December 11, 2019
New England Presenters Program Assistant
One year contract position – part-time (5-10 hours per week)
Founded in 1981, New England Presenters (NEP) is a non-profit, regional consortium of over 50 organizations consisting of performing arts presenters from public and private colleges and universities, preparatory schools, municipal arts agencies and community based organizations of all sizes.
NEP serves its membership by facilitating block booking of tours by performing artists that reduce fees to individual presenters; commissioning new works in dance, music and mixed art forms that tour the New England region; supporting special projects by artists, sometimes in collaboration with other regional presenting groups; and providing professional development opportunities for presenters to exchange management and artistic ideas.
Membership meetings are located at member sites throughout New England. Meetings focus on topics such as block booking, current issues facing the arts, effective marketing strategies and other managerial issues that face all arts organizations.
Description of Candidate: The successful candidate will be highly organized and able to work independently while also collaborating with board members. The Program Assistant will help with the day-to-day functions of NEP to support our Members and create clear methods of communication.
The candidate will work remotely during the week as NEP does not have a physical office space. Some travel throughout New England will be required.
Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Membership:
● Manage the membership database system, Wild Apricot
● Assist NEP with organizing and maintaining membership renewals and orienting new members
● Manage the list of member prospects housed in Excel files
● Set up and manage events and communicate with members about meetings, event details, and job announcements
● Manage refunds and collections of meeting fees, membership dues, etc.
Communications:
● Monitor and maintain NEP email account
● Manage social media accounts (Facebook) – post announcements, manage membership approvals, encourage members to engage with Facebook posts, and keep access up to date for members only
● Manage website hosted on Wild Apr
● Distribute information about upcoming events and other opportunities
Meetings:
● Assist with organization of meetings and attend when possible
● Create Block Booking spreadsheet – collect potential block information, share with members monthly by email, collect APAP meeting spreadsheet
Administration:
● Complete regulatory forms and manage online accounts for state and federal reporting
● Manage calendar of report deadlines
● Run reports and create data visualizations of membership data and income reports in Wild Apricot
● Manage organizational paperwork (W9 forms, governance documents, etc.)
Additional projects as determined with the board.
Qualifications
● A strong interest in arts administration and management
● Ability to work remotely and independently
● Experience with non-profit boards
● Experience with Wild Apricot or similar program
Pay range: $13 - $15 per hour.
To apply, complete the application found here. Applicants will be asked to upload a cover letter and resume. Applications will only be accepted through this form; if you encounter technical difficulties, please contact nepresenters@gmail.com.
December 23, 2019
PVDFEST 2020 MARKETING SUBCONTRACTOR
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
PVDFest co-producers, FirstWorks and the City of Providence, seek a versatile individual or agency to develop creative and marketing materials, festival communications and targeted outreach campaigns, including social media management and deployment for PVDFest from mid-January through June 2020.
The PVDFest Marketing Sub-Contractor will produce creative content, including campaign graphics, collateral, photo formatting and editing, and social media. In addition to those responsibilities, the Marketing Sub-Contractor will be responsible for creating campaign and editorial content. Graphic design experience and excellent written communication skills are required.
The successful firm/candidate will demonstrate editorial and visual sensibility, the ability to meet tight deadlines and understand how to effectively market and communicate information through visual, multimedia and social media platforms.
The deadline for submission is January 3, 2020.
Send complete proposals to: Holly Taylor: htaylor@first-works.org
Or mail/drop off in person to:
FirstWorks
Attn: Holly Taylor, FirstWorks Executive Coordinator / PVDFest
275 Westminster Street, 5th Floor
Providence RI 02903
Please note: Incomplete and unsigned applications will not be reviewed.
WHAT IS PVDFEST?
Every June, Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence Art, Culture + Tourism, and founding partner FirstWorks collaborate to host PVDFest, Providence's signature summer festival. From June 11 - June 14, 2020, the City's world-renowned creative and culinary communities will join forces with artists and musicians from all corners of the globe to deliver a once in a lifetime experience. Live music, dance, food, and visual art installations transform the Creative Capital into a four-day takeover of public spaces, parks, and outdoor stages in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
• Graphic design proficiencies – Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Acrobat Pro
• Experience with Content Management Systems and HTML for website publishing, a Wordpress platform.
• Strong writing and communications skills
• Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram specifically) and iContact
• 3-5 years experience and/or a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field required
• Event marketing experience is preferred, but not required
• Strong project management skills and detail oriented
SCOPE OF WORK:
• Manages creation and updating of the PVDFest website content
• Develops public relations materials for PVDFest including writing press releases, drafting public facing itineraries and guides and developing other promotional materials as needed in coordination with the City of Providence’s Communications Office and PVDFest marketing team
• Develops, manages and executes a social media strategy for PVDFest that includes – but is not limited to – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
• Place and monitor social media ads from the content strategy calendar with oversight from PVDFest marketing team.
• Executes marketing plan under supervision of PVDFest marketing team
• Design all campaign deliverables using PVDFest branding guidelines with the exception of the main poster concept, city hall banner and downtown map
• Develops and manages earned media and social media impression tracking leading up to and through festival dates
• Will report to and support the PVDFest marketing team led by City of Providence Communications staff
• Required to attend regular check-ins or meetings with representatives from PVDFest
TIMELINE:
|
Late January |
Select and contract Marketing Contractor Contractor onboarding |
|
February |
Prepare Collateral Regional Media Outreach PVDFest Programming Preview |
|
March/April/early May |
Distribute media kit (3/1) Populate www.pvdfest.com Develop local, regional and national pitches Advertisement Opportunities |
|
May |
Develop and publish digital festival map Targeted media outreach |
|
June 1-10 |
“Final Push” PVDFest promotions |
|
June 11-14, 2020 |
Festival Weekend |
|
Late June |
Post-event PVDFest promotions (e.g. creating photo galleries, thank you posts, recap video/photos, 2021 sneak peek, etc.) |
PROPOSAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Proposals must include the following components in order to be considered:
o Letter of interest addressing applicant’s interest in working with PVDFest and approach to addressing the scope of work outlined above.
o Writing samples that display a mastery of social media best practices and traditional journalistic copy.
o Portfolio examples of graphic design formatted and sized for web and print use.
o Resume /CV and artistic portfolio or organizational portfolio/overview, including:
o Contact Information and Professional Experience:
§ Name, title, email, and contact information of person able to enter into agreements. If two or more firms are involved in a joint venture or association, the proposal must clearly delineate the respective areas of authority and responsibility of each party. All parties signing the Agreement must be individually liable for the completion of the entire project even when the areas of responsibility under the terms of the joint venture or association are limited.
§ Name, email, title and contact information for person responsible for answer all questions related to this proposal, including but not limited to, negotiating contract terms and rendering binding decisions on contractual matters.
o Organizational Information (if applicable):
§ Applicant must provide specific information concerning the consultant or firm in this section, state the organization’s full name and address, and identify parent company if the organization is a subsidiary. Proposal must specify the branch office, or other subordinate element that will execute, or assist in executing, The Project. Indicate whether the organization operates as a partnership, corporation or sole proprietorship (public or private). Include the state in which Vendor is incorporated or licensed to operate.
§ The total number of years in the principal area of expertise.
o Project Budget:
o Proposed project budget should clearly enumerate all anticipated expenses and organize them into logical categories of products and services.
o Proposal must explicitly identify all fixed fees, and all anticipated costs, that will be charged to the City. For fees that are time and materials-based, the applicant must provide details such as hourly rates by name and title of employee.
o Proposals of more than $25,000 will be deemed ineligible and will not be scored.
o Identification of Subcontractors:
o Applicant must identify all subcontractors that will be used for the proposed project. For each subcontractor, list what specific products and/or services they will be providing and identify what percentage of the total scope of work they will be responsible for.
o Additional Information:
o Applicant may include any relevant additional information that is not called for in any of the sections listed above provided that they do not exceed the ten (10) page limit.
Background and links o PVDFest website
o Social media: Facebook,Twitter,Instagram
Review Process
Proposals exceeding $25,000 and applicants that do not meet all of the minimum standards of eligibility and qualifications, will be deemed ineligible and will not be reviewed by the PVDFest selection committee made up of leadership from FirstWorks, City of Providence, and marketing partners including the Providence-Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Questions regarding this RFP shall be sent in writing (via e-mail) to Holly Taylor, FirstWorks Executive Coordinator: htaylor@first-works.org.
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.