Arts Operations & Programme Manager (Freelance)

 

Responsible to: Board of Trustees

Location: Old Parcels Office Artspace and SSCIO Creative Hubs, Scarborough

Hours: 800 hours over 12 months, approximately 20 hours per week  across 4 days (to be agreed)  including some weekends and evenings

Fee: £15 – £20,000 depending on experience

 

 

About Scarborough Studios CIO

 

 

Scarborough Studios CIO is an ambitious arts charity that manages the Old Parcels Office, plus a network of artist studios, galleries and creative spaces in Scarborough’s Old Town.

We support artists, animate vacant buildings and deliver an inspiring year-round programme of exhibitions, events and community engagement.

As the organisation enters its next phase of development, we are creating a new Arts Operations & Programme Manager role to work with our Trustees and coordinate our venues, exhibitions, artists and day-to-day operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, practical problem-solving abilities and a passion for contemporary visual arts.

 

Purpose of the Role

 

The Arts Operations & Programme Manager will oversee the day-to-day operation of SSCIO’s buildings, coordinate its artistic programme and support the delivery of exhibitions and events across the organisation.

The role combines:

• arts administration
• exhibition management
• venue operations
• property management
• marketing and communications
• artist liaison
• volunteer coordination

Working closely with Trustees, volunteers, artists and partner organisations, the postholder will ensure that SSCIO continues to deliver high-quality cultural activity while maintaining safe, welcoming and financially sustainable creative spaces.

 

Main Responsibilities

 

1. Operations & Venue Management

 

Manage the day-to-day operation of SSCIO’s buildings by:

• coordinating maintenance and repairs
• liaising with landlords and Network Rail
• managing contractors
• maintaining compliance records
• arranging inspections and servicing
• ensuring Health & Safety compliance
• monitoring utilities and service contracts
• maintaining policies and operational procedures
• coordinating access and key management

 

2. Artistic Programme & Exhibition Management

 

Coordinate the planning and delivery of SSCIO’s annual programme of exhibitions and creative projects, including the annual OPO Open Exhibition.

Responsibilities include:

• maintaining the annual programme calendar
• coordinating exhibition schedules
• supporting Trustees with funding applications
• preparing project plans
• monitoring exhibition budgets
• liaising with artists, curators and selectors
• coordinating artwork delivery and collection
• artwork sales administration
• evaluation and reporting
• organising exhibition installation and de-installation
• coordinating exhibition launches and private views
• ensuring exhibitions are delivered to a professional standard

 

3. Studio & Gallery Management

 

Manage artist studios and gallery hires by:

• maintaining high occupancy
• advertising vacancies
• responding to enquiries
• arranging viewings
• issuing licences
• coordinating gallery bookings
• managing calendars
• supporting studio tenants
• maximising earned income

 

4. Marketing & Communications

 

Working with Trustees and freelance designers where appropriate:

• update the website
• create exhibition posters and publicity
• produce flyers and banners
• design simple promotional graphics
• manage Facebook and Instagram
• prepare e-newsletters and mailshots
• write and distribute press releases
• arrange media interviews
• coordinate press photography
• photograph exhibitions and events
• maintain SSCIO’s image library

The postholder is not expected to be a professional graphic designer but should be confident producing high-quality publicity using standard design software such as Canva or Adobe Express.

 

5. Volunteer & Artist Support

 

Support the Volunteer Coordinator Trustee as required with:

• Recruiting volunteers
• preparing volunteer rotas
• supporting invigilators
• organising installation teams
• welcoming new volunteers
• ensuring volunteers are well briefed

Support artists by:

• acting as the first point of contact
• resolving practical issues
• ensuring a positive experience throughout exhibitions and studio tenancies

 

6. Administration & Financial Support

 

Working with the Bookkeeper:

• raise invoices
• monitor studio licences
• monitor gallery hire income
• maintain project records
• support grant monitoring
• prepare reports for Trustees
• maintain operational databases

Person Specification

 

Essential

• Experience working in an arts, heritage or cultural organisation.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Experience coordinating exhibitions, events or creative projects.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent administrative ability.
• Experience working with artists, volunteers or creative practitioners.
• Ability to write clear publicity and promotional material.
• Confident using social media professionally.
• Experience using Canva, Adobe Express or similar software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• A practical and proactive approach to problem solving.
• Lives locally so can respond quickly to emergencies.

 

Desirable

 

• Experience managing cultural venues.
• Knowledge of property or facilities management.
• Experience using CuratorSpace or similar platforms.
• Experience preparing funding reports.
• Budget monitoring experience.
• Knowledge of charity governance.
• Car owner and driver

 

Personal Qualities

 

We are looking for someone who is:

• creative and organised
• enthusiastic about the visual arts
• approachable and collaborative
• calm under pressure
• practical and resourceful
• confident communicating with artists, volunteers and partners
• committed to providing an excellent visitor and artist experience

 

 

Why Join Us?

 

This is an opportunity to play a key role in one of North Yorkshire’s most innovative independent arts organisations.

You will help shape exhibitions, support artists, manage inspiring creative spaces and contribute to the cultural life of Scarborough.