HERE - the Auckland Philharmonia

AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Director of APO Connecting (Full-time ongoing position)
Department:
APO Connecting
Reports to:
Chief Executive
Date:
May 2015
Purpose of Position:
As a key member of the Senior Management team, the Director of APO Connecting will work with the senior
team and Chief Executive (CE) to ensure the APO’s strategic plan is delivered.
The Director of APO
Connecting is responsible for the design, development, delivery and evaluation of the education, community
and outreach programmes.
The Director will develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including the University of
Auckland School of Music, Atamira Dance Company, Auckland Live, SOUNZ, CANZ and a range of other
organisations and collaborative partners.
As part of the senior team, the Director of APO Connecting will support the Development department to
achieve solid funding of projects. The Director of APO Connecting will develop and maintain strong
relationships with APO musicians, involving them in the APO Connecting programme at all levels. The
Director of APO Connecting also liaises with a variety of communities to ensure opportunities and synergies
are maximised.
1. Planning and Development:

Work with the CE, Senior Management team and APO musicians to envision and establish
appropriate education, community and outreach goals for the orchestra

Set the strategy for the APO Connecting programme, and be responsible for the delivery of this
strategy and its objectives

Identify education trends that may present new opportunities for the orchestra and recommend
subsequent courses of action

Seek regular feedback on needs and gaps in Auckland’s music education activities and where
possible, tailor programmes and resources to meet those needs and gaps
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
Identify the potential for new educational support resources that could enhance the APO’s leadership
role in music education

Maintain up-to-date knowledge about education curricula, contemporary repertoire and musical
trends that are compatible with the educational aims of the APO

Ensure appropriate New Zealand music content in the APO Connecting programme including liaising
with the APO’s Composer-in-Residence

Align APO Connecting programme with APO’s Strategic Plan.
2. Management:

Manage APO Connecting staff in a fast high-performing environment, ensuring that they are well
supported in the delivery of their projects

Develop budgets for APO Connecting activities, and manage approved budgets

Be responsible for the interfacing with school and other partners to provide resources necessary to
deliver the education programme to schools and oversee the work of any outside contractors in the
development of these materials

Be responsible for all volunteers, staff and musicians involved in delivering any aspect of APO
Connecting programmes

Participate in meetings with stakeholders where necessary and assist to resolve stakeholder issues

Assess effectiveness of APO Connecting activities to achieve high customer satisfaction through
consistent improvement and development of best practice

Manage the implementation, data collection and reporting requirements of the APO Connecting
measures.
3. Funding, Sponsorship and Marketing:

Collaborate with the Development department in developing funding scenarios suitable for ongoing
and new APO Connecting initiatives

Contribute to funding and corporate partnership proposals and applications by providing suitable
APO Connecting content

Work closely with the Development and Business Partnerships departments in providing information
for reports to funders in a timely manner

Contribute to the development of marketing strategies for APO Connecting events

Contribute to the on going development of the APO Connecting section of the APO’s website and
social media as guided by the APO’s digital strategy.
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4. Public Relations and Collaborations

Represent the APO to other arts, education and civic institutions and promote constructive working
partnerships in the community

Manage the two key strategic relationships: INSPIRE (University of Auckland School of Music) and
Whakapiri (Atamira Dance Company) and other projects and relationships as they develop

Act as the primary spokesperson for the APO in APO Connecting matters

Provide support to educators and community organisations in Auckland

Attend events of local education institutions to support and promote links

Promote the profile of the APO within New Zealand and overseas at all times

Serve as guest speaker / institutional representative at community functions as required.
5. Other:

Contribute to APO as part of the Senior Management team

Provide an education and community perspective on APO programmes outside of the APO
Connecting portfolio, including identifying possible connections

Manage APO Connecting interns, including providing a work plan, regular feedback and a report to
the intern upon completion of term.
Selection Criteria
Essential:

A passion for, and knowledge of, orchestral music

Appropriate tertiary qualifications

Proven track record of ability to inspire, motivate and manage a team

Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form

Demonstrated ability to contribute at a senior level to strategy

Demonstrated ability to manage budgets

Excellent administrative capability

Knowledge of the music education sector

Willingness and ability to work flexible hours

Experience of outreach work and delivery of community learning and development work

Experience in programme and event planning and delivery

Full Drivers licence

Clean NZ Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history.
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Desirable:

A good knowledge of a variety of orchestral instruments

Knowledge of composition and arranging

Previous experience in working with Maori and Pasifika and/or other ethnic communities.
Key Competencies:

Building, leading and managing effective teams

Ability to organise work, manage pressure and meet deadlines working alone and as part of a team

Demonstrated excellence in relationship skills across all levels (management/staff/community)

Demonstrated excellence in communication skills

Business writing skills

Personal integrity.
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