Overview
Shubbak Festival is on the lookout for a General Manager to join their dynamic team after a highly successful delivery of the 2023 edition. This opportunity offers a part-time, permanent position.
About Shubbak
Shubbak, an Arabic term for ‘window,’ stands as a supporter and celebrator of Arab artists’ creative brilliance. The organization is driven by professional and participatory programs, nationwide tours, and a biennial multi-artform festival. Shubbak is actively seeking an enthusiastic and purpose-driven General Manager to work closely with their Joint CEOs.
Role and Responsibilities
1. Operation and Finance
- Organize and implement festival logistics, including visa processes, travel arrangements, venue contracts, and partnerships.
- Oversee festival budgets, collaborate with funders, and coordinate with producers.
- Develop and review essential health and safety documentation, risk assessments, and project-specific documents.
- Supervise financial processes, covering day-to-day bookkeeping, high-level strategy, and forecasting.
- Establish robust financial controls, manage bank reconciliations, and ensure compliance with legal obligations.
- Streamline internal processes for enhanced operational efficiency.
- Take charge of donor administration and individual giving efforts.
2. HR
- Manage the team and freelance consultants, encompassing contract management and periodic check-ins.
- Strategize team capacity for festival initiatives and ad-hoc projects, prioritizing deliverables and well-being.
- Oversee tasks related to the UK Border Agency Sponsorship Management System.
3. IT
- Lead IT endeavors, including system assessments, annual maintenance, and collaboration with external IT experts.
- Direct digital archiving efforts, guaranteeing secure data storage, accessibility, and consistent system use.
4. Board and Governance
- Extend support to various Board of Trustees’ committees.
- Keep the Board well-informed through timely and relevant reports.
- Execute Shubbak’s operations in accordance with established by-laws and Board policies.
5. Marketing and Public Relations
- Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager to ensure the seamless execution of marketing and communication plans.
- Serve as a prominent ambassador for the Festival, actively identifying potential partnership avenues.
6. Other
- Uphold Equal Opportunities principles, fostering diversity and dignity in work.
- Abide by company policies to minimize environmental impact.
- Identify personal development avenues and engage in required training.
- Fulfill any additional responsibilities as necessitated by management.
Person Specification
Essential
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a similar operational role within a creative organization.
- Proven track record of handling festivals/events over a span of 3 years.
- Proficiency in financial management and reporting, demonstrated through 2 years’ experience.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience in contract management.
- Strong commitment to diversity and equal opportunities.
- Competence in staff management and motivation.
- Proficient multitasking and adept problem-solving skills.
- Genuine interest in Shubbak’s mission and cultural programs.
Desirable
- HR qualification.
- Experience working with Arts Council England NPO compliance.
- Familiarity with financial accounts preparation.
- Interest in contemporary Arab cultures.
Equal Opportunities
Shubbak Festival welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, with a special encouragement to underrepresented groups and accessible arts applicants.
Flexible Working
Flexible working arrangements are embraced and can be discussed further during the interview process. Kindly specify any flexible working preferences in your covering letter.
Terms
- Hours: Part-time, 3 days per week
- Salary: £35,000-£40,000 (0.6 pro rata) per annum, contingent on experience
- Commencement: As soon as possible
- Contract: Permanent
- Location: Combination of remote work and Shubbak’s central London office
