Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions, Kew Gardens Appointment Details March 2019 Appointment Details March 2019 1
Contents 3 Foreword from the Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise 4 Executive Summary 5 Organisational Structure 7 7 Job description 8 Person Specification 15 Team Structure 16 Terms and Conditions 17 Appointment Process and How to Apply Appointment Details March 2019 2
Foreword from the Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise Thank you very much for your interest in the role of Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions for Kew Gardens. This is a very exciting time to be joining Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The scale of our ambition as the world s best botanic garden and a world-class scientific institution is matched by significant growth in visitor numbers across both our sites. Whether it is Sir David Attenborough warming hearts at the opening of the newly restored Temperate House, or the wonders of Colombia s biodiversity coming to life in a stunning Orchid Festival, the way in which Kew is leading the debate on plant conservation confirms that Kew has never been more relevant to people s lives than today. The Marketing and Commercial Directorate is responsible for over a third of RBG Kew s income and this percentage is set to increase as the Grant-in-Aid from DEFRA decreases. Festivals, events and exhibitions are hugely important direct and indirect drivers of visits to Kew. We have invested in this programme and the marketing of it over the past 3 years and this has seen our visitor numbers grow to 2m this year. In a highly competitive days-out market, our public programme allows us to stand out from the market, attract new audiences and trigger visits from new and returning audiences. In this respect, programming is a key driver of visitor related revenue. Programming is also a means of changing perceptions of RBG Kew, interpreting our collections, enabling us to communicate messages about our mission and values and creating informal learning opportunities. Inspiring the next generation to love and understand plants and fungi is at the heart of Kew s mission. With the opening in 2019 of a Children s Garden, the return of the excellent Kew Science Festival and a range of fun evening events, we make unforgettable connections between people and nature. In April, we will open a major exhibition by the renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly this will be in the Gardens, the glasshouses and in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. There will be evening events and a family trail. This all falls under the remit of the Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions. In a fast-paced world, Kew is marking itself out as a brand to be cherished by people of all ages, both in the UK and overseas. If you feel you have the right skills and experience to help us achieve our ambitions, I ll look forward to receiving your application. Sandra Botterell Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise Appointment Details March 2019 3
BEATRIX POTTER Frederick Warne & Co., 2018. Executive summary The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew was founded in 1759 and over the past 260 years has been at the centre of global discovery, collection, identification, naming and ordering of all things plant and fungi related. Today it s a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge and the world s leading botanic garden. Situated across two sites, at Kew Gardens near Richmond in London and at Wakehurst in Sussex, RBG Kew displays and celebrates the diversity of plant life from around the world within spectacular landscapes. RBG Kew has 1000 employees and 500 volunteers. Kew Gardens is a major visitor attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew is now seeking outstanding candidates for the role of Head of Programmes and Exhibitions at Kew Gardens. As Head, this role will lead two teams Visitor Programmes and Galleries and will be responsible for delivering the five-year visitor programme. The Head will lead the creative and operational delivery of events, festivals and exhibitions across the year and will make sure we always have a rolling 5-year forward plan. Beyond this the role, the successful candidate will occupy a leadership and influencing role across the organisation as part of the Kew Leadership Forum. Kew would welcome candidates with experience leading a programming team in a heritage, culture sector or leisure attraction. A track record of delivering successful programmes with vision, creativity and a keen commercial sense will be essential, as will the ability to influence, network and build strong relationships across an organisation. This is the opportunity to be a part of the world s leading botanic garden, delivering an exciting and innovative programme of events and exhibitions which will attract a growing number of visitors to Kew Gardens. A big day out with Peter Rabbit Family fun and garden adventures this Easter 30 March 15 April 2018 Friends of Kew go free Chihuly Reflections on nature Iconic artworks, inspiring settings 13 April 27 October 2019 Kew Gardens Kew Bridge Dale Chihuly, Sun, 2014 Chihuly Studio Appointment Details March 2019 4
Organisational Structure Board of Trustees Director Richard Deverell Executive Board Director of Science Director of Marketing & Commercial Enterprise Director of Wakehurst Director of Horticulture, Learning & Operations Director of Resources Director of Estates & Capital Development Chief Information Officer Director of Foundation Biodiversity Informatics & Spatial Analysis Collections Comparative Plant & Fungal Biology Conservation Identification & Naming Library, Art & Archives Natural Capital & Plant Health Office of the Science Directorate Commercial Phytochemistry Unit Commercial Activities Creative Services Digital Experience Media Relations & Internal Communications Sales & Marketing Strategic Projects Visitor Programmes & Exhibitions Wakehurst Landscape & Horticulture Wakehurst Marketing & Communication Wakehurst Programmes & Learning Wakehurst Visitor Experience & Commercial Arboretum, Gardens & Horticultural Services Garden Design & Collection Support Glasshouses, Nurseries & Display Horticulture Interpretation Learning & Participation School of Horticulture Visitor Operations including Constabulary and Catering Liaison Director s Office External Affairs Finance Human Resources Legal, Risk and Health & Safety Planning & Strategy Procurement Capital Development Estates & Facilities Management Infrastructure & Operations Project & Business Systems Science Development Team Service Desk Business Services Development Engagement Membership Appointment Details March 2019 5
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Job description Job Purpose To deliver RBG mission by: The post-holder will be accountable for development and operational delivery of the annual visitor programme at Kew Gardens, encompassing two core elements: programmed activities for the day visitor to Kew, and exhibitions in our art galleries and elsewhere, (collectively the visitor programme ). This role will lead the development and co-ordination of an annual programme of public events and exhibitions that: attracts an increasing number of visitors to the Gardens; supports delivery of income objectives for Kew; and provides an inspiring and thought-provoking experience that engages visitors in the vision and mission of Kew. Appointment Details March 2019 7
Job Context RBG Kew is the world leader in plant science and conservation and also a leading visitor attraction at Kew Gardens. (The second site at Wakehurst has separate teams for programming and other functions). The Kew Gardens Visitor Programmes & Exhibitions team is part of the Marketing & Commercial Enterprise Directorate whose role is to lead the development of audience strategy to drive visitor numbers and revenue; to communicate Kew s brand to the public through digital media, marketing and PR activities; and to raise commercial income. The Head of Visitor Programmes & Exhibitions heads up two teams at Kew Gardens: the Visitor Programmes team work with colleagues across the organisation to create and deliver a seasonal programme of events and festivals for the day-visitor to the Gardens; and the Galleries team manage the Marianne North Gallery and Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. The post holder also has a leadership and influencing role across the organisation to coordinate the planning of a seamless visitor programme, most notably with our specialist teams in Interpretation, Learning, Membership and Commercial Events. Programming, Strategy and Creative Development Develop and deliver a rolling 5-Year Visitor Programme for Kew Gardens that supports corporate objectives, operational plans and Kew brand and marketing strategies. Identify gaps and opportunities in the current programme and develop a brief to drive demand and revenue. Devise and implement a planning framework to ensure the programme is refreshed and remains vibrant, identifying where programmes become regular repeats and where one-off experiences are needed. Lead the organisation in commissioning and developing creative and engaging content for the visitor programme, ensuring that experiences are commercially viable and also carry agreed key messages, concepts and themes relating to Kew s work. Work closely with the Head of Interpretation, Senior Science Communications Officer and other senior colleagues throughout Kew in ensuring that the visitor programme reflects and amplifies our key messages and reaches our agreed target audiences. Define the quality, quantity, timings, location and feasibility of all events, exhibitions and festivals in order to attract an increasing number of visitors to the Gardens to have an enjoyable, safe and memorable experience, whilst gaining an understanding of Kew s work. Identify and develop viable artistic and commercial partnerships and joint ventures in relation to the development of the visitor programme. Act in a leadership role in relation to internal governance and consultative processes, including preparing reports, giving presentations and managing meetings at all levels of the organisation including at Director and Trustee level. Appointment Details March 2019 8
Operational Delivery Lead the operational delivery of events, exhibitions and programmes for the day visitor at Kew Gardens, ensuring all aspects of the operation are managed efficiently and deliver excellent customer service and standards. Monitor and amend on-site delivery to ensure quality is maintained whilst achieving budget. Ensure suitable protection of the soft and hard infrastructure of the Gardens and the highest standards of environmental protection and health & safety. Work closely with the Head of Events Operations, whose team provide a support service to the Visitor Programmes & Galleries teams. Galleries Effectively manage the team that programmes and runs the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art and the permanent collection at the Marianne North Gallery. Ensure programming that attracts and delights visitors to the Gardens, celebrates and supports the work of botanical artists worldwide, and supports wider Kew s programming strategy. Ensure effective operational management of the Galleries, with the highest standards of customer care and security. Appointment Details March 2019 9
Marketing and PR Work closely with the Sales and Marketing, Digital Experience, Creative Services and Media Relations teams to ensure that a Marketing, Digital and Communications plan is delivered for all the team s activities, which aligns to the event and attracts the budgeted level of visitors. Work with the Head of Sales and Marketing to ensure effective audience research and evaluation of all aspects of the visitor programme. Stakeholder Management Work collaboratively with colleagues across Kew to ensure the effective delivery of the team s activities. Represent the Kew Gardens visitor programme in a leadership role, championing our programme and objectives and building and maintaining mutually collaborative relationships across the organisation. Build and maintain effective relationships with all external stakeholders in relation to festivals and events e.g. artists, local authority, community groups. Health and Safety Ensure that all the team s activities are delivered to health and safety standards and in accordance with the law, guidance, best practice and Kew policies and procedures. Maintain the team s awareness and expertise in relation to statutory requirements and guidance and provide training and networking opportunities for oneself and for the team as necessary. Appointment Details March 2019 10
Other Ensure relevant legal agreements for customers and suppliers are in place. Oversee the management of relationships with internal and external suppliers and contractors, monitoring quality and value for money against agreed performance measures. Ensure the departmental Risk Register is up to date and oversee the management of business risk across the team. Comply with Kew s sustainability policy and achieve best-in-sector standards of sustainability. Work effectively with relevant authorities to ensure that the team s activities at Kew comply with licensing and planning conditions, industry best practice and current legislation. Evaluation The Visitor Programme contributes to the following Success Measures (Kew Operational Plan 2018/19 to 2020/21): Total visits to Kew Gardens Percentage of total day-time visitors who feel they have learnt something about why plants and fungi matter as a result of their visit Self-generated income Brand recognition score Total number of Members of Kew Gardens Appointment Details March 2019 11
Financial responsibilities Responsible for delegated budgets for visitor programmes and galleries To prepare and present departmental budgets on a monthly and annual basis, including forward planning forecasts, monitoring income and expenditure against budgets and ensuring agreed targets are met To scrutinise business plans and creative proposals and make successful recommendations as to the development of the visitor programme. To work closely with the directorate senior team to ensure programming proposals are aligned to the achievement of visitor and commercial targets. To optimise revenue and minimise net costs across the team. To ensure that all necessary month-end and year-end actions are taken. To complete all financial processes in line with organisational procedures. Management of people Leadership and management of the Visitor Programmes and Galleries team and line management of four direct reports. Build, develop and lead a high performing team to achieve agreed objectives. This post entails a significant amount of internal and external influencing, championing the visitor programme across Kew and beyond. Appointment Details March 2019 12
Communication and relationships Internally: Director of Marketing & Commercial Enterprise Marketing & Commercial Enterprise senior team Senior Science Team Horticulture, Learning & Operations directorate senior team and a wide range of staff at all levels across the organisation Externally: Artists, creative agencies and similar Event producers Marketing & ticketing agencies and similar Event production and staffing contractors Kew operational contractors (catering, maintenance, cleaning) Visitors and customers London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and LB Hounslow Local residents Appointment Details March 2019 13
Person Specification Essential Experience of leading a programming team in a heritage, culture sector or leisure visitor attraction Proven track record of developing and delivering a highly successful annual programme of events and/or exhibitions that achieved both commercial and visitor engagement objectives. Vision and creativity, with a successful track-record of building artistic and creative partnerships, interpreting heritage or science stories in creative and engaging ways. Successful experience of delivering large scale festivals, exhibitions or projects with multiple stakeholders and complex risks and delivery targets. Talent for influencing, networking and building strong working relationships across multiple disciplines and at all levels of an organisation. Excellent organisational, project management and planning skills. Strong track record of managing, leading and coaching a team. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Numerate with the ability to devise and manage event budgets successfully. Enthusiasm for Kew s mission and purpose. Desirable Experience interpreting complicated science stories for a public audience. Experience of working in a botanic garden or similar outdoor attraction. Appointment Details March 2019 14
Team Structure Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions Head of Visitor Programmes & Exhibitions Galleries & Exhibitions Leader Visitor Programmes Manager Visitor Programmes Manager Visitor Programmes Manager Gallery Manager Visitor Programmes Producer Visitor Programmes Producer Gallery Assistant Gallery Assistant Marketing and Commercial Enterprise Directorate Director of Marketing & Commercial Enterprise Brand Project Manager Executive Assistant Head of Sales & Marketing Head of Media Relations & Internal Communications Head of Digital Experience Head of Creative Services Head of Commercial Activities Head of Visitor Programmes & Exhibitions Appointment Details March 2019 15
Terms and conditions of employment This is a Kew Enterprises post. Along with a competitive salary, Kew Enterprises offers a range of excellent benefits including an annual leave allowance of 26 days, plus bank holidays, rising to a maximum of 29 days after 5 years service. We are a family friendly employer and support our employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance through a range of schemes designed to support wellbeing such as: generous and comprehensive family friendly policies maternity, paternity, adoption & shared parental leave, career breaks a health care scheme giving you the ability to claim back the cost of everyday healthcare expenses Kew family pass free admission into the Gardens at Kew and Wakehurst for 2 accompanying adults and 2 children An important part of the pay and reward package at RBG Kew Enterprises is the option to join a Group Personal Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution. Comprehensive and continual training will be offered throughout your career with us. We also offer free entry to a wide range of museums, galleries, gardens and attractions, staff discount in our shops and restaurants, access to My Lifestyle benefits portal, allowing you to choose from a range of benefits such as a cycle to work scheme, payroll giving, and high street retail discounts. The post-holder will be based at Kew Gardens in London, a beautiful working environment. How to apply Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew on this appointment. Candidates should apply for this role through our website at www.saxbam.com/appointments, using code EASPD. Click on the apply button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter. The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 10th April 2019. GDPR personal data notice According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data within your CV (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior agreement. Appointment Details March 2019 16
Head of Visitor Programmes and Exhibitions, Kew Gardens Appointment Details March 2019 Appointment Details March 2019 17