Host & Community Manager – Fixed-term Maternity Cover, Cornwall

Who we are looking for

With our hosts, we are looking someone who;

• Is friendly, approachable, presentable and personable
• Has exceptional communication skills
• A positive and solution-based attitude
• Loads of initiative and creative ideas
• Can work autonomously
• Can manage their time effectively
• Is responsible, trustworthy and organised

We are looking for someone who has had experience of workspace, studio, gallery, business or hospitality management. Initially for 6-9 months, this contract may extend up to 12 months and beyond.  You should be qualified to a graduate degree or equivalent level. The ideal candidate will have a background in the creative industries or an arts or design based degree, although this is not essential. 

We invest in our people. If you don’t feel that you have everything mentioned here but think that this could be the role for you, please do still apply. With our team, we are always looking for the right fit and if we feel that is you, we will go the extra mile to train you into the role and nurture your growth. 

The company

Since 2007 Forward Space has been transforming how and where people work. Raising the profile of regional towns and cities by creating design-led workspaces that are professional, creative and inspiring. We have grown organically to be recognised as one of the leading operators of shared workspaces in the South West. The success of our buildings is wholly dependent on the community we create within them and so we work hard to establish a cohesive, inclusive, collaborative community that is supported and nurtured.

Forward Space is an equal opportunity employer. In order to encourage diversity within our coworking spaces, we have to have a diverse workforce ourselves. We enable an inclusive environment where people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply for our vacancies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability and age.

The role

Our Hosts are the dedicated Front of House and the core to every building. The role is imperative to the smooth running of the space. We need Hosts who are ready to take on a challenge, love the building and feel confident in making it their own. You are the heart of the space. 

Being a Host for one of our buildings is no small task. It requires attention to detail, close management of our local partners, building, contractors, suppliers and of course our lovely members.

The Host role is quite autonomous and will require you to wear many hats. You’ll need to be on your game, be ready to adapt to the day’s events and always use your initiative.  Hosts are the first port of call when things go awry too. IT malfunction? Paint spillage? You’ll come to the rescue and always have your eye on the ball to keep the building looking fantastic and members happy with your plate spinning skills.

You’ll be looking to continually build a vibrant, diverse and collaborative space by supporting our members and helping us to get the word out to local creatives by actively promoting the space. You’ll meet and greet everyone who walks through the doors with a smile and positive energy. 

We need your support to embed us in the local community of Penzance and help us promote the space to anyone looking to become a member. Whether that’s working on partnerships with surrounding galleries and other small businesses or hosting events for the public, we want Pixel to be on everyone’s map as a place to nurture creativity. The role will also involve working from our newest space Foundry over in Camborne, where you can make a real impact in creating the community there and spreading the word about what our workspaces can offer.

You’ll be helping to manage members events too. Bringing exhibitions, art classes, workshops, meet-ups and talks into the gallery space as well as hosting social events. It’s up to you what you bring into the space. Some examples of member events we’d love to see are: beer trolleys, book clubs, film clubs, life drawing, yoga, pilates and anything that you think will enhance the space and bring our community together. 

It’s down to you, be creative!

Our buildings

Pixel is a brand new BREEAM Excellent workspace on Causewayhead in the heart of Penzance.  It is specifically designed for creative industries with the ambition to build, “A community of creators”. Pixel is designed for all types of creative practice from potters to podcasters, jewellery makers to journalists, artists to architects, we are open to all. The three-storey building comprises shared and private studios, coworking space, meeting rooms, a large lounge, event space and gallery space.

Foundry is an exciting new workspace for Camborne. The building has been restored to its former glory and upgraded for 21st century working. Foundry has been funded by the UK Governments Town Deal programme in partnership with Camborne Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council and has been designed to inspire all types of industries, from architects, tech start ups and artists. Our members are a reflection and celebration of what the area has to offer. Members enjoy coworking desks, meeting rooms, private studios, phone booths, a members lounge, event space and courtyard garden.

The team

You are not alone. You will report to a General Manager, Maisie, who will also be based in the building for part of the week, and will become part of a small host team.

We have a HQ team based in Frome, Somerset that includes marketing, operations, finance and administration all reporting to our COO, Alice. Their job is to support you in your role. Both Alice and our CEO Gavin will be regular visitors to Cornwall to check in and make sure things are running smoothly. We are a tight team and are in constant contact with each other via internal chat and video calls.

Key responsibilities

Front of House

• Dedicated Front of House: you are the face of the buidling
• Represent and support the Forward Space ethos and brand
• Meet and greet visitors & members, providing a welcoming environment at all times
• Ensure the smooth day to day running of the space
• Aim to build a strong creative community, which is inclusive, diverse and vibrant
• Ensure the building is always looking its best

Events Management

• Manage events diary; don’t be afraid to unleash your creativity
• Organise regular member events to bring your community together
• Manage programme of events for the local community, such as pop-up exhibitions in the gallery space or open studios for members to showcase their work
• Provide events reception cover if required

Customer Service

• Answer all enquiries, encouraging everyone to pop in and say “hello”
• Provide day-to-day support to all members of Pixel; making sure we are providing the space for them to thrive
• Solve any technology issues with the help of our IT support team
• Provide a detailed building induction to all new members, sharing all relevant procedures and policies to ensure everyone is safe

Sales & Marketing

• Promote all available shared and private spaces
• Provide tours showcasing what Pixel and Foundry have to offer
• Create partnerships with local businesses
• Use social media to shout about all the great things happening within the community
• Manage any waiting lists for shared or private spaces

Administration

• Studio Management; managing contact lists, invoicing (through Coherent, our bookings platform), reporting of maintenance issues, recycling & waste management, cleaners etc.
• Primary key holder; ensure building is securely locked at the end of each day and deal with alarm activations
• Ensure cover is in place for annual leave

Salary and Benefits

Salary

• £18,750 per annum

Benefits

• Holiday allowance – 17 days per year, including Bank Holidays
• Christmas break on top of holiday allowance
• Health insurance
• Charitable work days
• Personal development allowance
• Bike2Work scheme
• Outings with the company

How to apply

Please send your CV and covering letter explaining why you think this is the role for you to hello@forwardspace.co.uk. If you are shortlisted, we will contact you via email with some interview dates and times. 

Our first round of interviews will require you to do a short presentation to our head office team, details of which will be in our email to you. We hope to shortlist two applicants after this stage and if you are successful, we will ask you for a trial day to make sure we’re a right fit for you. You may have to travel for this trial day in one of our other buildings in the South West.