Chief Executive Officer

Jazz Scotland is recruiting for a new CEO to lead and deliver on all aspects of the company’s operational, artistic, and strategic work.

A central player in the vibrant Scottish jazz scene, Jazz Scotland is best known for the delivery of 3 flagship festivals (Aberdeen, Islay, and Dundee). The organisation recently joined Creative Scotland’s portfolio of organisations receiving Multi-Year Funding, providing financial stability for the coming three years. As we enter this new phase in our development, our dedicated staff team are developing new strands of work around education, artist development, and community work with a view to further strengthening the jazz and jazz-adjacent music scene in Scotland. This exciting new chapter in our history requires a CEO who can provide inspiring artistic and operational leadership for our small, but dedicated staff team.

• Closing date: 10th April at 10am
• Interview Dates: 15/16th April 2025 in Aberdeen in an accessible venue. Alternative arrangements can be made on request. The interview will also include a short IT proficiency task. If required, the panel may decide to invite candidates back for a second interview.
• Hours/ Pay: 4.5 days per week (£45,784 pro rata)
• To apply: Send a cover letter, a CV, and 2 references to Simon Gall, Development Director (simon@jazzscotland.com).
• For informal enquiries about the role: contact Simon Gall, Development Director (simon@jazzscotland.com).

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Role

The post holder, who will work very closely with the Development Director, will be responsible for the successful and efficient delivery of Jazz Scotland’s business plan, leading and delivering on all aspects of the company’s operational, artistic, and strategic work.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Lead on Festivals and Events

With support from the staff team and board, the postholder will oversee the programming, production, and marketing of Jazz Scotland’s three annual jazz festivals in Aberdeen, Islay, and Dundee. Importantly, these festivals all have distinct histories, audiences, and trajectories. In addition to retaining the national and international flavour of the festivals, the postholder will be responsible for maintaining, and then deepening, the sense of place associated with each festival. This requires gaining a deep familiarity with, and connection to, each locality, and includes engaging with local music scenes, local artists and organisations, the local funding landscape, performance spaces, and so on.

Develop New Projects and Programmes Outlined in the Business Plan

By working closely together with the Development Director, the postholder will contribute to the planning, resourcing, and delivering on the newer areas of work as outlined in our business plan: artist development; community work, and education. More information about the specific deliverables are outlined in the business plan.

The successful delivery of the business plan will require inspirational leadership and effective operational and staff management, creating an effective and supportive organisational culture. The postholder will be required to manage multiple relationships both within and outside the organisation.

Lead on General Operations

With support from the staff team and board, the postholder will be responsible for the efficient management of all aspects of the organisation including:

Finance

• Effectively manage our financial resources (grants, income from trade etc.)
• Manage and oversee project budgets, including reporting, tracking, and forecasting
• Provide accurate, clear, and timely accounting information and financial reports
• Manage and pay salaries (payroll, pensions, wages etc.) and contractors/freelancers

Administration

• Effectively manage our contracts and agreements with suppliers and service providers
• Manage and develop staff policy and processes such as TOIL, annual leave, staff expenses, contracts etc.
• With support from the Development Director, effectively manage and deliver on our contractual obligations to funders and sponsors.
• Manage our statutory obligations to regulators such as OSCR and Government (HMRC, Companies House)
• Manage our safeguarding processes

Relationship Management

• Work effectively and constructively with the Board of Directors, preparing agendas, preparing detailed updates, working with role holders (e.g., Chair, Treasurer), and so on.
• Effectively line-manage the Development Director and the Festivals and Programmes Coordinator, as well as relevant freelancers and contractors.
• Develop strong relationships with jazz and jazz-adjacent artists and organisations in Scotland, and especially in our festival areas.
• With support from the Development Director, effectively manage our relationships with funders and sponsors
• Sustain and develop our marketing processes and procedures, and relationships with press and publicity contacts
• Effectively rebrand and communicate the ‘new’ company story and maintain the company image

Lead on the Development of the Organisation’s Financial and Human Resources.

As our remit and activities expand, we will require more funding and capacity. The postholder will work closely with the Development Director and the Board to identify potential funders and sponsors and successfully obtain funding. With the increased resources, the postholder will devise plans to effectively deliver existing and new projects.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience of leading medium or large-scale music/arts programmes or organisations
• Knowledge and experience of the live music scene(s)/sector
• Experience of designing education, community, and artist development initiatives
• Experience of managing staff, contractors, and freelancers in an arts context
• Knowledge of arts marketing, sales and communications
• Experience of working in, and commitment to, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
• Experience of financial and project management and high-level administration
• Excellent IT skills
• Effective communication skills

Desirable

• Experience of delivering music festivals
• Experience of programming, promoting, and delivering live music events
• Knowledge of jazz and jazz-adjacent scenes and sectors in Scotland, UK, and beyond
• Understanding of the various models and approaches to arts education, community, and artist development work
• Experience of presenting to other organisations and funders
• Experience of working with CRM and e-commerce systems, word processing and spreadsheet software, and accounting software.