ensure the volunteers in your team are fully engaged in all aspects of TAP life ensuring that your staff team value the contributions the volunteers make.
• Ensure that your staff team engage and communicate regularly with your volunteers keeping rotas up to date using the Better Impact system.
• Ensure that data is kept in agreement with data protection legislation (GDPR).

Leadership

• Provide operational and strategic leadership of the events and programming function
• Support the senior management team by contributing to ongoing or future work.
• Play a key role in advising the Director of Operations as to the viable operational capacity of event programming throughout the year
• Lead through effective recruitment and mentoring, creating and embedding a culture of high standards of hospitality and flawless execution
• Guide your line reports by setting priorities and clear goals, drive successful delivery, and ensure that all team members, whether paid or unpaid, are rewarded for the meeting of KPIs

Management

• Work with the Director of Operations to define the resources and personnel required to effectively deliver the Events and Programming Strategy.
• Provide a positive culture & vision for the team
• Budget setting and management
• Set clear objectives for the team and monitor performance
• Manage, organise and support the team to achieve objectives
• Support the professional development of the team and identify beneficial skills development

Stakeholder development

• Provide strategic support across internal teams to facilitate closer working between curatorial, education, visitor operations and events and programming teams
• Promote TAP throughout local and regional networks
• Support targeted national and international museums/institutional partnerships
• Connect with other heritage and cultural organisations to share learning, ideas and best practice.

As required, other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned.

Internal and External Relationships

• Effective collaboration with other departments across the organisation is paramount, involving direct working with Marketing & Communications, Heritage & Engagement, Visitor Operations, Food & Beverage, Parks & Gardens and all support functions.
• Work positively with external funders
• Build strong relationships with peers in events and heritage sectors
• Develop and maintain good relationships with local stakeholders including community groups, schools, businesses and civic leaders
• Maintain excellent relationships with the large team of volunteers and colleagues

Health & Safety
Be committed to good health and safety and access practice, ensuring familiarity and compliance with The Auckland Project policies, procedures and guidelines and the health and safety of visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors at all times.
Person Specification
We are looking for a talented senior events expert with a strong customer service focus and significant event management experience, including in logistically complex venues. The role requires an expert problem-solver with a strong track record of managing client relationships and demonstrable proven experience of venue sales and marketing. A proactive attitude and strong commercial acumen is required, as well as exceptional communication skills.
Personal specification is available on the job description via https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/jobs/
The Auckland Project focus
The Auckland Project works hard to create a positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland. We have created a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Castle (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), a Spanish Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Walled Garden, Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and Weardale Railway.

Our visitor destination and community development programme broadly fits into three areas:

• The social environment: we help individuals and communities by creating a sense of curiosity, hope and faith in themselves and the world around them. We provide opportunities for skills development and partnerships, building a year-round tourist market and supporting small creative industries to thrive
• The natural environment: we protect, sustain and enhance the world around us
• The built environment: we restore and enhance the beauty and historic significance of the buildings, structures and assets in our care.

By working with us, you are helping to ensure the town’s future is as magnificent and vibrant as its past.
How to Apply
Apply for this role by downloading and completing an application form from https://aucklandproject.org/support-us/jobs/ and emailing this to recruitment@aucklandproject.org
Closing date: Wednesday 12 February 2025 at midnight
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Event Management: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 12/02/202

Please refer the Job description for details