Job Description: Performance Department Support Assistant

Birmingham City University

Birmingham Conservatoire

Job description: Performance Department Support Assistant

1. Purpose of post

This post provides logistical and administrative support to the Performance Department, at the heart of the Conservatoire’s activities. Its prime purpose is to ensure that events are run smoothly and efficiently.

1. Organisationalcontext

The Performance Department Support Assistant reports directly to the Performance Department Manager.

Some liaison with the Heads of Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion, Chamber Music and Early Music may be required and there is a strong student-facing aspect to the role.

1. Dimensions (scope)

This is an important post at the Conservatoire working at the heart of the organisation realising concerts, festivals and projects at a professional level to provide students with the vital opportunity for creative engagement in ensemble performance.

3.1 Operational

a)To assist the Manager in the logistical delivery of orchestral and large ensemble events, festivals and other projects.

b)To produce detailed stage plans on a weekly basis and liaise with Building Services on set-up and equipment requirements.

c)To ensure that all music is in place for rehearsals and concerts and returned thereafter including direct distribution of new music by student and contemporary composers.

d)To photocopy parts and scores in a timely fashion where additional copies are required, mark parts up as required and co-ordinate and publish bowings of string parts.

e)To manage music sets issued by the Library, set collection deadlines and deal with late or unreturned parts.

f)To assist the Manager in upholding Performance Department policies.

g)To assist the Manager in the care of conductors and other guests.

h)To assist in the stage manage Performance Department events under the direction of the Manager.

i)To assist in the day-to-day management of rehearsals.

j)To complete and submit all registers to meet the requirements of the First Study Activities module.

k)To be responsible for the transportation of specialist equipment to various external venues within the city.

l)To assist in the planning of engagements outside the Conservatoire, including all matters to do with venues, travel, insurance, personnel, instruments, accommodation, and technical requirements and catering.

m)To be responsible for day-to-day budgetary and financial administration.

3.2 Staff

a)To liaise with the Librarian to ensure that parts are available for collection when needed.

b)To liaise with buildings and technical staff over matters such as platform and lighting requirements.

1. Principal Accountabilities

a)Production of detailed stage plans so that performances and rehearsals can be managed effectively.

b)Assist in the making of arrangements (e.g. travel, insurance, accommodation) for external engagements so that all practical and legal requirements are met.

c)Booking of appropriate spaces for rehearsals, sectional rehearsal and concerts to enable associated requirements to be considered promptly.

d)Production of detailed stage plans so that performances and rehearsals can be managed effectively.

e)Responsibility for stage management so that a culture of professional level platform and concert presentation is developed and maintained.

f)Attendance monitoring so that the requirements of the University are met.

1. Decision making

The role is primarily one of co-ordination rather than management, but the post holder will be required to make decisions when undertaking the role of an events, stage or orchestral manager.

1. Internal and external relationships

Under the supervision of the Performance Department Manager, the post holder will liaise with teaching colleagues and with colleagues in similar roles in our partner organisations.

1. Knowledge, skills and experience needed

The post holder should have a good understanding/experience of the needs of the performance of music of the western classical tradition (especially orchestral music).

The pot holder must be able to drive a hired Luton van in compliance with the University’s policies (and therefore be 25 years or older)

The ability to read a full orchestral score would be a significant advantage.

The post holder will abide by the University’s statement of core values.

1. Special features

Evening and weekend work will be required.

1. Other

Uphold and promote the University’s core values of Excellence, People Focused, Partnership Working, Fairness and Integrity. These values define the principles of how we work together with our staff, students and partners.