At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, people management, and financial oversight to drive BLiM's mission.
- 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 sector.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a fast-paced environment with opportunities for significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape organisational culture and influence systemic change for Black talent in music.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience with a commitment to racial equity.
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:
- 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.
- 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: Black Lives in Musi
At Black Lives in Music (BLiM), we are committed to advancing racial equity within the UK music industry, making us an exceptional employer for those passionate about social change. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development as we navigate a pivotal phase of our organisational journey. Join us in amplifying the voices of Black artists and professionals while enjoying the unique advantage of working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment that prioritises meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the music industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about sharing your ambitions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in BLiM’s work. Tailor your responses to reflect how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've built team culture and managed complex relationships in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your emotional intelligence and adaptability, especially in fast-paced environments like the music industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to advance racial equity in the music industry. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at BLiM. Tailor your application to reflect our mission and values, showing how your experience aligns with our commitment to racial equity in the music industry.
Be Clear and Concise:When detailing your experience, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the COO role. We appreciate brevity, so avoid fluff and get straight to the point!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a potential COO, we want to see how you lead. Share examples of how you've built team culture, managed complex relationships, and driven performance in previous roles. Let us know what makes your leadership approach unique!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the music industry!
How to prepare for a job interview at Black Lives in Musi
✨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 Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your people management skills and how you've built team culture in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can foster a high-commitment team at BLiM, especially during this transition period.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Brush up on your financial literacy, especially regarding budget management and grant compliance. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully managed finances in a non-profit or purpose-driven organisation. This will reassure them of your capability to oversee financial operations effectively.
✨Prepare for Complex Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, think about past experiences where you've navigated complex stakeholder relationships. Prepare to discuss how you’ve built trust and clarity under pressure, as well as how you would approach similar situations at BLiM.
