YPIA is recruiting for new Assistant Project Managers to join our committee for the 16/17 season. We are looking for passionate and enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in coming up with ideas and planning events at exciting venues with influential industry figures, as well as helping out with general administration, marketing, and at events throughout the season. This is a great way for young professionals at the early stages of their careers to make fantastic connections within the industry, and to contribute to the development of this expanding social networking organisation.

We are looking for someone who:

1. has a keen interest in the arts
2. is well organised, imaginative, a good communicator and isn’t afraid to show initiative
3. is passionate about the aims of the organisation and about communicating these through word-of-mouth and social media
4. will contribute towards the ongoing running and development of YPIA

Job Description:

• Assisting with the planning of the events programme:
• - Recruiting and liaising with speakers, who are often renowned arts professionals in the UK.
• - Liaising with venues for events, which are usually prominent cultural locations in central London.
• - Preparing handouts for events and assisting the event chair with shaping topics and questions.
• - On-the-day logistics of managing the event, including registering guests, setting up rooms and audio, handing out programme notes, and possibly some public speaking.
• Assisting with marketing:
• - Contributing content on Twitter and Facebook, and thinking about how we can expand our social media strategy.
• - Writing and proof-reading copy for our website and newsletters.
• - Researching potential new audiences, marketing contacts and partnerships.
• - Potentially assisting with photography and video recording of the events
• Assisting with administration:
• - Dealing with incoming requests from members, advertisers and other interested parties.
• - Maintaining our contact and guest lists.

Person specification:

We’re looking for enthusiastic new committee members who are willing to spend some of their spare time organising events and growing our cultural network. We need people who aren’t afraid to use their initiative, and who demonstrate a love for the arts. Previous events management experience is desirable.

Practical details:

The amount of time you spend on YPIA depends on how much time you’re willing to give, although we usually require you to be on the project teams of at least two events per season. Typically, this means you won’t spend more than four hours per week on YPIA business, and probably much less during periods in which you don’t work on any events. The majority of us do this alongside full-time jobs, so if you don’t mind giving up a few of your evenings, it’s perfectly doable. Full committee meetings take place every couple of months, and are held in central London on weekdays after work (18.30-20.00).

What we can offer you:

YPIA is run on a voluntary basis: this means that we always try to give you the best experience in return for your time, and we’re willing to shape your tasks according to the skills you’d like to develop further. If you don’t have much experience in the way of project management, we will make sure you learn from more senior committee members. Working with YPIA will also allow you to increase your personal network within London’s cultural industries, and once you’ve assisted on a couple of events, there is a chance we’ll make you a Project Manager.

To apply:

Please send us your CV and a short covering letter detailing what you think you would bring to the team, and what you hope to learn from working with us. The application deadline is Monday 4 April 2016 at 12.00 noon, and you can submit your application to Katya Kazakevich at katya@ypia.co.uk.

Closing date: Monday 4 April, 12.00 noon

Interviews will be held on 13 and 14 April from 18:30 in central London.