Could you help us in our mission to inspire more young people and secure a strong and inclusive workforce? We're looking for volunteers to join our Financial Sustainability Working Group and support the development of our funding and income strategy for 2025 - 2026.
Discover Creative Careers is the industry-led, national programme working to inform and inspire young people aged 11-18 about creative industry careers. It is part of Government’s pledge to build a highly skilled, equitable and inclusive workforce for the future as outlined in its Sector Vision. The 2023–2025 programme is funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport with additional support from Arts Council England. We are now working to secure its continuation from April 2025 onwards so that it can support thousands more young people and ensure a strong and diverse talent pipeline is achieved.
Open to schools, colleges and young people across England, it currently has a focus on 77 priority areas identified as those facing the greatest disadvantage. Its year-round programme of industry informed activities and training culminates each November in Discover Creative Careers Week which last year saw young people enjoy over 25,000 interactions with employers, both in-person and online. The discovercreative.careers platform brings the creative industries together in one place supporting teachers and careers professionals to communicate confidently about the myriad careers available and the pathways into them. This includes downloadable resources, online insights, and video content.
This is an exciting time for this widely respected initiative which is delivered by ScreenSkills in partnership with a steering group of committed organisations representing the breadth of the creative, education and careers landscape. Having received investment from the Department for Culture Media and Sport since its inception in 2018, this independently evaluated programme draws on a robust body of evidence that clearly demonstrates impact. A suite of toolkits and good practice guides, together with the support of a core team, are enabling Discover! to be a successful sector owned and delivered brand. We are also keen to explore options for a future devolved nations expansion, building on the Creative Careers Programme Cymru (CCP Cymru) pilot in 2020/21. With employers across the creative industries mobilising behind the programme, young people from all backgrounds – and those that support their career decisions – will increasingly view a creative industries pathway as a viable option.
Role description
We are looking for individuals with experience of income generation strategy and/or a track record of securing long-term funding through diverse income streams. Expertise is required in one or more of the following areas:
- Statutory Funding
- Grant Funding (trusts & foundations)
- Corporate Sponsorship
- High Net Worth Individuals
- Revenue Generation (advertising and monetised content)
- Finance and Risk
Key accountabilities
- Communicate the vision, mission, and values of the Discover! Creative Careers programme.
- Ensure the financial plan for 2025-2026 is fit for purpose.
- Support the development of the income generation strategy so that the most appropriate and sustainable income streams are pursued.
- Identify prospects to support the programme, lead on approaches and secure investment.
Terms of appointment
- This is a voluntary position but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- The appointment is for an initial period of one year from March 2024.
Requirements
- Actively participate in bi-monthly financial sustainability working group meetings.
- Review and evaluate funding progress and drive and develop strategy as needed.
- Identify, cultivate and secure prospective donors to create a funding pipeline (target 2-3 prospects per month).
- Provide advice and counsel to the Discover! Creative Careers team and its steering group.
Time commitment
An anticipated time commitment of up to 2 days per month is required which would include attendance at bi-monthly Financial Sustainability Group meetings in Central London (max duration two hours) held as follows:
2024
April, May/June, July, September, November
2025
January, March
Next Steps
We are looking for the Financial Sustainability Working Group to be in place by mid April 2024 and are inviting individuals well placed to support the mission and income generation objectives of the programme, to submit an Expression of Interest to mary.rose@screenskills.com by 5th April outlining how their expertise could support our ambitions.
If you have any questions about the Financial Sustainability Working Group, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Programme Lead of Discover! Creative Careers, Mary Rose mary.rose@screenskills.com, or the CEO of ScreenSkills, Laura Mansfield laura.mansfield@screenskills.com.
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