FREELANCE PROJECT MANAGER- JOB INFORMATION.
The Jazz Promotion Network (JPN) aims to advance and support professional development, information exchange and partnership opportunities for the UK & Irish jazz industry, artists and audiences. It is a collaborative network that enables the diverse UK & Irish jazz sector to thrive, innovate and inspire. You can find further information about our work on our website: https://jazzpromotionnetwork.org.uk/.
We are looking for one or two freelance individuals to join our team and to work with us to support the jazz scene over a period of 14 months on the 'Routes into Jazz' (RiJ) jazz industry development pilot project, from October 2025 to November 2026. The Routes into Jazz scheme responds to the need for new, younger professionals to gain the skills to work in the jazz industry. Funding has now been confirmed from Creative Scotland and Arts Council England to run pilot years of the scheme in both England and Scotland, between the 2025 and 2026 JPN conferences. A small number of mentees in each country will visit a range of settings, such as key festivals and live events, record labels, radio production companies, agents and managers and jazz education projects. Their key industry mentor will help them decide on their chosen career direction, gain an understanding of the relevant networks and contacts required, and choose placements to provide deeper knowledge. Attendance at the JPN conferences will also provide useful wider contacts and help them gain confidence in networking. This process will result not only in significant benefits to each mentee of professionally guided support and active learning but also in a 'toolkit' and evaluation of the programme developed by the mentees, used to inform future editions of the scheme. You will have responsibility for managing one (or possibly both) of the pilots of the RiJ jazz industry development projects. Details of the work involved are given below. Subject to time availability, you may also assist with other JPN activities including preparation for JPN involvement in the 2026 edition of jazzahead in Bremen, the 2026 JPN Conference in Scotland, general admin and other projects. The workload involved is likely to include the following:
●Working with JPN Trustees and other part time staff on announcement of scheme and recruitment of RiJ mentees and mentors.
●Attending the pre-JPN Conference meeting on November 5 2025 in Cardiff for bursary holders and potential RiJ mentees.
●Leading on organisations of interviews for the four RiJ Mentees along with JPNTrustees in mid-late November , and related communication after the meeting.
●Leading on identification of appropriate mentors for mentees, and organisations of dates for meetings.
●Leading on identification of appropriate placements in discussion with mentees and mentors, negotiating suitable visit dates in collaboration with placementhosts. Making in person visits to each placement.
●Choosing topics and trainers and dates for 3 online training sessions open to RiJmentees, JPN members and others. Marketing these via the JPN mailing list and elsewhere.
●Organising review meeting with mentors, mentees and JPN Trustees in summer2026.
●Preparing a Toolkit and report for be presented at the 2026 JPN Conference inScotland.
Other activities.
Subject to time availability, the Project Manager may also assist with other JPN activities including preparation for JPN involvement In the 2026 edition of jazzahead in Bremen, the 2026 JPN Conference and other projects.
Line Management:
The JPN Project Manager will report to the Chair or Vice-Chair of the JPN Board.
Useful knowledge, experience and personal skills could include:
●Good knowledge of the UK/Irish jazz scene as a whole and personal contacts with some key individuals within it.
●Experience of working with small/semi-professional organisations and volunteers, as well as larger scale bodies.
●Personal experience of mentoring/supporting less experienced colleagues.
●Excellent administrative and financial management abilities.
●Good face to face and written communication skills.
●Confidence in working without day-to-day support and using initiative to solve problems.
Working location:
The Project Manager will be expected to work from his/her own premises. The Project Manager coordinating the Routes into Jazz programme in Scotland (plus other activities) will be expected to be based in Scotland. The Project Manager coordinating the Routes into Jazz programme (and other activities) in England could be based in either Scotland or England but if based in Scotland would need in-depth knowledge of the English jazz scene.
Those interested in applying should send a full CV and covering letter explaining what
interests them in the position, and why they believe they would be the best candidate to appoint. Applications are also accepted as video files and audio recordings. Please state if you are interested in the Scottish position, English position, or both remits. The JPN is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and supportive ethos and we welcome applications with equal enthusiasm regardless of race, colour, age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or disability from across all the regional communities that we work with.
Please direct enquiries and applications to comms@jazzpromotionnetwork.org.uk for the attention of Pauline Black, Chair, JPN. Closing date for applications will be midnight on 15th October 2025. Online Interviews are planned for 20th October 2025. The successful applicant will be expected to attend the JPN Conference in Cardiff on November 6/7. Expenses will be provided for this.
Hours:
Scottish position: 40 days @£200 per day, £8000 total
English position: 40 days @£200 per day, £8000 total
Contract type: Freelance Length of contract: 14 months total
