What is my role?

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 Christina 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.