As the Future Producers form into teams to design a range of projects, seasons and events they are coming to a point where they need to work out their role in delivery. What I am keen to avoid is us creating teams that essentially silo individuals into a ‘stage’ in the journey of the project. For example, someone taking on programming to then pass the baton to a marketing bod, who then deliver an audience to an event manager. Through this programme we want the participants to be given the chance to be a creative producer – to make work happen – from design to delivery and on to documentation and dissemination.
The team involved in producing Fresh Flix for Encounters have started to identify their individual roles with a participant taking on the Children’s Jury Workshops, Luke leading on a filmmaking workshop ‘Turn the Camera on Yourself’, Matt taking on the ‘Comedy Writing Masterclass’ and Jenny leading on the ‘Fresh Flix: Shoot from the Hip screening and Q&A’ plus liaising with Charlie on digital documentation.
Sometimes it can be hard to get your head what it means to be a creative producer. I always find Clare Reddington – the Pervasive Media Studio director and queen bee of Watershed producers – writing useful on the role of a producer. I also thought it might be good to share my job description as the Future Producers are essentially helping me to do my job better!
Engagement Projects Producer
Responsible to: Programme Producer
Responsible for: Project Freelancers, Future Producers and Volunteers
Purpose of Job
The post-holder will develop and produce projects, working across Watershed’s portfolio of engagement activity. He/she needs to be pro-active, enthusiastic and experienced in producing, facilitating and fundraising for projects designed to meet the needs of diverse participants within the agreed priorities framework.
Principal Responsibilities
• To produce Watershed’s portfolio of engagement projects, working with the Programme and Communications Departments, iShed and the Online Publishing team.
• To oversee the management and administration of project budgets in consultation with the Programme Developer and the Finance Department, including freelancers’ recruitment andcontractual arrangements.
• To work with the Programme and iShed teams, partners and participants to develop and fundraise for a project portfolio designed to meet the needs of diverse participants within the agreed priorities framework.
• To develop a productive working relationship within the organisation and externally to manage the successful delivery and development of projects.
• To document, collect and collate documentation of project activities for internal and external evaluation, advocacy and other purposes.
• To represent Watershed, by attending and hosting events.
• To attend / fulfil training requirements and personal development targets to further personal development.
• To adopt safe working practices at all times, conforming to all relevant Health and Safety legislation and attend relevant training.
Key Performance Indicators
• Produces projects effectively by communicating and co-operating well with staff and with external contacts.
• Develops productive relationships and motivates others.
• Solves problems and prioritises.
• Successfully delivers specific projects within a set budget and deadlines.
• Contributes positively to the development of projects and to Watershed strategies.
• Fundraises for projects within the agreed priorities framework.
• Demonstrates a proven interest and specialist knowledge of engagement training programmes.
• Ability to represent the department / organisation internally and externally.
• Supervises Freelancers and Volunteers effectively.
• Demonstrates growing expertise and knowledge base for the projects.
• Ability to represent Watershed and partners with enthusiasm.
Person Specification
Skills & Experience
• Highly organised and motivated.
• A friendly manner and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Shows initiative and positive approach to problem solving.
• Proven track record in delivering community based / engagement training projects.
• Proven experience of managing budgets.
• Experience in creating, facilitating, developing and evaluating creative projects.
• Good level of I.T. literacy, preferably on the Mac platform.
• Proven ability to work independently under direction as well as part of a team.
• An interest in digital media and community outreach projects.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to issues of equal opportunities.
• Fundraising experience is desirable but not essential.
• Experience with older learners and/or young people on arts or community projects is desirable but not essential.
• Experience of developing and producing European or intercultural projects is desirable but not essential.