Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player

search committee looking for new executive director

The following position is available

Executive Director - Sandusky State Theatre (Ohio)

The Sandusky State Theatre Board of Directors is seeking an Executive Director to lead and administer all operations of an 85 year old beautifully renovated historical theatre. If you are an energetic outgoing individual with leadership, theatrical and managerial skills, the board is interested in talking to you about your potential to continue the growth of this community landmark in the entertainment hub of downtown Sandusky. Additionally, the preferred applicant will have smart business savvy and a track record of successful grant seeking and benefactor development. Responsibilities individually and through others include; the administration of a $874,000 budget, programming, workshops, performer contract negotiation, facility rental, infrastructure renovation and maintenance, public relations, promotion, and funding development. Requires a minimum of seven years experience in a wide range of theatre/entertainment venue administration and appropriate academic degrees or other suitable combinations of qualifying education and experience. Salary and benefits negotiable. Salary Range expected to be $70,000 to $85,000.

Send resume and cover letter to Director Search, PO Box 432, Sandusky, OH 44871 or e-mail to sanduskystate@yahoo.com. Position will be open until filled.

 

Executive Director Position Description

General Duties:

Appointed by, and reports directly to, the Board of Directors, assuming overall responsibility for the optimum success of the Sandusky State Theatre within the perimeters of the board objectives and policies as established and directed by the Board of Directors.


Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Assumes responsibility for general continuity of the Enterprise under the guidelines established by the Board and within constraints of the Budget and financial feasibility of defined and approved projects.
  • Coordinates long-range and annual planning in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
  • Provides leadership and implementation of fundraising activities, donor development, grant seeking and reporting with the guidance and full participation from the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee, utilizing private, corporate, foundation, and governmental grant resources for the purpose of meeting projected operational expenses and short and long term restoration projects.
  • Gives required attention to, and two-way communication with all other committees of the Board, maintaining full attention to insuring proper decisions for the overall success of the State Theatre.
  • Assesses market trends and actively cultivates maximum utilization of the State Theatre facility throughout the community as a center for cultural, educational and convention activities for the purpose of providing a full service theatre and meeting facility for youth, service organizations, religious groups, performing arts associations, business organizations and private presenters. Maintains a high level of visibility and active networking across all segments of the community to achieve maximum utilization.
  • Provides leadership for, and maintains open communication between the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and standing committees while providing feedback from the community and users of the facility.
  • With total involvement of the Board of Trustee's, initiates long-range planning; provides information and guidance to the Board on the formation of policy; and interprets Board policies to the users of the facility.
  • Under the direction of the Board, assumes ultimate responsibility for adequate financial resources for successful operation of the Theatre. This is a bipartite responsibility involving the acquisition and disbursement of funds in a prudent manner.
    • Acquisition of Funds: Develops strong working relationships with current and potential donors, including but not limited to the corporate and business community. Investigates and pursues all avenues of funding including the initiation of required paperwork for foundations and grants. Assumes full responsibility for communication with the media, realizing the importance of public relations in the acquisition of funding.
    • Disbursement of Funds: With the Board Treasurer, develops and prepares the annual budget for Board approval, based on current and long-range goals for the Theatre, and supervises its implementation, practicing frugality in all disbursements of funds. Personally negotiates all vendor/contractor contracts and personally approves all invoices and other expenditures prior to payment.
  • Recommends to, and assists the Board and its appropriate committees in, long-range planning, programs, rental usage, and terms for all physical space of the State Theatre property.
  • Attends and participates in all meetings of the Board as a non-voting, ex-officio member.
  • Provides management oversight and leadership for all clerical and technical staff and contractors with the objective of delivering quality and safety to users of the State Theatre facility.
  • Directs the employment, training, supervision and discharge of all Theatre employees and volunteers, determining job titles, duties and salaries for all staff in accordance with preapproved Board policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for the interpretation and implementation of the policies established by the Board of Trustees while providing sensitive, fair, and firm management practices and motivational leadership.
  • Manages, supervises, and administers all operational and maintenance issues relating to the physical facility, equipment and other Theatre assets with the assistance and advice of Board committees, appointed by the President of the Board for that purpose.
  • Oversees the development and maintenance of membership programs.
  • Plans, schedules, and implements all Theatre programming.
  • Develops, implements, and directs all publicity and promotion for theatre-produced events.
  • Oversees the execution, and insures physical control of all official documents including rental contracts, artist contracts, insurance documents, banking documents, and all administrative paperwork.
  • Produces and directs in-house productions.
  • Performs related duties as apparent or assigned.

Skills/Qualifications:

Specific qualifications shall be established by the Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors at time of the search. Minimal qualifications shall include:

  • Bachelor's degree in Arts, Business Administration-Management, or related field from an accredited college or university; Master's Degree strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of ten years' experience in the field of theatre, including both artistic and business endeavors, with a minimum of five years senior management experience.
  • Knowledge of theatre management and fund-raising experience; demonstrated leadership and administrative skills; excellent public relations, communications and interpersonal skills; with experience working for a non-profit organization preferred.
  • Working knowledge of budgeting, theatrical and film contract negotiations and entertainment bookings, and local, regional and national art trends, activities and resources.
  • Strong written and oral communicaiton skills with an ability to effectively interact with community groups, arts organization professionals and staff; ability to participate in public speaking events; demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
  • Demonstrated integrity with proven experience leading others to new levels of effectiveness.
  • Passion for the arts with a broad background in entertainment programming (ideally in film, live theatrical productions and other performing arts), and a proven track record of driving business performance to the next level of excellence and profitable management in business and/or a non-profit organization.
  • Ability to work irregular and extended work hours, including evening and weekend hours required for theatre events and activities.
  • General good health, with strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Must posses mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment with ability to stand and sit for longs hours; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone.
  • Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting: ability to sit, stand and walk on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day, as needed.
  • Ability to climb stairs to perform essential functions, as needed.
  • Ability to reach above shoulder heights or below the waist to file documents and/or store materials throughout the workday and to lift up to 25 pounds (occasionally up to 50 pounds). Physical demands must be met with reasonable accomodations to successfully perform all essential functions, not limited to those listed, without imposing significant risk or harm to the health or safety of the employee or others.