County Sligo Youth Theatre
Director
Job Description

Title: Director

Responsible for: Co Sligo Youth Theatre
Developing County Sligo’s Youth Arts Programme in the area of Theatre/Drama

Responsible to: Board of County Sligo Youth Theatre

Duties

• Facilitate a programme of drama/theatre workshops.
• Co-ordinate and manage all activities relating to existing youth theatre.
• Prepare a 5 year development plan, including budget/funding forecast, with annual implementation programme.
• Develop policies and procedures in areas relevant to the youth theatre.
• Support the board in identifying, applying for and securing funding (grants & sponsorship).
• Develop appropriate working relationship with main funders, Sligo County Council, Sligo Borough Council and the Arts Council of Ireland (via Sligo Arts Service) and other identified funders/agencies.
• Support the development of youth theatre throughout Co Sligo (development plan).
• Identify and respond to training/professional development needs of facilitators & leaders.
• Liaise with the Youth Theatre Officer of NAYD National Association for Youth Drama.
• Contribute to and develop local, national and regional networking and partnership projects (development plan).
• Act as County Sligo Youth Theatre Company Secretary.
• Represent County Sligo Youth Theatre on relevant external bodies/working groups.

Requirements of the Post

County Sligo Youth Theatre is seeking a candidate who possesses the following attributes:

Essential:
• Passion for and commitment to youth arts, in particular theatre, and the ability to share this with others.
• Knowledge of and literate in theatre/drama/youth arts.
• Experience and demonstrated competency in designing, delivering and leading drama/theatre workshops and programmes.
• Ability to think and act strategically as well as working with day-to-day practicalities.
• Experience, interest and the interpersonal skills to work with diverse groups of people, in particular young people.
• Ability to advocate effectively for youth theatre and youth arts to theatre/arts/education/youth sector.
• Ability to initiate and manage projects.
• Ability or organise and prioritise work.
• A willingness to work outside normal office hours.
• A team player, as leader and member.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy.

Desirable:
• A minimum of two years work experience in theatre/drama/youth arts.
• Third level qualification in drama/theatre/youth arts/youth work or related fields.
• Experience of preparing and presenting plans, proposals and reports.
• A sound understanding of practical issues affecting local/regional youth theatre development in Ireland.
• Knowledge and understanding of theatre practice in Ireland.
• A sound understanding of broader policy issues which influence the arts in Ireland.
• Experience, interest and the interpersonal skills to work with a variety of voluntary, private and statutory agencies/organisations
• A current driver’s licence.

Terms and Conditions:

• The position is being offered on an initial contract for services, for a one year period, with the possibility of being extended. The director will be regarded as self employed and responsible for PRSI, tax and VAT payments.
• A salary of €27,000 pro rata will be paid depending on qualifications and experience, based on a 30 hour week.
• The post holder will be available to undertake evening and weekend work.
• The post will require a certain amount of travel.
• The post holder shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by the board of County Sligo Youth Theatre.
• There is no provision for overtime payment but a time in lieu system will be operated.
• The post holder will be entitled to 20 days annual leave pro rata plus all public holidays (time in lieu may operate here).
• The post holder will report to the Chair of the board of County Sligo Youth Theatre.
• The contract may be terminated by either party with one month’s notice.

Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 25th April, 2008
Please forward letter of application and application form to:
The Chairperson
County Sligo Youth Theatre
Sligo Arts Department
Sligo County Council
Market Yard, Sligo
or email arts@sligococo.ie