Chief Executive

The Chief Executive is responsible for leading the Scottish Music Centre (SMC), delivering its funded remit and ensuring the provision of high-quality services to the music sector and the public. The postholder will provide strategic leadership and oversee the Centre's operations, financial sustainability, fundraising, governance, staff team and programme of activities.,

• Lead all fundraising activity, including applications for Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding and other core and project funding.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all quarterly, annual and end-of-project reports, financial statements and other information required by funders.
• Prepare, monitor and update annual core and project budgets, as well as profit and loss statements, expenditure reports and other financial information.
• Prepare documentation for, and liaise with, the external examiner in connection with the annual independent examination of the accounts.
• Ensure the timely and accurate filing of annual accounts and other required statutory returns with Companies House and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Governance and Organisational Compliance
• Ensure that Board meetings take place quarterly and work with the Company Secretary to agree meeting dates, prepare Board papers and maintain appropriate governance records.
• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan and annual environmental reporting.
• Ensure that trustee information and other required documentation is maintained and filed with Companies House and OSCR.
Staffing and Human Resources
• Lead and manage a team of six office-based staff and three freelancers, alongside the wider network of PhD researchers, volunteers and student placements.
• Work with the MusiCares Project Manager to maintain an effective relationship with the wider pool of freelance mentors.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative working culture that supports staff wellbeing, accountability and professional development.
Strategic Leadership and Operations
• Take overall responsibility for the strategic development and management of SMC's extensive remote archive and collections, including the ongoing digitisation programme.
• Develop new ways to promote and increase public engagement with the collections, and maximise the use, performance and hire of music scores.
• Continue to develop commercially the range of digital and physical products available through SMC's online shop.
• Work with the Membership Officer to maintain and develop relevant, high-quality services that meet the needs of SMC's membership, including events.
• Develop talent development programmes across a range of musical genres.
• Work with the SMC Events Lead to oversee the planning and delivery of external events in the SMC foyer.
• Oversee SMC's external communications and marketing, including its website, social media channels and member newsletter.
Information and Advocacy
• Maintain and further develop SMC's position as a key provider of information and signposting for Scotland's music sector.
• Act as an ambassador and advocate for SMC, raising its profile and ensuring its visibility across Scotland's music sector.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with musicians, composers, music organisations, funders, venues, festivals and other sector stakeholders.
International Development and Partnerships
• Take overall responsibility for the strategic oversight and delivery of SMC's flagship international projects, which currently include Scotland's participation in Classical NEXT, Northern Connection, Made in Scotland and ISCM World Music Days.
• Facilitate opportunities for Scottish composers, musicians and music support organisations to participate in international showcase events, networks and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain and develop SMC's relationships with international umbrella organisations, including IAMIC, EMC and ISCM, through membership subscriptions, Scotland's participation in annual conferences, online meetings and other collaborative activity.
  
  Proven experience in a leadership or other senior position in the creative arts, ideally within the music sector.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience of fundraising, managing complex budgets and public funding streams, as well as generating diverse revenue.
• Demonstrable success in supporting creators, performers and/or other communities in their artistic endeavours.
• Experience of collaborating with key external stakeholders including government bodies, funders and policy-makers.
• Expertise in reporting to, and/or working closely with, a board of trustees to ensure good governance and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of building teams with an inclusive and collaborative approach.
Knowledge
• Deep understanding of the Scottish music ecosystem and the national cultural context.
• Fluency with Scotland's funding landscape.
• Strong awareness of government policy (both Scottish and UK) and how it affects the creative, education and third sectors.
• An understanding of the wider UK and international musical context as it relates to musicians and their work.
• Thorough understanding of best practices in broadening access, promoting under-represented voices and removing barriers to participation., Strong strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong team management skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Persuasive advocacy skills, with an ability to influence external stakeholders including funders and government.
• A high degree of financial literacy alongside good numerical skills.
Personal attributes
• High standard of personal integrity and transparency.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Passion for music and music-making.
  
  £44k plus pension