Job Title – Community Arts Development Officer

Location – Aros Centre, Isle of Skye

Duration of Post – initially one year full-time with a view to longer term

Salary Scale - £20,000 to £25,000

Closing date - 28th of January 2017 at 5.00pm

Context of Job

Skye is an Island on the west coast of Scotland with a population of circa 10,500 people.

Aros is a tourism and arts organisation which, among other activities, delivers an extensive arts programme across Skye & Lochalsh and further afield.

The Aros Centre, where the main office and supporting services are based, has a purpose-built theatre, exhibition spaces, cinema and training facilities and wishes to enhance its position as one of Scotland’s best visitor and arts attractions.

Through this post we wish to grow new audience and establish a long term relationship with other organisations to deliver.

As part of that philosophy, the Officer will initially engage older people and youth but we anticipate interaction with all of the current arts activities and investigation of new opportunities to allow for continuation of the work beyond the first year.

Training will be provided to develop skills as neccessary.

Aros is an Equal Opportunities employer and complies with the Equalities Act 2010. The candidate with required to go through formal disclosure procedures

Community Arts Development Officer

We are looking for a person who can take on a new fully funded project, to develop new audience, working in partnership with the existing team at Aros.

Main Duties

To run this new project, identify longer-term opportunities and link to the existing performing and visual arts programme;

The activities should reach out to individuals and groups throughout the communities particularly engaging those who currently do not use the facilities and services offered by Aros while also looking to provide new activities.

Build audiences through a diverse programme of workshops, classes, performances and educational projects including dance, music, poetry, story-telling, outdoor activities, cultural activities, film, craft and visual art. Activities will at times be out-with the Aros Centre to directly engage the wider communities.

Initially focus on activities for the elderly such as those suffering from infirmity, isolation and memory loss and other health issues and young people who may need support and perhaps have lost their place in society and sense of worth.

Engage artists and others, facilitating appropriate training, to deliver activities with a focus on sustainability. Develop contacts and work in partnership with others. Work alongside the management, arts and administrative team at Aros integrating the activities into the wider arts programme and contributing to

the overall activities at the Centre. Produce regular evaluation reports on progress against targets, make recommendations for future growth of new audience and work within

budgets. Due to the geography of Skye & Lochalsh the Officer must have a clean driving licence and own a car which they must be willing to use for the work.

Costs will be reimbursed as appropriate.

This project will focus on new activities and not replace existing initiatives or release any organisation from their current or statutory responsibilities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title : Community Arts Development Officer Employer :- Aros (Isle of Skye) Ltd

Main Contact :- Donald MacDonald

Key Criteria Essential Desirable

Qualifications and Training A good standard of formal education to a College level or above. Evidence of continued commitment to personal advancement.

Degree/vocational equivalent in a community-development or arts related subject.

European Computer Driving License qualification

Work Experience A record of working with an arts or community organisation. Knowledge of the arts and creative industries across Scotland An open and inclusive operational attitude. Experience of remote working. Knowledge of communication technologies and other practices.

Knowledge of the health and care system Experience dealing with public organisations and third sector Experience of teaching classes and workshops Experience of working in peripheral areas of the H&I Experience of project development and budgets Experience in the preparation of innovative approaches to entrenched

problems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and motivate others. Excellent presentational and written communication skills, including the

ability to submit regular reports to all partners and agencies. Strong self-discipline to work effectively and remotely in absence of

close management. Ability to multi-task. People management skills and a good team worker. Clean Driving Licence.

Practical experience of the realities of community life in the peripheral H&I; Gaelic speaker. Ability to apply for future funding from new sources.

Technical Skills Good general computer competence (Word, Excel, Web, email,

PowerPoint). Comfortable with remote working communications technologies and

practices. Knowledgeable about the use and benefits of social media

More advanced ICT skills. Adept at telephone & video conferencing

Job Circumstances Flexibility for travel; Strong motivation and enthusiasm for the post and the role. Access to own transport

Early start date

Aros (Isle of Skye) Ltd, Viewfield Road, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9EU. Tel: 01478 613649 e-mail: aros@aros.co.uk