HOUSE OF VOLTAIRE MANAGER. Studio Voltaire, London Competitive + Performance related bonus Full Time. About Studio Voltaire

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1 HOUSE OF VOLTAIRE MANAGER Studio Voltaire, London Competitive + Performance related bonus Full Time About Studio Voltaire Studio Voltaire is one of the UK s leading not for profit arts organisations. Our pioneering public programmes of exhibitions, participation projects, live events and off site commissions have gained an international reputation. Studio Voltaire has an outstanding track record of supporting artists at a pivotal stage in their careers. We champion emerging and under represented artists, placing great emphasis on risk taking and experimentation, allowing us to offer an alternative and agenda setting view of contemporary art. Many of our commissions are an artist s first solo exhibition in London. We invest wholly in the production of new work that might not always be possible in commercial galleries or larger institutions, giving artists the chance to expand their practice, often working in residence in the gallery. We provide a much needed resource of affordable and accessible on site studios which house over forty five artists, supporting the development of a diverse range of individual and collective practices, from recent graduates to internationally recognised practitioners. Studio Voltaire commissions a wide range of participatory activities and projects working in collaboration with artists, local organisations, schools and community groups. This programme aims to develop a closer relationship between the artist, the production of work and an active, contributing audience. Projects take place in the gallery as well as offsite.

2 Studio Voltaire is a registered charity and part of Arts Council England s National Portfolio. Our exhibition, participation and events programmes are fundraised for in their entirety through the kind patronage of individuals, sales of our renowned limited edition works and funding from charitable trusts and foundations. Studio Voltaire has recently launched a transformative 2.3 million capital project to create more artists studios, renovated exhibition space and new public spaces, including a dedicated learning space, public garden, café and the first ever permanent House of Voltaire. This timely and transformative redevelopment will be the most ambitious transition in our 23 year history, more than doubling our public spaces and considerably expanding and transforming our support of artists, as well our cultural offering to our local and international audiences. Studio Voltaire s Clapham site will close to the public for a period of twelve months from Autumn 2019, during which time a year long programme of offsite commissions, projects and events will be presented ahead of the newly renovated Studio Voltaire opening to the public in Autumn About House of Voltaire House of Voltaire commissions and sells unique artworks, limited edition works and specially commissioned homewares, clothing and accessories by leading and emerging contemporary artists and designers. Every work sold through House of Voltaire directly supports Studio Voltaire s exhibition and learning programmes. Drawing inspiration from influential artist s shops including Keith Haring s Pop Shop and the Bloomsbury Group s Omega Workshop, House of Voltaire redefines the way in which our global audience engages with and purchases art and design. Established in 2010, House of Voltaire London has occurred biennially in Mayfair, London between November and December for a period of 4 6 weeks, showcasing over 200 works in store and online.

3 Special international presentations have occured in interim years, including House of Voltaire Miami and House of Voltaire Melbourne. More recently, House of Voltaire has launched special solo projects with artists including Jeremy Deller and John Booth. With prices of works ranging from 5 to 35,000 House of Voltaire makes collecting contemporary art and design accessible and fun, providing multiple entry points for customers. About the role This is an exciting opportunity to work with leading international contemporary artists and designers to commission, produce and sell artworks, editions and special products. Working closely alongside our Director and Head of Development and Communications you will devise and manage Studio Voltaire s sales strategy, including developing and leading on our internationally renowned fundraising initiative House of Voltaire. ou will manage our participation at international art fairs, and special offsite projects, as well as realising strategic commercial partnerships that work to enhance our brand, reach, income and profile. Application Procedure To apply for this position candidates must a full curriculum vitae with covering letter outlining your interest in the role and details of all relevant experience (no more than two pages) and details of two references to: Laura Parker c/o info@studiovoltaire.org. Your subject header should be House of Voltaire Manager Application. Closing Date for applications: 19 December 2018 Interviews will be held: w/c 7 January 2018

4 Job Description Employer: Job Title: Responsible to: Responsible for: Salary scale: Studio Voltaire Ltd House of Voltaire Manager Deputy Director Sales & Production Assistant, Sales Intern Competitive Additional benefits, subject to availability Performance related bonus 28 days annual holiday per annum (pro rata) Annual allowance to spend at House of Voltaire Training opportunities International travel opportunities Conditions of work 2 year fixed term contract, Full Time. Six month probationary period (with notice period of four weeks either side). Five days per week including occasional weekend and evening working. Studio Voltaire has a policy of no paid overtime but offers time off in lieu. The period of notice is two months in writing either side. Place of employment Studio Voltaire, 1a Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR Role In recent years, Studio Voltaire has developed a number of innovative and creative fundraising activities which help support the organisation s internationally renowned gallery and education programmes. The House of Voltaire Manager will play a vital role in delivering Studio Voltaire's entrepreneurial activity, notably House of Voltaire. Working closely alongside Studio Voltaire s Director and Head of Development and Communications, the successful candidate will be responsible for increasing the net profitability of existing activities, as well as identifying new commercial opportunities.

5 These activities are integral to supporting Studio Voltaire s future artistic plans and ambitions. The House of Voltaire Manager is responsible for devising, managing and developing our sales strategy; leading on participation in international art fairs; overseeing the commissioning and production of artworks, editions, merchandise and products; establishment of special House of Voltaire presentation and projects; and realising strategic commercial partnerships. The Studio Voltaire Capital Project provides unique opportunities to develop the organisation s commercial strategy and income generation. These include the production of specific fundraising editions for the project, leading on special offsite interim projects while our Clapham site is closed, and the establishment of the firstever permanent House of Voltaire store. The desired individual will be a detail oriented, dynamic, proactive manager with excellent communication skills and a proficiency for sales. They will be able to demonstrate an informed interest in contemporary art and the wider field of the creative industries, with a particular knowledge of the contemporary art world both in London and internationally. Principal Duties and Responsibilities Commissioning & Production Work closely with the Director and Head of Development and Communications to propose potential artists and designers. Collaborate with leading artists and designers to commission art works, editions and products. Oversee the production process for all products and editions, including liaising with producers, fabricators and suppliers Oversee installation, fit out and management of all House of Voltaire presentations and art fair presentations Sales Develop opportunities to showcase and sell products, editions and artworks locally, nationally and internationally including art fairs and online Develop and deliver new sales strategy for House of Voltaire Take a lead role in identifying, researching and cultivating new commercial partnerships and commercial collaborations

6 Direct sales with supporters, collectors and patrons, ensuring excellent customer care and client liaison at all levels Overseeing the management of all sales channels and manage relationships with commercial partners Managing the display and presentation of all editions, publications and products at Studio Voltaire Financial and Administrative Manage departmental budgets; ensuring effective cost and sales analysis, appropriate spending and financial control Manage the sales inventory, keeping track of all commercial assets including stock, editions and products held, their monetary value and record of sale. This includes maintaining and reorganising the storage areas on a regular basis Manage a database of customer contacts and sales records, supporting Studio Voltaire to better understand its audience and customers, informing sales strategy Additional Responsibilities Compiling occasional reports and contributing to Studio Voltaire s annual review and business plan as required Manage the Sales Assistant and intern to ensure efficient administration, shipping, archive management and day to day finance processes are completed Managing volunteers, interns and staff as appropriate Contributing to partner approaches and supporting the Head of Development and Communications and the Director in these approaches Actively participate in the London contemporary art world networking with artists, designers, press, collectors, funders, sponsors and other institutions to develop working relationships beneficial to Studio Voltaire. Attend openings and events to represent Studio Voltaire.

7 Person Specification Essential Skills and Attributes Proven experience in creative and commercial production Experience in a sales environment and a target driven role Proven experience of producing and managing events/projects Demonstrable and informed interest in contemporary art and contemporary culture, with a particular knowledge of the contemporary art world in London and internationally, as well as Studio Voltaire s particular role within it Excellent verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail Experience of working as part of a small team and the ability to forge mutually respectful and effective working relationships with a diverse group of personalities, including members of the Board, patrons, volunteers, staff etc. A flexible, self motivated approach to working and experience of multi tasking, an ability to prioritise and plan An energetic, highly motivated and enthusiastic team player with a desire to further develop a career in the contemporary art world, through contributing to Studio Voltaire s continued success Proven management experience of staff and volunteers Proven track record of financial management and control Excellent IT skills, particularly in MS Packages Desired Skills It will be considered an advantage if the candidate demonstrates experience of working in an arts environment Suitable contacts in production and existing relationships with designers, artists and potential clients Equal Opportunities Studio Voltaire will not discriminate against eligible applications on the grounds of gender, marital status, race, nationality, ethnic background, national origin, religion, disability or age.