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Our organisations are funded as a consortium as part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio – effectively working as a joint venture. We share an office and resources, and work in close collaboration on joint initiatives including our national conferences and industry showcases (BEAM), which take place in alternate years.
The Membership and Communications Manager is a joint appointment. A vacancy has arisen due to the relocation of the current postholder. In this pack you will find information about the role, both organisations and the application process,
We look forward to hearing from you.
James Hadley, Executive Director, Musical Theatre Network and
Victoria Saxton, Executive Director, Mercury Musical Developments
Introduction
Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) began life in 1992 when a group of students studied with Stephen Sondheim at Oxford University. Since then the company has grown into a national membership organisation dedicated to nurturing new musical theatre writing. Its membership currently consists of over 430 bookwriters, lyricists and librettists across the UK and internationally. MMD’s members have access to a range of development and showcasing initiatives including seminars, masterclasses, professional residencies and writers labs designed to further their craft and career. It actively seeks out commissions, builds professional networks and acts as an ambassador on behalf of its members. MMD’s aim is to support and represent the writers who are shaping the future of British musical theatre.
MMD is a charity and company limited by guarantee, governed by a board of directors (currently 13) led by Francis Matthews.
Further information can be found at www.mercurymusicals.com
Musical Theatre Network (MTN) was formed in 2005. It works with, and on behalf of, its membership to support and create opportunities for new musical theatre in the UK. Its membership is a national network of venues, producers, colleges, directors, organisations and individuals developing or staging new musical theatre. MTN works to strengthen and diversify the new musical theatre sector nationwide, and so support development of the art form. MTN currently has over 230 members and is fast growing, with a year-round events programme of industry discussions, networking and professional development opportunities taking place in London and elsewhere.
MTN is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, governed by a board of directors (currently nine), chaired by Jodi Myers. Directors are drawn from across the country and meet on a quarterly basis.
Further information can be found at https://www.musicaltheatrenetwork.com
Together as a consortium, MTN and MMD respond to the development needs of the new musical theatre sector. Through a wide range of activities we help new, excellent and diverse musical theatre achieve its wider potential in the UK. Our joint activities include BEAM, a biennial industry showcase sharing new musical theatre in development found from pitching days held around the UK, our biennial UK Musical Theatre Conference, and the Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer scheme. We were two of the first organisations to be established with a focus on the development needs of new British musical theatre, now occupying a central position within that dynamic and fast evolving sector.
MTN and MMD share a small office at the Ambassadors Theatre. Currently the office is only accessible by stairs. It is likely that the office will be relocated before the end of 2018, as it is expected the building will undergo development.
Role Function
The Membership and Communications Manager provides a range of services to the members of MMD and MTN. S/he is involved in recruiting new members, collaborating on the planning and delivery of members’ events and co-ordinating related communications. S/he is often the first point of contact for members, therefore it’s vital s/he sets an appropriately friendly and professional tone as representative of both organisations.
Staff Structure
The Membership & Communications Manager works for both MMD and MTN, and reports to the Executive Directors of both organisations. A typical week would consist of two days devoted primarily to MMD and two days to MTN, with the fifth day focused on joint venture events/communications, although there is often flexibility around this. This role works closely in collaboration with MMD’s Administrative Manager, Martin Jackson. MTN’s Executive Director is employed for five days a week, MMD’s Executive Director for three days a week, and MMD’s Administrative Manager for four days a week.
JOB DESCRIPTION
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Membership
Communications
Events & Initiatives
General
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications should be made by submitting a letter of no more than two sides of A4, explaining what attracts you to this position and evidence of your ability to fulfill the Job Description and Person Specification.
In addition, please include:
Applications should be addressed jointly to Victoria Saxton, Mercury Musical Developments, and James Hadley, Musical Theatre Network. Applications should be sent via email to martin@mercurymusicals.com with Membership and Communications Manager in the subject line by midday Tuesday 2nd May 2017.
Candidates will hear whether they have been invited to interview by 8th May.
Interviews will take place on Monday 15th May in central London.
PRINCIPAL TERMS
Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and evidence of right to work in the UK as defined by the Home Office.
A salary of between £26,000 and £28,000, according to experience, will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
The postholder will be expected to work an average of 35 hours a week. S/he will be expected to do occasional evening work. Overtime is not payable, but time off in lieu will be offered wherever practical.
The person appointed will be engaged as an employee and from June 2017 will be entitled to an annual pension contribution equivalent to 1% of salary, due to increase in subsequent years, in line with the Pensions Act 2008.
Notice period is four weeks by either party during the three month probationary period and three months thereafter for both employee and employer.
April 2017