National Symphony Orchestra Choirs Assistant

Job Title: National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) Choirs Assistant  Grade: Executive Officer Employing Authority: National Concert Hall Role Location: National Concert Hall, Dublin. Due to the nature of this role some travel will be required on an ongoing basis to accommodate the choirs and its programming commitments together with other business requirements.  Background The National Concert Hall (NCH), based in the heart of Dublin City Centre, is Ireland's National Cultural Institution for music. Our vision is to be regarded worldwide as one of the great centres for music and a symbol of national pride for Irish people everywhere. Hosting over 1,000 events each year, we offer world class music and entertainment for all ages - enriching people's lives through music and the magic of live performance.Role Summary:  The NCH is seeking suitable applicants for the role of NSO Choirs Assistant. The NSO Choirs Assistant will support all aspects of choral operational activity, acting as assistant to the NSO Choral Manager in all aspects of administration of the NCH/NSO Choirs.  Following the transfer from RTÉ in January 2022, the National Concert Hall’s NSO family of choirs is made up of the National Symphony Chorus (150+ adult singers), alongside the Cór Linn youth choir (50+ singers, aged 14-18), the Cór na nÓg children’s choir (60+ singers, aged 9-13) and the Cór na nÓg Training Choir (20+ singers, aged 9-12).  The National Symphony Chorus prepares, performs and broadcasts at least six large-scale orchestral choral works each concert season (late August to end of May). These are delivered in collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra, and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, with occasional recordings and stand-alone concerts. The Chorus has been established as Ireland’s leading symphonic choral ensemble with a highly impressive repertoire well in excess of a hundred pieces.  Cór na nÓg prepare eight to ten performances per choral season (late August to May) and Cór Linn, recent winners of the Derry International Choirs Festival Youth Choir competition, have approximately six to eight performances per season.  The Cór na nÓg Training Choir runs on Saturdays from March to May, following auditions in February.   Usual Rehearsal Schedule  All preparation and performances are supported by regular rehearsals for each choir, usually from end of August to end of May, plus extra rehearsals as required.  National Symphony Chorus: Wednesday evenings from 7.30-10pm, with additional rehearsals during concert weeks and the occasional Saturday workshop.  Cór Linn: Saturdays, 11.30am-1.30pm. Cór na nÓg: Wednesdays, 4.30pm-6.30pm and Saturdays 9.30am- 11am. Cór na nÓg Training Choir: Saturdays, 2pm-3.15pm during March to May.  Main Responsibilities:  Act as main administrative resource in support of all operational activities related to the running of the choirs at the National Concert Hall, including but not limited to: Processing invoices and purchase orders as needed;  Coordinating timesheets as appropriate for payroll;  Coordinating appropriate documentation in support of performances and rehearsals;  Maintaining internal databases, and;  Scheduling rehearsal and performance timetables.  Management of the choral library, including but not limited to: Ordering new scores;  Cataloguing;  All maintenance and appropriate filing within the library;  Distributing scores to singers, and;  Ensuring collection after concerts.  Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts, deputising for the NSO Choral Manager as required and appropriate. Assisting with physical set-up and organisation of the rehearsal spaces e.g. chairs, risers, stands, keyboards, audio gear etc. Managing the admittance and sign in of all singers upon arrival and liaising with parents/families on collection times, absences etc. This will include meet and greet duties at venues. Assisting the NSO Choral Manager with activities supporting child-safeguarding including understanding of current legislation, requirements and resources. Working flexibly in line with rehearsal and performance schedules, including on weekends and unsocial hours.   The above is not an exhaustive description of the duties which are or will be associated with the role. From time to time, as required, the NSO Choral Manager may assign additional duties within the wider NSO administrative team commensurate with the position.   Conditions  Unsocial working hours are an integral part of this job. The job is based at the National Concert Hall. Some travel required for rehearsal/performance venues within Dublin and throughout Ireland.  Person Specification Essential Requirements Knowledge of classical and choral music and the performance arts scene in Ireland and abroad. Very good experience and track record in the production and organisation of live classical music events within a performing arts organisation or relevant equivalent. Strong organisational ability and attention to detail. Ability to work effectively under pressure, as part of a small team. Self-motivated and able to multi-task. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience and ability working with young people and children.  Familiarity with child safeguarding practices and policies.   Desirable Third level in Music; an additional business or arts administration qualification would be beneficial. Experience in a similar role in an orchestral, music, or performing arts organisation. Full driving Licence would be beneficial.  Capabilities Framework for Executive Officer Grade Candidates should demonstrate the ability to carry out successfully the duties of the role, as well as the behaviours, skills and knowledge required at Executive Officer grade. The capability framework supports the Civil and Public Service in building the workforce of the future. Our ambition is to attract, empower and develop a diversity of people, with the capability and talent to collaboratively deliver excellence, on behalf of our Government and the people of Ireland. Exploring and strengthening Capability requires us to consider the whole person, their behaviours, skills, strengths, knowledge, values, motivation and interests. These factors underpin our approach to recruitment and development as we continue to build an innovative, professional, and agile Civil Service. The capabilities for the Executive Officer grade are set out below and further information is available on https://publicjobs.ie/en/information-hub/capability-framework Building Future Readiness. Evidence Informed Delivery. Leading and Empowering. Communicating and Collaborating.  Pay  The Executive Officer (PPC) salary scale applies as follows;  €36,544;  €38,465;  €39,550;  €41,667;  €43,564;  €45,400;  €47,229;  €49,019; €50,831;  €52,618;  €54,514;  €55,784;  €57,596¹; €59,422²  Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current Government Policy.Please note that appointment will be made at the first point on this salary scale (€36,544) ¹ After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum. ² After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum. How to Apply The National Concert Hall invites applications from suitably qualified candidates and will be undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process as part of this recruitment campaign.   Applications should be submitted online and must include:  A cover letter outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and why you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role and; A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.  Only applications fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign. Further details on the role and the application process are available in the Candidate Information Booklet which is available at the following link: https://issuu.com/nationalconcerthall/docs/choirs_assistant_nso_candidate_information_booket_ Closing Date Deadline for application: 9am on Monday 9th December 2024 Applications will not be accepted after the closing date/time.An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received.At NCH we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community or any other characteristic protected by the Equality Acts. We are committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any questions regarding building access, please contact us on (01) 417 0077 or at careers@nch.ie.