December 23, 2019
THE MUSIC HALL
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Executive Director
The historic Music Hall seeks applications for the position of Executive Director from individuals with broad practical experience in performing arts center administration, programming, and fund-raising.
Located in the historic seaport of Portsmouth, NH, The Music Hall is a landmark destination, a leading presenter of shows, outreach activities, and arts education program, and, as the region’s premier performing arts center, a major economic driver.
The Music Hall has served its community since 1878 and was designated an American Treasure” by the United States Senate in 2003.
The Music Hall offers nearly 200 live performances and 400 film screenings in its two downtown venues: the 1878 Historic Theatre (895 seats) and the more intimate Loft (120 seats). Although global in the scope of artists/programs presented, The Music Hall operates with a local focus which includes the support of nearly 4,000 member households, 300 regional business supporters and 60 community partners. It provides 52 weeks of high quality arts and educational programming annually to some 130,000 attendees of all ages, including 10,000 students
The Position:
Reporting to the Executive Committee, but administratively to the President of the Board, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive, managing the operations of the corporation. The Executive Director’s position would begin on July 1, 2020.
The Executive Director oversees a leadership team of five with a full-time staff of 24, a part-time staff of 45, and approximately 350 volunteers, with the assistance of a skilled Board. The annual budget of The Music Hall is approximately $6 million.
We seek a forward-thinking, energetic, and visionary performing arts venue professional who will ensure an efficient, successful, and fiscally sound operation that brings a high standard of programming to the region and continues to care properly for its historic theatre.
The Executive Director leads, inspires, innovates, curates, and secures resources both human and financial to advance the mission of The Music Hall. Guided by the strategic plan and immersed in the core values of the organization, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring clear fiscal reporting, working with the CFO and management team to develop and meet both annual and capital budgets.
The Executive Director has historically led the programming for The Music Hall, working with the long-time Deputy Director of Programming, the Film and Outreach Manager, and the Literary Coordinator.
Other senior positions include: Chief Financial Officer, Director of Institutional Advancement, Director of Operations, and Director of Marketing & Communications and Deputy Director of Programing.
As identified in the current Strategic Plan, the five key goals for the organization are:
To improve patron and member experience, expand the audience base;
To adopt a stewardship mindset with an emphasis on legacy giving;
To focus on succession planning and staff development;
To upgrade the interior and technical infrastructure;
To invest in current partners and to seek new opportunities.
Background:
The Music Hall was saved from demolition by the community in 1987 and has emerged as a cultural anchor for the region. The theatre’s award-winning restorations and renovations have brought back details from 1878 and 1901 including a gloriously restored proscenium arch, a fanciful and functional lower lobby, a marquee, and the Chestnut Street arch. Just around the corner from the historic theatre is The Loft, a small venue with a contemporary setting with food and beverage service that opened in 2011.
Qualifications:
Experience as a chief executive officer or senior leadership, preferably in arts/performing arts facilities.
Knowledge of many performing arts forms, fundraising and all aspects of arts venue management. This position will oversee the successful, diversified programming of live concerts, literary events, comedy shows and films.
An industry professional with existing networks within the cultural sector and a personal vision of how the arts and arts education play a role within the life of a community.
A degree in arts, arts/business management, or not for profit administration is preferred; or equivalent experience in facility management and administration.
Demonstrated leadership in fund-raising. Experience in working with senior level development staff and boards of directors to plan and implement fund-raising goals, objectives, and policies. Ability to cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from high level individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation/government funders in conjunction with a development staff and volunteers.
The ability to build and nurture excellent management teams; and the strategic thinking, personal leadership qualities, political acumen, tact and patience required to negotiate and manage change successfully. An understanding of all departments, a team player who acts as a voice for those backstage, onstage, and in the administration offices, working across all departments to hear ideas and concerns.
The new Executive Director will have excellent programming, analytical, financial and organizational skills, with demonstrated leadership in human resource management. Other characteristics include effective oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of ancillary businesses such as catering, ticketing, corporate rentals, and the like.
The Executive Director represents The Music Hall to the media and the performing arts industry through leadership and participation in community activities. The Music Hall has a pivotal role in the cultural, educational and economic enrichment of the region; the Executive Director must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, the Board of Trustees, the media, artists, artist managers, other arts groups, sponsors, educational institutions, volunteers, and the audience.
Application Process:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits package. Deadline for applications: Friday, 14 February 2020.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume with a list of references and salary requirements in confidence to:
Margaret Genovese
Senior Partner
Genovese, Vanderhoof & Associates gvasearch@gmail.com
For additional information: www. themusichall.org. www.genovesevanderhoof.co m
December 30, 2019
Firstworks, Director of Development
FirstWorks is a non-profit arts organization based in Providence, Rhode Island that enhances the vitality of our community through world-class performing arts and education programs. Celebrating our 15th anniversary season, FirstWorks is the only First Night festival in the country to become a year-round arts organization. FirstWorks’ annual season includes performances with artistic icons and ground-breaking innovators. We are the proud Founding Partner of PVDFest, the City of Providence’s signature cultural celebration that attracts 130,000 people. We also provide art education to over 4,000 K-12 students each year.
FirstWorks seeks a Director of Development (DoD) with an agile skillset and a commitment to FirstWorks’ mission. The DoD is a member of the senior management team with primary responsibility for corporate and individual giving. They connect donors, funders, sponsors and ticket-buyers to the organization through a variety of development strategies. The DoD must be an excellent writer, analytical thinker, and communicator capable of distilling information into a compelling case for the support of FirstWorks and working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Reporting to the Executive Artistic Director (EAD), the DoD will spearhead development efforts to achieve annual fundraising goals through the solicitation of gifts, grants and sponsorships. The DoD manages a portfolio of relationships with existing supporters and helps forge new relationships to build FirstWorks’ visibility, impact, and funding pipeline. They will contribute to all aspects of the organization's fundraising strategy including sponsorship, the Annual Fund campaign, and the Curator’s Circle, FirstWorks’ premium donor membership program. The position oversees the Development Team and liaises with the Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives.
This is a full-time position. Start Date: Winter, 2020
FirstWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse workplace.
Primary responsibilities:
Responsible for meeting targets in annual fundraising, the DoD will actively work with the EAD and staff to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy: o Oversee development and execution of all proposals and reports, working closely with the
Grant Manager and occasionally writing proposals
o Conduct solicitations to secure gifts and sponsorships
o Coordinate/create written communications and donor communications to consistently message FirstWorks’ value
o Develop and steward ongoing relationships with major donors; coordinate a program for recognition, involvement and stewardship
o Research, qualify, and cultivate potential funding sources, in collaboration with the team
o Develop reports and reconcile with the FirstWorks Bookkeeper o Manage PVDFest sponsorship acquisition and fulfillment o Plan and manage the execution of cultivation events
o Oversee development communications including direct mail, newsletters, web-site updates, PowerPoints, and collateral
• Planning
o Design and implement annual development plan
o Execute FirstWorks’ annual fund campaigns, executing a strategy for expanding a sustained base of annual individual donors
o Create and maintain the annual fundraising pyramid
o Oversee research of funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position FirstWorks ahead of major funding changes or trends
o Supervise maintenance of donor tracking data, utilizing FirstWorks CRM system
• Administrative o Manage Board Development Committee
o Work with Development Team to ensure smooth day-to-day fundraising operations, data entry and gift processing
o Ensure integration with financial system tracking system; oversee the creation and operations of effective program evaluation tools, dashboards and reports
o Coordinate and manage Development Team and committees as assigned o Monitor budget targets and provide reports
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required (Master’s degree preferred) with minimum 5 years of experience working with cultural nonprofits, including development and grant writing experience
• Excellent writer, creative and strategic thinker with ability to clearly articulate organizational mission, programs, and present FirstWorks in a compelling and effective manner
• Ability to represent the organization in donor conversations, and to identify and cultivate new donors
• Entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, and a sense of humor
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and initiative
• Welcoming spokesperson: ability to generate enthusiasm for the organization, elicit cooperation, and get information over the phone, via email, and in person
• Facile knowledge/user of software applications (i.e., word processing, spreadsheets, email, search engines, prospect research tools; databases), familiarity with SalesForce/Patron Manager a plus
• Familiarity with issues related to arts and education trends; understanding of and belief in FirstWorks’ mission
To apply, please send a current resume, cover letter, writing sample, and sample project management document to admin@first-works.org.
January 29, 2020
Director of Development
Opera House Arts | Stonington, MEOpera House Arts, a non-profit performing arts center with an annual operating budget of $835,000, seeks qualified and passionate applicants for the position of Director of Development.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Director of Development will initiate and execute strategies for the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors at all levels, taking a lead on strategy and implementation for major gifts, and will participate directly in solicitations with members of the Board Development Committee. S/he will develop annual funding and cultivation plans for foundation, corporate and government donors, identifying new potential candidates for support, and evaluating how best to position prospective funders. They will also play an integral role in planning benefit events such as the annual Gala and donor cultivation events, and will work closely with Gala event chairs and committee to increase revenue from these events. They will also work closely with the Development Committee to develop and implement fund raising strategies to meet the annual and long-term development goals. They will also work closely with the the Director of Communications & Engagement and other staff to promote and encourage giving through the OHA website, emails, and theater programs.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, 5-7 years of direct fundraising experience, excellent writing and interpersonal skills, the ability to effectively balance multiple priorities, be self-motivated and eager to take initiative, and will have a passion for Opera House Arts’ mission.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Fund Development:
- Compose, manage and track all funding proposals and grant applications, as well as final reports to funders, to obtain government, corporate and foundation support for the theater’s activities and programs.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships (through direct contact including letters, proposals, phone solicitation, and personal visits) with government, corporate, foundation, and individual donors, in order to increase contributed income among these sectors.
- Represent Opera House Arts in the community, through attendance at local and regional cultural programs, lobbying and networking with elected officials, and coordinating Development communications with the Producing Executive Director.
- In conjunction with the Producing Executive Director, cultivate and steward the Board of Directors, ensuring that the Board is involved in major discussions affecting the theatre and informed of the organization’s development, facilitating the board’s oversight and advocacy.
Donor Development:
- Coordinate annual fund through two annual drives, and one annual report mailing.
- Coordinate and manage major gifts solicitations, working with board members and other committed donors to insure a schedule of regular visits and personal solicitations.
- Oversee/Manage development data through OHA’s donor database, including report generation, gift acknowledgement, audit data preparation, and donor analysis.
- Collaborate with OHA management team to budget, coordinate, and execute special events – including annual gala, major donor party, and opening nights.
- Coordinate capital and other special campaigns.
- Oversee maintenance of the OHA donor database, including report generation, gift acknowledgement, audit data preparation, and donor analysis.
Other:
- Assist OHA Board members and staff as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- At least five years of fundraising/development experience working directly with donors.
- Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major donors through small group events and one on one meetings. Demonstrated comfort level asking for five- and six-figure gifts.
- Proven ability to successfully solicit financial support from corporations and foundations is required.
- A background in theatre and/or arts education is highly desirable, but not required.
- Computer literacy required; knowledge of donor databases desired.
- Some evening and weekend work required.
- Driver’s License required.
Benefits
Includes health insurance coverage.
How to Apply
https://www.operahousearts.org/
Send resume and cover letter as PDF attachments to Producing Executive Director Per Janson at jobs@operahousearts.org. No calls please. Opera House Arts is an equal opportunity employer.