Art Bytes Project Coordinator (South)

Introduction:

dot-art Services CIC would like to appoint a freelance Project Coordinator (to cover the South West, South East, East and Greater London) to facilitate and develop the national Art Bytes Programme. Applicants should have a background in arts and education, and experience of working independently, with multiple partners and on complex projects. The Project Coordinator will be responsible for the recruitment of schools, the day-to-day management and delivery of the online programme and act as main point of contact for all involved in their areas, including teachers, partner organisations and supporters.

The successful candidates will be highly organised, with excellent communication skills and great attention to detail. Experience of working in arts education and having great contacts in the wider education sector are a must. Knowledge of current issues and initiatives within arts education (both primary and secondary) as well as the National Curriculum is highly desirable.

This will be a freelance contract, 3 days a week (term time only) for 11 months from September 2025 (with the possibility of extension), with a fee of £27,000 pro rata.

Deadline for applications: 9am, Friday 9th May
Interviews will take place via Zoom on Thursday 22nd May 2025

The Programme:

Raising aspirations for better futures by championing the creativity of the nation’s next generation, using art and virtual technology.

Art Bytes is a national art and EdTech programme for year 5 and year 9 students in all educational settings, combining an inter-school art competition with a bespoke virtual gallery and in-person Celebration Events in cultural venues across England. It is based on 12 years’ experience in the North West and is proven to nurture talent, raise ambition and develop confidence and cultural capital, as well as support mental health and help develop vital skills for future employment.

After a shortlisting panel and an online public vote, the winning artist from each school sees their work displayed in our virtual gallery. Art Bytes culminates every June with a celebration event at a high-profile cultural venue in each of the nine regions of England, which is also available to schools to stream in the classroom or assembly. National and regional winners are announced, certificates and prizes are presented, and the virtual gallery goes live.

The competition is open to all primary (year 5), secondary (year 9) and SEN schools across England.

Art Bytes launched in 2021/2 and has been growing ever since; this year we have over 150 schools taking part.

Find out more on the website: artbytes.co.uk/

Job Description:

• Job Title: Project Coordinator (South), Art Bytes (Freelance)
• Salary / Fees: £27,000 pro rata, (3 days per week, term time only / 42 weeks / 126 days @ £105 per day). There will also be an allowance for travel expenses. The successful applicant will be responsible for their own PAYE / NI.
• Hours: Part Time (3 days per week, flexible)
• Contract Length: Fixed Term 11 months from September 25 (possibility of extension)
• Location: Home
• Responsible to: Managing Director
• Reporting to: Project Manager

Job Purpose

To coordinate all aspects of the Art Bytes Programme in the South (South West, South East, East and Greater London), ensuring its smooth operation, significant growth and sustainability. This will involve building and successfully maintaining relationships with large numbers of schools across your area and, alongside the Project Manager, ensuring that each stage of the program is monitored, evaluated and successfully executed.

Main Duties

Project Development

• To maintain a database of all primary and secondary schools in your areas of England.
• To make contact with schools in your areas of England using existing networks, partners, and direct contact, in order to recruit to the programme.
• To attend and / or present at relevant network meetings, events and conferences to increase the profile of Art Bytes and encourage recruitment.
• To visit schools where necessary, with the aim of signing them up to the programme.
• To build mutually beneficial relationships with our partner venues.

Project Management

• To act as first point of contact for those schools currently taking part in the programme and address any issues / answer any questions in a timely and comprehensive manner.
• To keep accurate and comprehensive records of activity and progress.
• To update and maintain the project website, with support from the Project Coordinator (North) and the Project Manager (full training will be given if necessary).
• To plan, manage and implement, with support from the Project Coordinator (North) and the Project Manager, the virtual exhibition of student work in June 2026.
• To plan, manage and implement the four celebration events in your area at partner venues, in June 2026.
• To promote, publicise and otherwise generate interest in the exhibition to ensure pupils’ work is seen by as wide an audience as possible.
• To be responsible for ensuring that the project is on track and devise the time-line ensuring we are meeting all deadlines.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Educated to A Level.
• Experience of managing multi-agency/partnership projects, ideally within the arts.
• Excellent contacts within the education sector.
• Proven ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team.
• Excellent organisational skills, self-motivation and the ability to manage a diverse workload in an evolving environment.
• Commitment to engaging with young people through the arts.
• Experience of sales and promotion for creative programmes and events.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent IT skills and PC literacy including a working knowledge of Dropbox, Outlook and Office.
• A genuine interest in the both the arts and education.
• A confident and outgoing personality.

Desirable

• Educated to degree level.
• Experience of working within the education sector.
• Knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Artsmark and Arts Award schemes.
• Working knowledge of WordPress.
• Experience managing social media accounts.
• Experience of using Hubspot or similar CRM system.
• A current valid driving licence and the use of a vehicle.
• Demonstrable understanding of relevant Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities, safeguarding and best practice.

To Apply:
Complete this form.
Deadline for applications: 9am, Friday 9th May
Interviews will take place via Zoom on Thursday 22nd May 2025

For an informal chat about the role, please email hello@artbytes.co.uk.