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Closed CLOSING DATE: 19/03/2015

Creative North

Graduate Project Co-ordinator

HND, Undergraduate Degree, Postgraduate Degree

Closing Date:
19/03/2015
Skill:
Marketing market research and PR
Region:
Inverness and Surrounds
Salary
£16,000 per annum
Length:
12 months
Ref code
CPUREJCITM

Placement summary

Creative North Ltd, a company responsible for organising the annual Inverness-based XpoNorth festival, are recruiting for a graduate for an exciting 12 month placement. The successful graduate will play a key role in supporting the annual festival XpoNorth which takes place in June. The graduate will be involved in organising the festival events programme and being a dedicated liaison for invited guests, as well as being responsible for communication and delivery of the XpoNorth marketing plan.

Job description

Project Description

XpoNorth, which takes place in June in Inverness, provides daytime conferencing with key industry figures from fashion and crafts, screen and broadcasting, publishing and music as well as showcasing Scottish and International talent from these creative industries.

The festival events programme will require engaging and co-ordinating arrangements across a range of activities including transport and travel logistics, venue set up, dealing with suppliers and managing visitors. The graduate will be required to represent XpoNorth in discussions and communicate arrangements with festival guests who are leading figures in their industry. This will involve a high degree of planning, organisational and social skills to deliver a first class and professional experience.

Other key activities to be undertaken by the graduate will include development of a database of secondary schools and communication and delivery of the XpoNorth marketing plan. Whilst the plan has been largely finalised the detailed execution has still to be finalised and it is anticipated that elements of this activity will be fulfilled as part of the placement.

The role will be fully supported by a small management team that includes extensive experience of event management. They will provide support and direction however it is anticipated that the role will require a high degree of confidence and intuition together with a ‘get up and go’ attitude.

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

• Develop a comprehensive database of secondary schools with key media person(s) as well as develop a communications plan for engagement with local schools to raise awareness and involvement of pupils in XpoNorth and beyond.

• Develop a comprehensive database of local radio stations identifying the most appropriate person within the station who supports the creative industries in particular screen and broadcast. Develop a communications plan for engagement with them through XpoNorth activities.

• Co-ordinating logistics including transport and travel, venue arrangements. Dealing with a range of suppliers, invited speakers, artistes and organisers. Keeping accurate records.

• Dedicated invited guest liaison before, during and after festival. Provide clear communication on their arrangements.

• Cost and budgetary management.

• Marketing and communication activity delivery across a range of events around XpoNorth.

Beyond the festival in June, the graduate will be involved in organising and delivering the year-round programme of events that XpoNorth is committed to as well as preparing for the 2016 festival.

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Qualifications

Minimum HND ideally in Events Management, Research, Systems and Database Development or other relevant disciplines.

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• A people person, good communicator with excellent social and interpersonal skills.

• Able to work accurately and to tight deadlines; work effectively under pressure, respond flexibly to changing demands, be thorough and methodical; analytical with a keen attention to detail.

• Able to communicate ideas and information clearly and accurately, editorially and technically both verbally and in writing.

• Able to use own initiative, be resourceful, self-motivated, manage time effectively and work autonomously as well as part of a team that work remotely from each other.

• Have strong planning and organisation skills to manage multiple projects.

• Excellent IT with a good knowledge of Excel spreadsheets and, in particular, research skills including keeping thorough notes, accurate databases and clear paper trails.

Desirable Skills

• Ability to maintain personal effectiveness by managing own emotions in the face of pressure, set-backs or when dealing with provocative situations.

• Be aware of the professional creative industries infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands.

• Knowledge of some or all, and a passion for the film, television, music, fashion/crafts, writing/publishing industries and their developments.

• High level of commitment.

• Confidence and patience.

• Adhere to the XpoNorth Health and Safety policy and apply safe working practice to all situations in delivering this contract.

Benefits

Placement benefits

As part of this ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the candidate will benefit from support from a team within Highlands and Islands Enterprise and also access a four day residential course focussed on employability and business skills.

Additional information

Inverness

End of March / Beginning of April 2015

Company information

Creative North are responsible for organising the annual Inverness-based XpoNorth festival, which until last year was known as goNORTH, Scotland's leading creative Industries festival. XpoNorth takes place over two exciting and energising days and nights in the Highland capital of Inverness. The only festival of its kind in Scotland covering fashion and crafts, publishing, screen and broadcast as well as music, XpoNorth is a unique event in the UK's cultural calendar.

In 2015, XpoNorth will be held in venues across the city of Inverness, on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June. By day, XpoNorth hosts a packed programme of more than 25 panels and workshops featuring leading industry players in the fields of fashion and craft, publishing, screen and broadcast and music. This conferencing element is designed to inform and discuss current trends, developments and industry knowledge in these fields. By night, there is a nice blend of relaxed networking events, coupled with a free new music showcase in intimate venues and a curated short film programme. All of this is free to access.

The work of XpoNorth in developing creative talent throughout the Highlands and islands of Scotland continues throughout the year.

Creative Industries

Company website: www.xponorth.co.uk

Olivia Rodger
07737540853