DARE Intern - Howard Opera Centre - Facilities & Reception Support

This placement is a great opportunity to gain invaluable experience of working in an estate/facilities management role within an arts organisation and is only available to University of Leeds students. The job market in this field is very competitive so the relevant experience that would be gained during this placement would help future job applications stand out. As well as learning and developing useful skills, the successful candidate will also gain an insight into the way the performing arts industry works.

Applications are open to all current University of Leeds degree students (undergraduate or postgraduate level) regardless of their degree subject and level of experience.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PLACEMENT

To provide support and assistance to Opera North’s Facilities team, with particular focus on supporting the efficient running of the Opera North Estate. This will include providing comprehensive reception services in the Howard Opera Centre and administrative support to the Facilities team.

POSITION IN ORGANISATION

Reports to the Facilities Supervisor and works closely with other members of the Facilities and Reception Teams.

GENERAL OPPORTUNITITES & ACTIVITIES

· Assist in the day-to-day operations of the Howard Opera Centre.

· Understand the importance of general security vigilance, and health and safety awareness, in ensuring the Reception and Howard Opera Centre is kept safe and accessible (this will include visitor and contractor management, access requirements, monitoring alarms and following agreed procedures).

· Engage with visitors and staff at Opera North, and associated companies, in a welcoming, efficient and professional manner.

· Liaise with the Facilities Supervisor to ensure the safe and efficient running of the Opera North Estate.

· Liaise with departments to support with visitors, auditions and equipment movement as required.

· Support with ad hoc building issues.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

· Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders.

· A customer-focused outlook

· Reliability and responsibility

· Ability to work under pressure, and be able to prioritise workload.

· Ability to work using initiative, both independently and as part of a team

· Good organisational skills.

· Availability to work evenings and weekends

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES/CAREER BENEFITS

· Experience of working within estate/facilities management and a clearer understanding of the skills required in the field

· Insight into the operations of a large arts organisation and venue

· Improved skills in oral and written communication

· Application of planning and problem solving

· Self-management and evaluation, including identification of strengths and weaknesses

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE PLACEMENT

Hours of working: A maximum of 20 days over the 2024/25 Academic Year. Exact working days and shifts to be agreed with the Facilities Supervisor.

Normal place of work: Howard Opera Centre, 8 Harrison Street, Leeds, LS1 6PA and Howard Assembly Room, 32 New Briggate, Leeds, LS1 6NU

Application Deadline: 9:00am, 13th January 2025 – please submit a CV and Letter of Application to darcy.thorpe@operanorth.co.uk. Note: we reserve the right to close to applications earlier based on application volume.

Interviews: 29th January 2025.

Payment: An Opera North bursary of £1600, paid in instalments across the placement period.

ABOUT OPERA NORTH

Founded in 1978, Opera North is England’s national opera company in the north of England. It is a leading UK arts organisation both as a provider of music and musical education, and as a leader for the cultural sector. Rooted in the north of England and international in outlook, we create extraordinary experiences, every day.

Our award-winning work tours to theatre stages and concert halls throughout the north and beyond, including to London and major international festivals, and we curate an eclectic artistic programme of gigs, concerts, spoken word and film in the Howard Assembly Room. The Howard Opera Centre houses rehearsal studios, practice rooms, production departments, our full-time orchestra and chorus, as well as the education, marketing and development teams. We also have our own restaurant/bar on the estate, Kino. With a permanent staff of over 200 plus nearly as many freelancers each season, we aim to make bold, innovative, and ambitious work and share it in new ways.

Opera North believes opera and music is for everyone, and champions inclusivity and diversity in repertoire, artists, and audiences. Our award-winning Learning & Engagement department connects with and inspires generations of young people across our region, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of people in our local community through arts participation and performance.

“My time as a DARE intern at Opera North gave me invaluable experience working in the arts industry and many different connections and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Ellie McCreadie, DARE Intern – Facilities Management, 2023/24