At a Glance
- Tasks: Facilitate cross-cultural conversations and artistic exchanges in an immersive video space.
- Company: Shared Studios, known for innovative public experiences and cultural connections.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, flexible workload, and training in facilitation methods.
- Other info: Short-term contract with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique project that fosters dialogue and connection between diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in cross-cultural facilitation and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 200 - 300 £ per hour.
Shared Studios is launching one of its iconic gold shipping containers, known as a Portal, as a powerful new public experience in Birmingham this Fall! Portals are life-size, immersive, and interconnected video spaces. They enable encounters between people in different cities, as if they were standing across from each other in the same room. As part of the “Frankfurt connects Sister Cities Dialogue” project, this creates a civic stage for dialogue, democratic exchange, and cultural connection.
We are looking for outgoing, enthusiastic individuals with experience engaging diverse communities to serve as facilitators in our Birmingham Portal! In this role, you will guide conversations with the Frankfurt Portal and facilitate transformative, cross-cultural conversations, lead artistic exchanges, and foster collaborations between the Birmingham Portal and the Frankfurt Portal using Shared Studios’ approach to conversation facilitation. Training in Shared Studios’ facilitation method and in the basic procedures of Portal operations will be provided.
Job Type: Short Term Contract
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Duration: July - December 2026, flexible workload depending on the project phase
Start date: immediately
Compensation: competitive hourly rate based on experience
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct guest and participant selection and outreach.
- Guide conversations using prompts that encourage guests to open up, while thoughtfully navigating awkward, sensitive, or difficult moments.
- Ensure all participants and guests have a welcoming, meaningful, and well-supported experience during Portal connections.
- Share updates after connections.
- Capture and share photos and videos created during the connection.
- Capture photos, videos, and interviews of and with Portal participants.
IDEAL CANDIDATES
- Prior experience in cross-cultural facilitation, crowd management, and/or live events.
- Friendly, outgoing, and confident engaging with diverse participants.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Fluent in English (German fluency a bonus).
- Flexible schedule to accommodate the Portal operating schedule.
- Punctual, responsive, and comfortable using tools like Slack and Gmail.
- Hands-on experience with audiovisual equipment, including cameras, sound systems, and projectors.
- Basic understanding of AV concepts, including inputs and outputs, signal flow, cables, and connectors.
- Physically able to lift, pack, and move technical equipment.
APPLICATION
Please apply through this form: Briefly introduce yourself in your application, share a little about your interests and passions, and answer the following question: Describe your experience working at one or more events, or a moment when you used your communication skills to navigate an intercultural, sensitive, or difficult conversation. Please keep your response to 200 to 300 words.
Portal Facilitator in Birmingham employer: Shared Studios
Shared Studios is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those passionate about cross-cultural dialogue and community engagement. Working in Birmingham, you will have the unique opportunity to facilitate transformative conversations and artistic exchanges, while receiving comprehensive training in our innovative facilitation methods. We prioritise employee growth and offer a flexible workload, ensuring that your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
