Job Vacancy - Chief Executive
The Chief Executive is responsible for leading the Scottish Music Centre (SMC), delivering its funded remit and ensuring the provision of high-quality services to the music sector and the public. The postholder will provide strategic leadership and oversee the Centre’s operations, financial sustainability, fundraising, governance, staff team and programme of activities.
For full information, please download the Job Pack (PDF) here.
SALARY
£44k plus pension
HOURS
28 over 4 days per week
REPORTS TO
Chair and Board of Trustees
LOCATION
City Halls, Glasgow, Scotland.
This is an office-based position.
HOLIDAYS
20 days per year rising to 25 after 5 years, plus 10 public holidays, pro-rata to 4 days per week
Role Responsibilities
Fundraising and Financial Management
Lead all fundraising activity, including applications for Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding and other core and project funding.
Oversee the preparation and submission of all quarterly, annual and end-of-project reports, financial statements and other information required by funders.
Prepare, monitor and update annual core and project budgets, as well as profit and loss statements, expenditure reports and other financial information.
Prepare documentation for, and liaise with, the external examiner in connection with the annual independent examination of the accounts.
Ensure the timely and accurate filing of annual accounts and other required statutory returns with Companies House and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Governance and Organisational Compliance
Ensure that Board meetings take place quarterly and work with the Company Secretary to agree meeting dates, prepare Board papers and maintain appropriate governance records.
Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan and annual environmental reporting.
Ensure that trustee information and other required documentation is maintained and filed with Companies House and OSCR.
Staffing and Human Resources
Lead and manage a team of six office-based staff and three freelancers, alongside the wider network of PhD researchers, volunteers and student placements.
Work with the MusiCares Project Manager to maintain an effective relationship with the wider pool of freelance mentors.
Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture that supports staff wellbeing, accountability and professional development.
Strategic Leadership and Operations
Take overall responsibility for the strategic development and management of SMC’s extensive remote archive and collections, including the ongoing digitisation programme.
Develop new ways to promote and increase public engagement with the collections, and maximise the use, performance and hire of music scores.
Continue to develop commercially the range of digital and physical products available through SMC’s online shop.
Work with the Membership Officer to maintain and develop relevant, high-quality services that meet the needs of SMC’s membership, including events.
Develop talent development programmes across a range of musical genres.
Work with the SMC Events Lead to oversee the planning and delivery of external events in the SMC foyer.
Oversee SMC’s external communications and marketing, including its website, social media channels and member newsletter.
Information and Advocacy
Maintain and further develop SMC’s position as a key provider of information and signposting for Scotland’s music sector.
Act as an ambassador and advocate for SMC, raising its profile and ensuring its visibility across Scotland’s music sector.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with musicians, composers, music organisations, funders, venues, festivals and other sector stakeholders.
International Development and Partnerships
Take overall responsibility for the strategic oversight and delivery of SMC’s flagship international projects, which currently include Scotland’s participation in Classical NEXT, Northern Connection, Made in Scotland and ISCM World Music Days.
Facilitate opportunities for Scottish composers, musicians and music support organisations to participate in international showcase events, networks and professional development opportunities.
Maintain and develop SMC’s relationships with international umbrella organisations, including IAMIC, EMC and ISCM, through membership subscriptions, Scotland’s participation in annual conferences, online meetings and other collaborative activity.
Person Specification
Experience
Proven experience in a leadership or other senior position in the creative arts, ideally within the music sector.
Strong financial acumen, with experience of fundraising, managing complex budgets and public funding streams, as well as generating diverse revenue.
Demonstrable success in supporting creators, performers and/or other communities in their artistic endeavours.
Experience of collaborating with key external stakeholders including government bodies, funders and policy-makers.
Expertise in reporting to, and/or working closely with, a board of trustees to ensure good governance and regulatory compliance.
Experience of building teams with an inclusive and collaborative approach.
Knowledge
Deep understanding of the Scottish music ecosystem and the national cultural context.
Fluency with Scotland’s funding landscape.
Strong awareness of government policy (both Scottish and UK) and how it affects the creative, education and third sectors.
An understanding of the wider UK and international musical context as it relates to musicians and their work.
Thorough understanding of best practices in broadening access, promoting under-represented voices and removing barriers to participation.
Skills and abilities
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong team management skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
Persuasive advocacy skills, with an ability to influence external stakeholders including funders and government.
A high degree of financial literacy alongside good numerical skills.
Personal attributes
High standard of personal integrity and transparency.
Adaptability and resilience.
Collaborative and inclusive.
Passion for music and music-making.
How to apply
Complete the form at the bottom of this page
You will see an “application submitted successfully” message - if you do not see this message, try again or contact us via the website.
Attach your cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet our person specification plus your CV (maximum 2 pages). You will receive an automatic email acknowledging receipt of application.
Alternatively, by post to:
Laura Gormley, Chair
Scottish Music Centre
City Halls
Candleriggs
Glasgow
G1 1NQ
Applicants may contact the Chair with any queries about the role by email only: chair@scottishmusiccentre.com
We welcome applications in alternative formats - please reach out to us about this or submit your details in the format that best highlights your skills and experience.
We value the strength that comes from different backgrounds and perspectives. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply.
Deadline
Sunday 22nd November, 6pm
Interviews
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted on the week beginning Monday 30th November
Interviews will be held on Monday 7th December and Thursday 10th December
Access
Scottish Music Centre is based on the ground floor of the City Halls: for details of the building accessibility please visit: https://www.glasgowlife.org.uk/arts-music-and-culture/venues/old-fruitmarket