Art Bytes – Project Manager

dot-art Services CIC would like to appoint a Project Manager to manage and develop the national Art Bytes Programme. Applicants should have a background in arts and education, and experience of working independently, with multiple partners and on complex projects. The Project Manager will be responsible for two of the nine geographical regions (North West and West Midlands) including the recruitment of schools, the day-to-day management and delivery of the online programme, as well as overseeing marketing and taking overall responsibility for the programme delivery.

The successful candidates will be highly organised, with excellent communication skills and great attention to detail. Experience of working in arts education and having great contacts in the wider education sector are a must. Knowledge of current issues and initiatives within arts education (both primary and secondary) as well as the National Curriculum is highly desirable.

This will be a permanent contract, 2 days a week (with the possibility of extension) from July 2025, with a salary of £27,000 pro rata.

To apply, complete the form below.

Interviews will take place in Liverpool on Thursday 1st May 2025

The Programme:

Raising aspirations for better futures by championing the creativity of the nation’s next generation, using art and virtual technology.

Art Bytes is a national art and EdTech programme for year 5 and year 9 students in all educational settings, combining an inter-school art competition with a bespoke virtual gallery and in-person Celebration Events in cultural venues across England. It is based on 12 years’ experience in the North West and is proven to nurture talent, raise ambition and develop confidence and cultural capital, as well as support mental health and help develop vital skills for future employment.

After a shortlisting panel and an online public vote, the winning artist from each school sees their work displayed in our virtual gallery. Art Bytes culminates every June with a celebration event at a high-profile cultural venue in each of the nine regions of England, which is also available to schools to stream in the classroom or assembly. National and regional winners are announced, certificates and prizes are presented, and the virtual gallery goes live.

The competition is open to all primary (year 5), secondary (year 9) and SEN schools across England.

Art Bytes launched in 2021/2 and has been growing ever since; this year we have over 150 schools taking part.

Salary: £27,000 pro rata, (2 days per week, with potential to increase)

Location: dot-art Gallery, 14 Queen Avenue, Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 4TX (potential to work from home 1 of the 2 days)

Responsible to: Board of Directors

Reporting to: Managing Director

Job Purpose

To take responsibility for the delivery of the Art Bytes programme across the country, with support from the Project Coordinator (South) and Project Coordinator (North), including marketing (email, website, promotional materials etc), event support and logistics.

To coordinate all aspects of the Art Bytes Programme in the North West and West Midlands ensuring its smooth operation, significant growth and sustainability. This will involve building and successfully maintaining relationships with large numbers of schools across your area and ensuring that each stage of the program is monitored, evaluated and successfully executed.

Main Duties

Project Development

1. To maintain a database of all primary and secondary schools in your areas of England.
2. To make contact with schools in your areas of England using existing networks, partners, and direct contact, in order to recruit to the programme.
3. To attend and/or present at relevant network meetings, events and conferences to increase the profile of Art Bytes and encourage recruitment.
4. To visit schools where necessary, with the aim of signing them up to the programme.
5. To build mutually beneficial relationships with our partner venues.
6. To source and secure new partner venues where necessary.
7. To research and develop new strategic partnerships to support the growth of the programme.

Project Management

1. To act as first point of contact for those schools currently taking part in the programme and address any issues/answer any questions in a timely and comprehensive manner.
2. To keep accurate and comprehensive records of activity and progress.
3. To update and maintain the project website, with support from the Project Coordinator (North) and the Project Coordinator (South) (full training will be given if necessary).
4. To plan, manage and implement, with support from the Project Coordinator (North) and the Project Coordinator (South), the virtual exhibition of student work in June 2026.
5. To plan, manage and implement the two celebration events in your area at partner venues, in June 2026.
6. To support the seven other celebration events by centrally collating all event packs to be sent to venue hosts. (i.e. tote bags, badges, certificates, prizes).
7. To promote, publicise and otherwise generate interest in the exhibition to ensure pupils' work is seen by as wide an audience as possible.
8. To liaise with our Graphic Designer, Printer and Web Designer to ensure all marketing materials are produced and delivered according to the project timeline.
9. To recruit and liaise with the judging panel.
10. To be responsible for ensuring that the project is on track and devise the time-line ensuring we are meeting all deadlines.

Operational/Other

1. To help promotion and marketing of the project with project partners.
2. To represent the organisation as and when required.
3. To undertake other duties as may be reasonably required within the general terms of this Job Description.

Please note: The post holder will be subject to a DBS check. You will be required to provide the necessary documentation for the checks to be carried out. The project will cover the cost of obtaining the disclosure and reserves the right to request additional DBS checks at any time in the future.

Person Specification:

1. Educated to A Level.
2. Excellent organisational skills, self-motivation and the ability to manage a diverse workload in an evolving environment.
3. Experience of managing multi-agency/partnership projects, ideally within the arts.
4. Proven ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team.
5. Excellent contacts within the education sector.
6. Commitment to engaging with young people through the arts.
7. Experience of sales and promotion for creative programmes and events.
8. Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
9. Excellent IT skills and PC literacy including a working knowledge of Dropbox, Outlook and Office.
10. A genuine interest in both the arts and education.
11. A confident and outgoing personality.
12. Educated to degree level.
13. Experience of working within the education sector.
14. Knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum.
15. Knowledge and understanding of the Artsmark and Arts Award schemes.
16. Working knowledge of Wordpress.
17. Experience managing social media accounts.
18. Experience of using Hubspot or similar CRM system.
19. A current valid driving licence and the use of a vehicle.
20. Demonstrable understanding of relevant Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, safeguarding and best practice.

To Apply:

To apply, complete the form below.

Interviews will take place in Liverpool on Thursday 1st May 2025

1. Name * First Name Last Name
2. E-mail *
3. Contact Number *
4. Address * Street Address Street Address Line 2 City County Post Code Country

Please outline why you are suitable for the role, based on the information given above.

5. *
6. Please upload your CV * Choose File Maximum file size 2MB
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