At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, manage people, and drive performance for a mission-driven organisation.
- Company: Join Black Lives in Music, a not-for-profit championing racial equity in the UK music industry.
- Benefits: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in the music world.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and influence systemic change for Black talent in music.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and a commitment to racial equity required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
The COO will translate BLiM's mission and strategy and ensure it is well-run, properly resourced, with its ambitious day-to-day delivery. You will free the CEO to focus on strategic leadership and external influence by owning operations, people management, financial oversight and internal systems. The COO will be a senior leader who shapes organisational culture, makes operational decisions, manages complex stakeholder relationships and drives the performance of a passionate, high-commitment team. You will be the person the organisation looks to when it needs clarity, stability and momentum. The COO joins at a moment of leadership transition following the departure of BLiM's co-founder and Director of Operations.
Why Join Us
Black Lives in Music (BLiM) is a not-for-profit dedicated to advancing racial equity across the UK music industry. We amplify the voices of Black artists, music professionals and communities; drive systemic change; and hold the industry accountable for meaningful progress. Through research, advocacy, programming and strategic partnerships, BLiM creates the conditions for Black talent to thrive. BLiM has published ground-breaking research including the Being Black in the UK Music Industry report, produced the UK's first Black classical music festival in Classically Black, influenced government policy on live music licensing, and built a network of over 100 partner organisations across the four nations. BLiM is now entering a new phase of its development, with a strengthened leadership team, a Target Operating Model designed to carry the organisation beyond its founding era, and an ambition to become the UK's most influential voice for racial equity in music.
Person Specification
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior operational leadership role, ideally as a COO, Head of Operations or Director of Operations in a charity, social enterprise or purpose-driven organisation.
- Demonstrable track record of building and improving operational infrastructure: systems, processes, policies and ways of working that make organisations more effective and resilient.
- Proven people management experience, including line management of senior staff, performance development, recruitment and team culture-building.
- Strong financial literacy, including experience of budget management, grant compliance, financial reporting and working with a board finance function.
- Experience of leading or supporting governance processes, including board reporting, risk management and compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex operational information into clear, accessible reports and presentations for senior stakeholders.
- A genuine, demonstrable commitment to racial equity and an understanding of the specific systemic barriers faced by Black professionals, artists and communities.
- The emotional intelligence and interpersonal skill to lead with care, build trust quickly and navigate complex relationships under pressure.
- The resilience and adaptability to thrive in a small, fast-paced, mission-driven organisation where the work is varied, the stakes are high and no day is the same.
Desirable
- Experience of working in or with the music industry, creative industries or arts and culture sector.
- Familiarity with Arts Council England funding frameworks, charity law and the regulatory environment for non-profit organisations.
- Experience of implementing or managing a CRM system, project management platform or other operational technology.
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) frameworks and how to embed inclusive practice into operational systems and culture.
- Experience of leading an organisation through a period of significant change, transition or growth.
- An existing network within the UK music sector, creative industries or racial equity and social justice space.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Association of British Orchestras
At Black Lives in Music (BLiM), we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our team to drive meaningful change in the UK music industry. As a not-for-profit organisation, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a mission that resonates deeply with our employees' values. Joining us as COO means being part of a passionate team dedicated to advancing racial equity, where your leadership will directly impact the lives of Black artists and communities.
Contact Details:
Association of British Orchestras Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the music industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that COO role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! Prepare examples of how you've built operational infrastructure or led teams in the past. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that experience to BLiM. Be ready to discuss your commitment to racial equity too!
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Dive deep into BLiM’s mission and recent projects. Understanding their work will help us tailor our conversations and show genuine interest. Plus, it’ll give us the edge when discussing how we can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Racial Equity:Make sure to highlight your genuine commitment to racial equity in your application. We want to see how your values align with BLiM's mission and how you can contribute to advancing this cause.
Tailor Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your operational leadership roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a COO. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build effective systems and manage teams.
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear and accessible language to convey complex information, as this will show us you can translate operational details for senior stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at BLiM.
How to prepare for a job interview at Association of British Orchestras
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into BLiM's mission and recent initiatives. Understand their commitment to racial equity in the music industry and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you connect your operational expertise to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Operational Successes
Prepare specific examples of how you've built or improved operational systems in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving team performance. Use metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial literacy, especially regarding budget management and grant compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial oversight in past positions. This is crucial for a COO role, so showing confidence in this area will set you apart.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
Given the importance of interpersonal skills in this role, prepare to share examples of how you've built trust and navigated complex relationships. Discuss your approach to people management and team culture-building, as this will highlight your ability to lead with care and resilience.
