ExecutiveDirectorApplicationPack

aakashodedra.com

Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in the position ofExecutive Director of Aakash Odedra Company.After co-founding the company and leading itthrough major growth and development over thepast decade, Anand Bhatt is leaving the Midlandsto take up a senior post. The role of Executive Director will support theArtistic Director, Aakash Odedra to realise theartistic vision for the company and provide the bestpossible experiences for audiences andparticipants underpinned by a robust businessmodel. Artistic Director Aakash Odedra writes “I hope tofind a co-leader who shares my passion about thepower of dance to move and transform people andwho will be a source of bold questions, ideas andfeedback. I am looking for a collaborator with greatbusiness skills, curiosity and an entrepreneurialapproach - together we will make the impossiblepossible at this time of huge change.” As our 10th anniversary approaches, the companyis at an exciting moment in its history of creating touring productions andproviding education and opportunities to dance for children, young people and adults. We are committed to diversity in our team andwant to encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

background to Aakash Odedra Companyjob description and person specificationguidance for applicants

We want our staff to better represent the audienceand participants we work with and are particularlyinterested in hearing from people from BAMEbackgrounds and disabled people. Unfortunately,the office and studios we lease are in a buildingwhich is not accessible to wheelchair users andmay not be fully accessible for people with mobilityor other physical access requirements (or needs).We are happy to discuss alternative ways ofworking. This pack includes the following:

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 19 May,12pm. If you have any questions or would like aninformal, confidential conversation about the jobplease contact Theresa Beattie, our RecruitmentConsultant theresa.beattie1@gmail.com I look forward to receiving your application, Anu Giri, Chair

“Aakash Odedra Company exists to deliver

exceptional creative experiences. Our community is

important to us, we want to help create a society

that is happier and healthier through dance.”

Business Plan 2018-2022

Samsara, image by Mark Gambino

“Dance is a language without words. We spread this

language with love, to improve everybody’s quality

of life and bring greater harmony between

individuals and within communities.”

Aakash Odedra, Artistic Director

The story so far Aakash Odedra Company is a deep-rooted,community organisation, founded and based inLeicester creating productions and events toengage local communities, while facing outwards toembrace the world. We draw inspiration from theaudiences, artists and participants we meet andlocal, regional, national and international partnerswe work with. We celebrate our 10th anniversary in2021. We develop the ancient dance languages ofKathak and Bharatanatyam as adaptable andconstantly evolving forms together with Bollywood-jazz and contemporary dance to respond tocontemporary issues. Aakash Odedra Company isan Arts Council England National PortfolioOrganisation (band 2). Leicester Dance TheatreLtd. is the trade name for Aakash OdedraCompany and a company limited by guarantee. What we doWe use the voice of British-Asian experience to tellnew stories about modern life, creating boundary-pushing and award-winning dance works,partnering with organisations including Sadler’sWells where we are a National PartnerOrganisation, and Curve Theatre and BirminghamHippodrome where Aakash Odedra is an AssociateArtist. We have commissioned and collaboratedwith world-class artists including choreographersHu Shenyuan (China), Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui(Belgium), Damien Jalet (France),

Akram Khan (UK), Aditi Mangaldas (India), RussellMaliphant (UK), lighting designers Michael Hulls(UK), Fabiana Piccioli (Italy) and Ars ElectronicaFuturelab (Austria). Our work tours the UK andinternationally with live audiences 2011-2019exceeding 250,000 and over 1 million views online. Samsara, choreographed by Aakash Odedra andHu Shenyuan premiered this March at AsiaTOPA,Melbourne, Australia where it received excellentreviews, and we are now looking to reschedule UKand international touring. Later this year we hope toresume classes and participatory opportunities forchildren, young people and adults at our homestudios and satellite centres in the Midlands andLondon, and to engage with Leicester Diwalicelebrations. Operating from the company'sstudios in Belgrave Road, Leicester, one of the15% most deprived wards in England, we believein working globally to impact locally and bring thebest dance experiences to Leicester and theMidlands. One of our core values is that art andculture should be accessible and available to alland we aim to provide a nurturing and safeenvironment for artists through our ArtistDevelopment programme Artist Friends, and ourparticipation programmes. Over 1000 people aweek including local schools and communitygroups take part in classes, workshops and danceactivities led by our education team MovingTogether and tutors from Shiamak DavarInternational.

Aakash OdedraBorn in Birmingham and living in Leicester, AakashOdedra is a globally recognised and award-winningdancer and choreographer. He trained inbharatanatyam and kathak, then moved to India asa student of the renowned Bollywoodchoreographer Shiamak Davar. Aakash Odedra’swork forms the heart of the company and as asoloist he has performed over 300 full lengthperformances in 40 countries in the past decade.His choreography pushes boundaries, respondingto and drawing inspiration from contemporaryissues. As a British-Asian, Aakash Odedra uses hisvoice to translate ancient and contemporarymovement languages to tell new stories.

Awards include the Amnesty International Awardfor Freedom of Expression; Best Dance at theEastern Eye ACTA Awards 2018; and a nominationfor Best Stage Production at the 2019 Asian MediaAwards for #JeSuis. Notable commissionsinclude James Brown: Get on the GoodFoot (Apollo Theater, NY). In 2017 Aakashchoreographed the Royal Opera Houseproduction Sukanya composed by the late great PtRavi Shankar and was movement director forCurve Theatre’s Pink Sari Revolution. As a solo performer awards include: Danza&Danzaaward (Italy); Dora performance award (Canada);Audience Award Dance Week (Croatia); InfantAward (Serbia); Bessie Award New York (BestMale Performer); and a Sky Academy ArtsScholarship.

Parents & Tots class with Shiamak tutor Nikhil Kapoor, image by Dimitriy Kuleshov

Overall responsibility for the executiveleadership of the companyShared responsibility with the Artistic Director fordeveloping and delivering the strategic visionand business plan

Executive Director F/T Responsible to: Board of Trustees Summary

Role overviewThe Executive Director (ED) will jointly lead thecompany with Artistic Director AakashOdedra, working with him to further developthe business model that underpins and supportshis artistic vision and to ensure the organisationalstructure reflects this (see organisation chart). An entrepreneurial approach is embedded in ourculture and the Executive Director will bring clarityand imagination; alongside the ability to be decisiveand to adapt to changing circumstances anduncertainty, developing ways to share our workacross the UK and worldwide.

They will have the experience, skills andadaptability to support the organisation and itspeople to thrive. The Executive Director will be the company’sambassador, building partnerships andcommissioning relationships locally, nationally andinternationally and leading our civic role inLeicester and the Midlands. Championing diversityacross all activity, together with Aakash Odedra,they will be the outward-facing, proactive face ofAakash Odedra Company, stewarding relationshipswith funders, partners and stakeholders. The Executive Director will articulate and align thevision internally and externally and have jointresponsibility with Aakash Odedra for all aspects ofstrategy and operations, ensuring publicengagement and audiences continue to grow. Supported by the team, the Executive Director willlead on finance and on income generation throughbuilding relationships, fundraising and securingcommissions and co-commissions.

Samsara, image by Dmitriy Kuleshov

Develop and deliver Aakash Odedra Company'sstrategic planning, fundraising and managementwith the Artistic Director and Board and writeand deliver the business planOverall responsibility for the Shiamak DavarInternational franchiseSecure and maintain partnerships that buildAakash Odedra Company's reputation andresilienceMain point of contact for fundersDevelop Aakash Odedra Company as astrategic partner and leader with regard to theCreative Case for DiversityGive due consideration to Equal Opportunitiesacross all aspects of Aakash Odedra Company'sworkOversee the Marketing Manager delivering themarketing, digital and communications strategyOversee the Fundraising Consultant indelivering the fundraising strategyRepresent the company locally, nationally andinternationallyEnsure relationships are managed well and actin the interests of the company at all times

Responsibility for finance including setting theannual budget with the Artistic Director andBoardOversee Aakash Odedra Company's financialplan and yearly budgets to ensure continuedfinancial viabilityOversee day-to-day financial delivery by theGeneral ManagerOversee negotiation of artist fees, commissions,professional and consultancy fees

Job description

Areas of responsibility Leadership & strategy

Finance

Joint responsibility with the Artistic Director forleadership of the teamLine Management of the General Manager,Marketing Manager and Company CoordinatorManage the freelance Fundraiser and freelanceProducer and external consultantsManage the partnership with Moving TogetherWork with the Artistic Director to create apositive and focused working cultureOversee recruitment, induction, staff welfare andthe annual appraisal processSupport team members to manage directreports and creative collaboratorsEnsure the company acts in accordance withstatutory and legal requirements

Create the development strategy with theFundraiserIdentify prospects and play a lead role incultivationOversee and where necessary write, fundingapplications and proposalsMaintain positive and productive relationshipswith Aakash Odedra Company's key stakeholderArts Council England, and other funders andsupporters

Build a dynamic, productive relationship with theChair and TrusteesEngage the Board directly with fundraisingEnsure Board papers are timely and accurateand report to Board meetingsWork with the Chair and other Trustees toidentify, recruit and induct new TrusteesEnsure governance is compliant with regulatoryrequirements

Human resources

Fundraising and income generation

Board and governance

Develop the programme with the Artistic Director,

acting as a sounding board and proposing ideas

Scope and oversee the artistic programme from

strategic, budgetary and funding perspectives

Lead on key international relationships and

negotiations including with Aakash Odedra

Company's agents

Support the Producer to identify, negotiate with and

manage co-commissioners and bookers

Ensure best practice in contracting artists, teachers

and collaborators

Ensure audience and participant engagement is

central to activity

Ensure projects are evaluated and learning

applied

Develop brand, marketing, digital and

communications strategy with the Marketing

Manager

Develop an effective internal communications

strategy

Lead on audience development and engagement

strategies

Promote, advocate and lobby for Aakash Odedra

Company with decision-makers and the public

Executive responsibility for the building, including

Health & Safety regulations and the safety and

security of people and physical assets and capital

works to the studios

Oversee the General Manager to ensure efficient

building management, operating infrastructure and

procedures and excellent customer service

Hold legally required designations and permits as

appropriate.

Executive Producing

Communications and advocacy

Office and studios

Echoes, image by Mark Harvey

At least five years’ experience in a senior

management role in the cultural sector

Experience of working directly with an artist(s) to

realise an artistic vision

Track record of financial management of

organisations and/or large projects

Ability to take a long-term view balanced with a

flexible and responsive approach

Experience of developing and delivering

business plans

Track record of successful income generation

and fundraising

Experience of working with a Board

Knowledge and experience of UK and

international touring

Active commitment to equality of access and

opportunity, and diversifying the sector

Excellent written and oral communication and

advocacy skills

Experience of initiating, developing and

sustaining partnerships and networks

Ability to inspire and lead teams

Experience of marketing and digital strategy

Willingness and ability to travel internationally

and in the UK

Person specification Essential

Knowledge of South Asian dance

Knowledge of dance in the UK and

internationally

Understanding of the subsidised arts sector

Experience of running a building

Ability to speak another language

Knowledge of the legislative requirements of

running a company

Current, clean driving licence

Creative, capable and flexible

Financial acumen

Entrepreneurial

Clear thinker and decision maker

Inclusive management style

Culturally sensitive

Intellectually agile

Skilled negotiator

Desirable

Personal attributes

Moving Together Showcase, image by Pamela Raith Photography

Conditions of

employment Salary £44,000 - £48,000 pa (dependent on

experience)

Contract Permanent full-time

Location Our office and studios

First floor, 32 Belgrave Road, Leicester LE4 5AS

Responsible to Board of Trustees, Chair Anu Giri

Annual leave 25 days per year plus bank holidays

Working with Artistic Director and Board of

Directors

Responsible for General Manager; Marketing

Manager; Moving Together; freelancers;

consultants; and the Shiamak Davar International

franchise

Hours of work This is a full-time post (40 hours per

week) and includes evening and weekend work

and domestic and international travel. Overtime is

not payable, but time off in lieu will be given.

Probation 3 months, with 1 month notice

Notice 3 months

As an employee of Aakash Odedra Company, tax

and national insurance will be deducted from your

salary at source. Employees are automatically

enrolled in our pension scheme, with

a 3% employer pension contribution.

There is flexibility regarding office hours and towork from home occasionally. Guidance notes These notes are to help you to participate in therecruitment process as effectively as possible byproviding us with all the information required. If youhave any questions about the application process,or would like an informal and confidential chatabout the role please contact our recruitmentconsultant Theresa Beattieon theresa.beattie1@gmail.com. How to apply The purpose and main duties of the position are setout in the job description. The knowledge,experience, skills and attributes we are looking forin the successful candidate are detailed in theperson specification. It is important to read all theinformation in this pack before completing yourapplication. Please email a CV and a letter ofapplication outlining your interest in this role, howyou meet the requirements and the relevant skillsand experience you would bring to Aakash OdedraCompany. Your letter should be maximum 3 sides of A4 12-point font and include contact details for tworeferees.

“His dancing combines classical rigour with

mercurial adventurous lightness”

The Guardian

Please complete the equal opportunities monitoring

form. The information will help us monitor the

fairness and effectiveness of our selection

processes and identify barriers to selection. Your

answers will be kept strictly confidential and used

for statistical monitoring purposes only; they will not

be seen by the individuals making the appointment.

Deadline for applications

Tuesday 19 May, 12pm

Please email your application and completed equal

opportunities form to info@aakashodedra.com with

‘Executive Director Application’ in the subject box.

Invitation to interview

Shortlisting will happen soon after the closing date.

If you are shortlisted, we will contact you by

telephone to invite you to interview and to let you

know who will be on the interview panel.

Interviews

There will be two interviews, and an informal

conversation with the Aakash Odedra, all via

teleconference.

Please tell us if you are unavailable on any of these

dates when you submit your application.

First interview Wednesday 27 May

Conversation with Aakash Odedra Friday 29 May

Second interview Tuesday 2 June

Handover

The appointee will have a handover with

Anand Bhatt.

All offers of employment at Aakash Odedra

Company are made subject to receipt of

satisfactory references. Additionally, under the

Asylum and Immigration Act, we are required to

check that anyone taking up employment with us

has the legal right to work in the UK. Successful

applicants will, therefore, be asked to provide us

with documentary evidence to support their

entitlement to work in the UK prior to taking up

employment.

Data Protection Act, 1998

Information provided by you as part of your

application will be used in the recruitment process.

Any data about you will be held securely with

access restricted to those involved in dealing with

your application and in the recruitment process.

Once this process is completed the data relating to

unsuccessful applicants will be stored for a

maximum of 12 months and then destroyed.

Information provided by you on the equal

opportunities monitoring form will be used to

monitor Aakash Odedra Company’s equal

opportunities practices. By submitting your

completed application form, you are giving your

consent to your data being stored and processed

for the purposes of the recruitment process and

equal opportunities monitoring.

Leicester Dance Theatre is the trading name of

Aakash Odedra Company

Address: Aakash Odedra Company, First Floor, 32

Belgrave Road, Leicester LE4 5AS

Company limited by guarantee registered in

England and Wales no. 09486100

Aakash Odedra Company

Organisation Chart April 2020

Board

Executive DirectorArtistic Director

Freelance

Dancers

Freelance

Rehearsal

Director

Freelance

Creatives

Artistic

Director

Assistant

P/T TBC

Freelance

Technical

Manager

Freelance

Technicians

Producer

Moving

Together

Education

Team

Education

Administrator

TBC

General

Manager

Company

Administrator

Shiamak

Manager

TBC

Shiamak

Tutors &

Registrar

Marketing

Manager

P/T

Digital

Marketing

Assistant

P/T

Fundraising

Consultant

Current posts, freelancers and consultantsPlanned Posts

aakashodedra.com@aakashodedra

@aakashodedracompany