Vacancy: Communications & Events Officer

We’re recruiting for a Communications & Events Officer to join our team based in Smithfield, EC1.

We are looking for someone educated to at least degree level with a real knowledge of and passion for classical music (and jazz, if possible), as well as a love of social media and experience in marketing and publicity. The post-holder will be involved in all aspects of the two-year CMF Artist Programme, specifically from the angle of marketing, publicity, PR and communications. You will be promoting the work of CMF itself, current CMF artists and alumni, events and recitals, developing networks and relationships – all of which also impacts on fundraising. You will work with the Director and Artist Manager on developing content for campaigns. In addition, the role includes managing logistics of CMF events, and organising and running the annual applications process.

Experience of and proven effectiveness with social media marketing, publicity and communications in the Arts sector is essential, as well as excellent research and writing skills. Computer skills are required, including Microsoft programmes and design software, plus experience of administrating websites and managing social media accounts and content. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, multi-tasking and prioritising the workload, but will also be part of a close-knit team on a daily basis. Communication is central to the role, face-to-face, by telephone and email, and the post-holder will need to be confident and effective in these skills. Attention to detail is a key requirement, to ensure accurate record keeping, invoices and budgets. We encourage all team members to attend artists’ concerts as much as possible and build networks within the industry, and this can result in long days.

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Reports to: Dr Clare Taylor, City Music Foundation Managing Director

Full-time, permanent role (with 4-month probationary period + 8 weeks’ notice thereafter)

Salary £23,000 to £26,000 (negotiable depending on experience)

Pension: Workplace pension with Aviva, with employer contribution

Hours: 9.30am – 6pm Monday to Friday (with one hour for lunch, total 37.5 hours) with additional hours for which overtime is not payable

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Essential criteria:

• Educational Attainment: degree level or beyond, via university or conservatoire
• Excellent knowledge and appreciation of classical music
• Experience of and proven effectiveness with social media marketing, publicity and communications in the Arts sector
• Experience of planning and managing events in the Arts sector
• Excellent telephone, research and writing skills (including editing & proof-reading)
• Ability to prioritise and work to deadlines
• Proven team-working ability and flexibility to cover additional roles when required
• Skilled with Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook and Excel
• Minimum of 2 years previous employment in the Arts sector (preferably classical music)

Desirable experience:

• Successfully marketed a classical music event using social media
• Taken the lead in planning and managing a classical music event
• Proven ability to write intelligently and engagingly about classical music
• Managed a PR campaign and engaging with online, print, and broadcast media
• Demonstrable skills on a design platform, such as Canva, InDesign or Photoshop
• Managing websites and social media on a day-to-day basis
• Dealing with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Communications

• Write, design and send fortnightly and extraordinary newsletters using Mailchimp to share CMF news and events
• Manage and add-to mailing lists in accordance with GDPR regulation
• Write news articles for CMF website
• Manage CMF’s PR by sharing news and events with online, print, broadcast and media outlets through Press Releases
• Use own networks and contacts to enhance reach and reputation of CMF

Marketing

• Market CMF concerts and events through social media (Twitter & Facebook)
• Design, arrange printing for, and disseminate physical marketing materials
• List concerts on relevant online listings websites
• Engage with online, print, and broadcast media outlets to secure previews, reviews, appearances, airplays, and social media shares
• Tap into local networks to market concerts to local audiences, residents and workers

Event Planning and Management

• Plan and manage logistics for all CMF events (lunchtime recitals, evening concerts, albums launches, and fundraising events)
• Design and arrange printing for all event programmes
• Write programme notes for event programmes (could be subcontracted)
• Manage ticketing through Eventbrite
• Set up and prepare venues or co-ordinate external contractors for larger events

Website & Social Media

• Manage the CMF website on a day-to-day basis, updating Homepage, News, Press, and Events, as well as ensuring other pages are up-to-date and adding new material
• Liaise with web designer to perform more complex updates and redesigns
• Manage CMFs’ Twitter & Facebook accounts on a day-to-day basis, engaging with and promoting the content of CMF Artists and aiming to widen CMF’s online reach

Managing annual applications

• Be point of contact for all applicants throughout process
• Promote CMF Artist Programme to graduating students at UK music colleges, teachers and heads of department, venues, festivals, other contacts
• Ensure all application information and Conditions of Entry are up-to-date
• Liaise with web designer to update online application form
• Manage incoming application fees
• Manage applications, logging applicant information in Excel spreadsheet
• Ensure applicants are eligible by rigorously checking application forms, visas etc
• Produce relevant materials for judges in Round 1 & 2

Support for other staff members

• Support Managing Director with professional development workshops, mentoring and fundraising when required
• Support Artist Manager with filming and recording projects
• Support Artist Manager with admin for external CMF Artist bookings, such as social media support or sending images

Support for CMF Artists

• Liaise with CMF Artists and web designer over creation of new websites
• Support CMF Artists with social media when required

General

• Manage office supplies
• Answer CMF phone during office hours
• Take minutes at board meetings and produce draft minutes
• Attend and engage with workshops
• Maintain and update CMF data bases and contact lists as relevant (all team does this)

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To apply please email a covering letter and an up-to-date CV to clare.taylor@city.mystagingwebsite.com

Deadline for applications: CLOSED

Interviews on Friday 17th May (TBC). Start-date in w/c 15th July.