Appointment brief

Executive Director October 2021 Reference: BARKC

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Gabrielle Brooks and Community Chorus in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, designed by Robert Jones.

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L:Director’s Program/Creators Lab workshop participants. Photo Credit: Helen Murray. R:Jennifer Tang, Associate Director and Genesis Fellow. Photo Credit: Ikin Yum @ Kii Studios

Introduction

The Young Vic tells stories that change the way people look at the world. Their shows are created by some of the world's great artists - of this generation and the next. With roots deep in its neighbourhoods, it reaches out to theatre makers across the globe. The Young Vic was established to create a new kind of theatre for a new generation - one that was unconventional, classless, open, democratic and cheap.

The theatre was built on The Cut in 1970 and was intended as a temporary space that would last no more than 5 years. The original building closed in 2004 and in 2006, a redeveloped theatre opened on the same site, designed by Haworth Tompkins and featuring three flexible spaces with capacities of 420 (Main House), 140 (The Maria) and 60 (The Clare). The theatre was named RIBA London Building of the Year. It is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year.

Pre-covid, the Young Vic welcomed audiences of over 200,000 across 15 productions from its home in Lambeth to London’s West End, to New York City to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. They sold 39% of tickets for £20 or under, ran a first preview scheme where all tickets are £5 for each Main House production, and also distributed 10% of tickets for free to community members, neighbours and schools – a policy they uphold irrespective of box office demand.

The programming is varied, socially relevant and formally inventive. They produce new plays; reimagined classics; musicals; adaptations of books; short films; club nights; digital projects; and other game-changing forms of theatre, attracting large audiences from many different backgrounds. The shows are created by some of the world’s greatest theatre makers alongside some of the most adventurous of the younger generation. This fusion makes the Young Vic one of the most exciting theatres in the world and attracts what is acknowledged to be, the youngest and most diverse audience in London.

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The Young Vic also forges deep connections in the neighbourhood through the Taking Part programme, where they engage with over 15,000 people every year via a wide range of projects, from skills-based workshops to on-stage performances by members of the community.

The Directors Program, the only national scheme of its kind, has been running for over fifteen years and offers young directors a unique opportunity to develop their craft through skills workshops, peer-led projects, paid assistant directing roles, the Jerwood Assistant Director Program and the Boris Karloff Trainee Assistant Director Program, as well as access to the Genesis Directors Network where over 1200 directors are registered. Twice a year, the winner of the Genesis Future Directors Award stages a show at the Young Vic with full support from the creative, administrative and production teams, enabling them to support and nurture an emerging director as a part of the Young Vic programme.

For many years, the Young Vic has been synonymous with inclusivity, accessibility and creativity. They catalyse debate and channel their work into the digital world, to reach new audiences and continue conversations outside of their four walls. They foster emerging talent and collaborate with some of the world’s finest directors, performers and creatives; creating award-winning productions which engage with the world we live in.

Last year the covid pandemic caused a closure of venues and organisations across the world like nothing we had seen before, and the Young Vic was no exception. During the time of closure, ‘Best Seat in Your House’ was launched, an innovative multi-camera immersive broadcast experience inviting audiences to play with the broadcast form. The theatre re-opened its doors with a production of Changing Destiny by Ben Okri and has recently received critical acclaim for its production of Hamlet. The Young Vic is now looking to the future with great ambitions on how to continue with what was good, to improve on what can be better and to continue to play an important role in national and international conversations.

Exterior of the Young Vic, featuring interactive public art installation The Unforgotten designed by Anna Fleischle and Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey. Photo credit: Aaron Imuere.

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The role PURPOSE OF POST

The Executive Director works collaboratively with the Artistic Director & CEO to:

facilitate the delivery of the Young Vic’s artistic programme ensuring the work reflects the Young Vic’s commitment to innovation, access, and community.

strategically lead the organisation, sharing responsibility for external stakeholder management and industry advocacy.

promote an organisational culture which centres people and demonstrates an inclusive management style. The Executive Director will collaborate with a talented senior management team of specialists and support them to realise their full potential.

The Executive Director is responsible for the legal and financial wellbeing of the company, reporting directly to the Artistic Director & CEO.

The Executive Director will also play a crucial role in continuing to develop and lead the organisation to becoming actively anti-racist, building on the commitment to change we began with consultants and associate company Sour Lemons (see here).

The Young Vic is committed to ensuring that everything we do is as environmentally responsible and sustainable as possible. The Executive Director will ensure that this commitment, as developed with Julie’s Bicycle, is reflected in the business plan and action plans are embedded and acted upon throughout the organisation (see here).

(L to R) Joana Borja, Taz Skylar, Cush Jumbo in Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Greg Hersov, designed by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Aideen Malone.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Together with the Artistic Director & CEO, the Executive Director will have responsibility to executively produce the main house programme on physical and digital stages (including broadcasts, transfers, and international revivals) delivering the Young Vic’s artistic, audience and financial objectives. They will actively support, effectively resource and advocate for the sector-leading work of:

Director’s Program/Creator Lab in developing the next generation of national talent in the UK through its ground-breaking leadership programme.

The Taking Part department which fosters deep relationships with people of all ages in the local neighbourhoods of Lambeth and Southwark, seeking to unlock the creative potential of residents through inclusive and co-created initiatives.

The Executive Director will:

Oversee the management of main house productions working closely with the Lead Producer and producing team to make sure they are personally well supported, and productions are well resourced and run.

Identify and maximise commercial potential for current and historic Young Vic productions and projects; identify new sources of income and/or partnerships; and negotiate future life and co-production terms. They will act as the principal relationship manager of the YV’s investor group (the Young Ones) when commercial opportunities to raise investment arise (all profit is returned to the charity to support its goals).

Balance the need to take a pro-active approach to the continuing growth of the Young Vic’s commercial capability, with the needs of the most impactful, mission-building work, ensuring the theatre works within the bounds of its organisational, artistic and operational resources.

Collaborate with artistic and operational colleagues to evolve and resource the Young Vic’s digital policy and delivery.

Leadership Working in close collaboration with the Artistic Director & CEO, the Executive Director will:

Articulate and develop a new business plan to support the vision, mission and values of the Young Vic.

Build an anti-racist, accountable and equitable working environment across the theatre. Ensure the workplace culture is forward-thinking, represents inclusive best practice and

safeguards all those who work with the Young Vic. Ensure a commitment to environmental sustainability throughout the organisation, working

closely with the Operations Director and Head of Theatre Operations to articulate and deliver the environmental strategy.

Support recruitment and appointment processes in support of the company’s goals. Finance & Legal

Manage the Finance Director who is responsible for the financial management of the charity, including setting and monitoring annual budgets including income targets and salaries and ensuring compliance with legal obligations and statutory requirements for the charity and its wholly owned subsidiary (Young Vic Productions Ltd).

Oversee the Finance Director’s management and delivery of the finance function, including ensuring accounting information is supplied in a timely manner and a strong cash position maintained at all times.

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Work closely with colleagues (in particular Marketing and Development Directors) to grow the Young Vic’s income potential and identify long-term revenue.

Pro-actively support the delivery of the theatre’s fundraising strategy. Manage risk and identify opportunities for operational effectiveness and capital improvements in

collaboration with the Finance Director and Operations Director. Oversee the Finance Director in their management of the relationship with the tenant (The Cut Bar)

and Operations Directors/ Head of Theatre Operations in the promotion of high standards of customer care.

Governance

Maintain positive and open working relationships with the Chair and all trustees. Ensure major areas of policy and key matters are appropriately discussed at Board level. Attend all Board meetings, sub-committee meetings and Development Board meetings.

External Relationships

Nurture excellent working relationships with stakeholders (including trade unions and industry bodies), partners, local and national funders including Arts Council England, DCMS, Lambeth & Southwark Councils.

Act as an ambassador for the Young Vic and represent the theatre publicly. Develop the theatre’s role as a sector and civic leader and communicate with audiences,

communities and artists to better understand their needs, ensuring the Young Vic is a meaningful partner.

Continue to build the Young Vic’s reputation internationally and develop the company’s brand. General

With the Artistic Director & CEO share line management of the Senior Management team. Carry out any other tasks required by the Artistic Director & CEO, or board of trustees. To always act in the best interest of the Young Vic.

Photo credit Adam Razvi. Redd Lily Roche and Tanika Yearwood in Taking Part’s Young Vic Unpacked: Love Reign by Shereen Jasmin Phillips

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Photo credit: Marc Brenner

Letitia Wright in The Convert by Danai Gurira (2018). Designer Naomi Dawson, Lighting Designer Bruno Poet.

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Person Specification Essential experience:

• Operating at a senior manager level and successfully leading and developing a team through a period of change;

• Establishing and managing strategic partnerships; • Strategic management; • Responsibility for working with significant budgets in the cultural or creative industries; • Negotiating deals and contracts; • Building teams; • Balancing creative risk and ambition with sound financial management.

Desirable experience:

• Venue management; • Producing theatre; • Creating and implementing business plans; • Building relationships with public funding bodies such as Arts Council England and local

authorities;

Essential knowledge and understanding required:

• of the importance and role of creative learning, community outreach and widening access; • of working within a maintained organisation and an appreciation of the relationship with Arts

Council England and Lambeth Council; • of the national arts and cultural scene, including producing and presenting theatre; • of contacts and networks within the cultural sector; • of fundraising; • of marketing and audience development, in relation to campaigns, branding and

partnerships/sponsorships.

Skills/Abilities/Attributes required:

• Commitment to anti-racism; • Commitment to sustainability; • Resilience with the ability to cope with pressure and high expectations; • Ambition; • Enthusiasm, energy and commitment; • Innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset; • Dynamic and collaborative leadership skills.

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Terms of appointment The Executive Director reports to the Artistic Director & CEO.

Together they form the Executive team, and are supported and guided by our Chair, Glenn Earle, and a dynamic and diverse Board of Trustees (Anna Williams is Chair of the Executive Committee.) The Development Board is co-chaired by Ebele Okobi and Rachel Conlan.

The Executive Director shares management of the Senior Management Team with the Artistic Director & CEO (save for asterisk roles). The SMT is currently comprised: (alphabetical)

Lead Producer (Holly Aston - Maternity Leave) Director of Marketing & Audiences (Beatrice Burrows) Associate Artistic Director (Sue Emmas) Operations Director (Rathi Kumar) Head of Theatre Operations* (Bryan Lewis) Lead Producer (Maternity Cover - Nisha Modhwadia) Director of Taking Part (Shereen Jasmin Philips) Technical Director (Jasmine Sandalli) Finance Director (Ivor Stockdale) Development Director (Alex Tonetta) And a new post, Head of People*, currently under recruitment

This role will be based in The Cut, home to the Young Vic and located in Waterloo on London’s South Bank. The expected salary will be £82,800.

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How to apply Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Young Vic on this appointment. Candidates should apply for this role through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments using code BARKC. Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring* form. We will review all applicants’ CVs and Cover Letters and score these against the essential knowledge, experience and skills in the person specification to achieve a longlist of people to be invited for further discussions with Saxton Bampfylde consultants. Those interviews will then inform the selection of the shortlist who we will then invite to interview with the panel. There is likely to be 2 rounds of interviews with different panels in each interview including the Artistic Director/CEO in both rounds. The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 8 November 2021. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We are particularly keen to hear from black and global majority candidates, and candidates who self-identify as disabled. The Young Vic is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Access: We are able to offer support and resource to aid access requirements; please state any access requirements on your application. If you require this job pack in a format other than PDF please email mailto:recruitment@youngvic.org * The equal opportunities monitoring online form will not be shared with anyone involved in assessing your application. Please complete as part of the application process.

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Audience member experiencing VR production Draw Me Close by Jordan Tannahill in 2019. Photo credit Ellie Kurtz.