The Philharmonia is looking to appoint an experienced and inspiring Head of Education & Community Engagement to lead on the day to day running of learning projects, with a firm focus on developing and growing this work. With a proven track record of creative leadership, innovation and producing high quality music education and community projects, successful applicants will be led by a passionate belief in the power of orchestral music to transform lives, whether as audiences or participants.
Centred around our ambition to deepen our engagement in our residencies in and out of London, this role will be responsible for the creative and strategic development and execution of both our long-established programmes (like Hear and Now, and Orchestra Unwrapped), as well as co-creating and developing new, innovative projects addressing real needs in schools and community settings. The role will have a strong direct connection with our Community Boards, the advisory bodies in our residency areas, and the Music Hubs, as partners and co-creators. Candidates should have a progressive and well-informed approach to place-based and grassroots music-making and project creation, and a strong understanding of the latest developments in the music education landscape.
Combining a keen grasp of participant needs, with sound understanding of commissioner and funder requirements, as well as a can-do, entrepreneurial attitude, this is a great opportunity for a senior manager to progress to the next level of leadership within the sector and shape the education and community engagement programmes of a leading orchestra.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:
Undertake research and mapping as required to ensure that projects and programmes respond to local and regional needs and is distinctive and complementary in the context of other providers.
Keep abreast of educational policy and practice at national and regional governmental level, ensuring that project development is aligned with current thinking and strategy.
Develop new bespoke and innovative education and community projects in strategic partnership with local and national bodies, allied to the core work of the Orchestra.
Leadership and Management:
Provide creative leadership and direction for the Learning and Engagement Department, reflecting and clearly articulating the Philharmonia s vision, mission and values
Develop and motivate the members of the Learning and Engagement Team, and as required, manage the Learning & Engagement team s support staff, such as freelance Project Managers, animateurs and musicians
Sustain and strengthen existing partnerships for funding and delivery with key stakeholders including other NPOs, Local Authorities, Music Education Hubs, community groups, arts organisations and venues, private and public development agencies and schools, colleges and universities.
Represent the Orchestra on the Strategic Boards of appropriate bodies in London and residencies (for example, music hubs)
Ensure that key national and regional stakeholders have a detailed understanding of the Orchestra s Learning and Engagement work, as well as ensuring effective and constructive communication with artists and musicians engaged in the Philharmonia Orchestra s Learning and Engagement Programme
Represent the Philharmonia Orchestra at external meetings and conferences, as required, acting as an advocate and ambassador for the Orchestra.
Lead and manage the Safeguarding for the Orchestra, ensure that the Philharmonia Orchestra s safeguarding policy and procedure is up to date and effectively implemented, including taking responsibility as the Philharmonia s Designated Safeguarding Officer; ensure that all relevant staff and freelance practitioners have current DBS checks.
Programme Management and Delivery:
Oversee evaluations of all projects to share outcomes with stakeholders and partners and to learn lessons for developing and delivering future projects.
Agree and manage budgets for the Learning and Engagement Department
Commission and oversee production of project-specific marketing materials.
Help to develop and support the Orchestra s Audience Development Strategy, in close partnership with the Marketing Director.
Oversee all aspects of project management, planning and production of the various projects and workshops which make up the Philharmonia s Learning Programme
Deputise for the Director of L&E as required
Skills and Qualifications
Essential:
Minimum five years experience in a relevant role
Knowledge of the education and community learning landscape
Experience with managing and monitoring budgets
Experience with producing and devising large scale, education, community or participation projects
Excellent communication skills, with a personable and approachable style
Experience of reporting tools and data visualisation, ideally for funders
Passion and interest for music and the arts, with an excellent understanding of orchestras and classical music repertoire
Ability to read music and orchestral scores
Ability to lead, mentor and train a team
Willingness to have a hands-on attitude
Willingness to work unsocial hours, including evenings and weekends must want to attend concerts and learning projects
Desirable:
An education or community learning qualification or degree
Experience of creating external reports and evaluations