The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) is the UK’s professional body for musicians. It is currently recruiting for a head of services and operations, as well as a legal adviser. Do you want to make a difference to the music sector and the working lives of musicians? Do you have what it takes to succeed in this fast-paced and dynamic organisation?
As part of Third Sector Jobs’ Wonderful Workplaces initiative, Jennifer Jackson, careers content editor, interviewed Stephanie Collier, executive assistant to the CEO and office & events manager at ISM, to dig deeper into the organisation’s unique culture and opportunities.
Stephanie, can you tell me more about ISM and what you think makes it a unique place to work?
For me, no day is the same, which I thrive upon. There is a good mixture of planning and reactive work. The ISM has also been running for over 130 years and has made it through two world wars. Our Benevolent Fund was founded in 1917 and the ISM Trust was formed in the last couple of years. Altogether, this gives the ISM group a fantastic history where we have been constantly innovating and have been ahead of the curve.
What exciting projects are you working on?
Currently I’m planning our Members’ Day which is taking place in April of this year. It involves a number of people, both internally (such as marketing, communications and external affairs) and externally (such as the venue, caterers and artists).
Sounds exciting. And I see you’re recruiting - can you tell me more about the roles?
Yes, we’re currently recruiting for a head of services and operations, and a legal adviser. Our head of services and operations role will be leading our service department and bringing the services to our members that they couldn’t get elsewhere. Our legal advisors deal with variety of cases ranging from contracts that could involve performing rights or copyright which cover several decades, to securing unpaid fees to music teachers in one day. Again, variety is the spice of life!
What kind of people would suit these roles and the organisation as a whole?
People with a passion for the arts and in particular, music, though this isn’t essential for specific functions (for example, finance or legal). We work well as a staff team and have a positive workplace culture so anyone who is a team player would fit in well.
What challenges are the successful candidates likely to face in these roles?
We tend to see opportunities rather than challenges. As a fast-paced organisation the ability to plate spin and manage multiple enquiries and projects is essential for both of these roles.
The ISM Group makes a real difference to the music sector and the working lives of musicians. This makes it an incredible place to work and to be a part of something which is promoting and supporting the art of music.
Why would someone want to work at ISM?
The ISM Group makes a real difference to the music sector and the working lives of musicians. This makes it an incredible place to work and to be a part of something which is promoting and supporting the art of music. We are a friendly and creative staff team working in a very dynamic industry.
How can individuals develop their careers at ISM?
As with music and musicians, we believe in our staff team and the individual. Our appraisal system identifies opportunities and areas for development and invests time in training our staff so we all reach our full potential.
How would you sum up working for ISM in just three words?
Rewarding, innovative and inspirational.
Does ISM sound like your idea of a wonderful workplace? Click on the links below to find out more and apply for the current vacancies at ISM.
Apply for the head of services and operations role at ISM
Apply for the legal adviser role at ISM
Third Sector Jobs is running an initiative called 'Wonderful Workplaces' to get charities and other organisations in the third sector enthused about showcasing their employer brand. Check out the Wonderful Workplaces in the Third Sector careers hub here. Contact keith.cross@haymarket.com to get involved.
