Information about the post of Project Leader (Vocal Practitioner)
Reference: 031004 Closing date for applications is Friday 2nd April 2010
Fixed term Until 31/3/2011

Job Information
Job Title Project Leader (Vocal Practitioner)

Department & Team Learning and Participation

Location North East Region
Working Hours 18 hours

Position in Organisation
Reports to CoMusica Director
Responsible for Project Musicians

Works in conjunction with CoMusica managers and director, CoMusica PL team and Project Partners.

Budget accountability Up to £50,000

Overall purpose of the job
The Project Leader / Vocal Practitioner will be responsible for leading a portfolio of inclusive and accessible vocal projects with and for young people through music and collaborative arts across the whole region.
The PL will manage project musicians and freelance artists as appropriate.
The PL will work with the management team to create the strategic development of projects and liaise sub-regionally, regionally and nationally on behalf of the project, and The Sage Gateshead, as appropriate. The PL will be involved in regular creative planning sessions with the other musicians and project partners, as well as regular management meetings with the management team and CoMusica Director / Head of Community Programme. They will also lead or take part in occasional workshops and training events with other artists.
As well as working on their own local projects, CoMusica project leaders and musicians are part of an innovative networking and development group, and of the wider team working across all aspects of the Learning and Participation programme.

Main Duties and responsibilities
1. Contribute to the trainee and apprenticeship programme through mentoring individuals and delivering agreed training and support
2. Work with other CoMusica artists on the development of a creative resource of vocal techniques, repertoire and practice
3. Participate in evaluation, networking and development work as agreed
4. Ensure best practice and quality control
5. Keep up to date with current policy and agendas related to Children and Young People, Creativity in Education, Music Education and Community Development.
6. Champion and promote the work of CoMusica and The Sage Gateshead.
7. Report on progress of work as agreed
8. Work as part of the Learning and Participation Team;
9. Accept appropriate individual responsibility for the observance, promotion and implementation of Health & Safety, Customer Care, Equality and Diversity, Dignity at Work, Child Protection and other policies with the Trust;
10. Undertake other such duties as are appropriate to the level of the post.
11. Lead, as appropriate, on the strategic development of specific project/s and associated new initiatives, in collaboration with the Partnership Development manager, Programme Manager and CoMusica Director / Head of Community Programme.
12. Collaborate with local partners and the management and leadership team on planning music activities and projects with young people
13. Identify, build and sustain partnerships
14. Lead and manage those agreed activities
15. Lead and manage teams of musicians and other artists working on those activities
16. Plan, prepare and manage resources as appropriate

Knowledge, experience and skills required
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience, demonstrating excellence as a performer/practitioner in singing, song writing and leading youth singing activities.

• Proven, effective and appropriate group work skills including other knowledge, experience and understanding in relation to:
o music facilitation and community / education music practice
o social issues and best practice relating to young people
o current developments in chosen musical field
o working on collaborative arts, music, education or community projects

• Effective, articulate written and oral communication skills

• An appropriate attitude and approach which clearly demonstrates a genuine:
o commitment to team work and collaboration
o commitment to work with young people
o proven organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload, working on your own initiative and as part of a team
o passion about music

• Knowledge, experience and understanding in relation to:
o monitoring and evaluating community music projects
o training and mentoring others
o operating effectively in a youth work, community education or other art-form context
o current debates around music education
o current debates around arts and regeneration

Working at The Sage Gateshead
We believe The Sage Gateshead is a great place to work. As well as being
“the most exciting music venue in Britain” (The Times September 2006) this is an innovative and friendly place to work, where no two days are ever the same.

The salary banding for this post is £24,275 to £25,881 per annum pro rata (SCP 29-31) (1st April 2010 rates) Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the scale. Hours of work are 18 hours per week

The holiday entitlement for this post is 30 days pa pro rata (including statutory holidays) rising to 33 days after 3 years service, and you will be able to join our stakeholder pension scheme, to which North Music Trust will make a 3% contribution, rising to 6.84% after two years of membership. We also offer subsidised parking for staff members, as well as a discount in our café, and access to a voluntary health cash plan.

Please note that the successful applicant for this post will require a Disclosure Check - Enhanced Level with the Criminal Records Bureau. This is due to the fact that the post has access to children or vulnerable adults. Further information is available from www.disclosure.gov.uk.

How to Apply
Applications must be made on a North Music Trust application form, which can be obtained from HR. We regret that CV’s cannot be accepted. If you have any queries about your application please contact 0191 443 4598.

Completed applications should be returned no later than 9.00am Friday 2nd April 2010

Applications may be returned to;
opportunities@thesagegateshead.org

(please note that if emailing your application you should receive an automated response – if you do not please call 0191 443 4598)

or by post to
The Sage Gateshead
St Mary’s Square
Gateshead Quays
Gateshead
NE8 2JR