By GALA Expert
November 21, 2023
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will partner with Artistic Director to provide overall leadership to Finest City Performing Arts, Inc. (DBA San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus), and will be responsible for providing direct oversight and management of all non-artistic areas. The ED will execute operating strategies and plans, manage administrative staff, and establish relationships with local, regional, and national arts and LGBT organizations.
The scope of responsibility also includes audience development, marketing / advertising management, fundraising planning and execution, external and community relations, volunteer management, and the overall operational, financial, and administrative management of the organization. The ED will develop relationships and partnership agreements with musical, performing, educational, and community organizations to advance the organization’s outreach activities and collaborative partnerships throughout San Diego County and beyond.
The ED will work closely with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health and effective governance. The ED will be a relationship builder who maintains a high professional profile and is able to raise financial resources personally while educating, engaging, and energizing the Board of Directors in their role as fundraisers, policymakers, and community ambassadors.
The ED will be the organization’s spokesperson, with the mission, vision, and values as a guide in representing it to many constituencies, both internal and external, throughout the community. In partnership with the AD and the Board, the ED will guide the growth, public image and increased brand awareness of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS:
The selected individual will have a well-rounded set of competencies that sets him or her apart from others, including the following:
- Results-oriented leader with the ability to set, pursue, and reach goals with a can-do attitude.
- Understanding of management and operations, marketing, institutional image building, and external relations, and have the presence and capacity to move initiatives forward in each of these areas.
- Demonstrated success in fund development and securing contributed revenue from multiple sources while maximizing earned revenue opportunities.
- Strong background and experience in planning and executing marketing strategies and programs.
- Ability to give direction and guidance, have the self-assurance and confidence to enforce rules and regulations, but be flexible in order to preserve a positive community brand image and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Proficiency with standard computer programs and electronic communication tools.
- Experience in non-profit management, preferred in performing arts
- Superior interpersonal skills, as well as exceptional writing skills, with the ability to interact effectively with Board, staff, patrons, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and the community in a positive and cooperative manner.
- Excellent knowledge of fiscal management is critical
- The model of integrity, fairness with the highest ethical standards
- Ingenuity, dedication, enthusiasm, humor, and energy are also key attributes
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Marketing and Public Relations (approximately 30% of responsibilities)
Oversee all marketing and public relations activities for the organization.
- Develop plans to grow the audience through the identification of target customers and implementation of marketing / PR programs.
- Partner with AD to communicate the work and mission of the organization to the public through the media and at public speaking engagements and through all necessary media, as needed.
- Act as spokesperson for the organization with community and regional arts organizations, education institutions, businesses, foundations, government agencies, and other stakeholders including not-for-profit and corporate entities.
- Guide the increased brand awareness and impact of the organization, clearly articulating its mission, vision, programs and strategic direction to the public.
- Cultivate good relations with media in the area, the state, the County, interacting with and staying abreast of developments of the local, regional, and national performing arts communities.
Fundraising and Development (approximately 30% of responsibilities)
Guide the creation of a comprehensive development program, develop comprehensive plans that maximize contributed income, and assume a leading and active role in fund-raising in consultation and cooperation with the Board.
- Take a direct leadership role in the organization’s development programs, including its annual fund-raising efforts, endowment, capital, and planned giving
- Identify appropriate funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies with the Board of Directors and the Artistic Director.
- Partner with the AD, Board of Directors, and volunteers in development activities, effectively cultivating, soliciting, and maintaining strong relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors and sponsors.
- Coordinate with all city, county, and regional governments and foundation agencies on grants and funding programs.
- Strategize and execute the most effective donor stewardship methods with the Board and staff
Financial Management (approximately 15% of responsibilities)
Develop, monitor, and maintain fiscal responsibility for the organization’s overall budget, and ensure the most effective use of financial resources.
- Oversee management of cash flow and present appropriate balance sheets, income statements, and other financial oversight tools to the Board on a regular and timely basis.
- Develop an annual budget and business plan for presentation to the Board.
- Ensure financial controls are in place to maintain oversight and ethical use of funds.
- Provide oversight and supervision of bookkeeping and accounting in accordance with accepted accounting principles for non-profits.
- Work with legal counsel, when needed and appropriate, in representing and negotiating contractual matters, including with rental organizations, agents, promoters, presenters, touring groups, ensembles, musicians, singers, and other independent contractors.
Management and Operations (approximately 15% of responsibilities)
Direct and manage all aspects of the organization’s operations, office and administration.
- Implement and monitor a long-term strategic and short-term operating plan in coordination with the Board of Directors, Artistic Director and staff, and assume joint responsibility for its implementation, reporting progress towards goals regularly.
- Oversee all day-to-day operations to ensure that patrons, and other community members have a first-class experience any time they interact with the organization’s staff and members.
- Ensure that the organization is effectively structured and staffed with competent persons whether they be paid or volunteer. Interview, hire, train, and mentor staff and volunteers, assign work, and provide job performances on a regular basis as requested by the board of directors.
- In partnership with the Artistic Director, plan and execute the concerts, events, and activities, which include programming, artist engagement, celebrations, special fund raising, and other events as may be needed.
- Consult and strategize with the arts community rental organizations and other strategic partners, regarding facility rentals, equipment rentals and other choral/concert related areas.
- Supports the effective mobilize and utilize volunteers in support of the organization’s plans and programs.
- Maintain the organization with the highest ethical standards, ensuring that all correct business policies and practices are within the full extent of the law.
Outreach and Education (approximately 5% of responsibilities)
In partnership with the Artistic Director, create and execute plans to ensure a systematic, values-based approach to outreach and education.
- Develop partnership agreements with community arts, education, and cultural organizations to advance the organization’s outreach activities and collaborative partnerships throughout the County and beyond.
- Work with all members of the community, develop appropriate strategic partnerships, and seek to include members of the community’s various multicultural groups and people of all ages.
- Represent the organization at various community events in a manner that enhances its reputation and standing in the community, with a goal of allowing the organization to provide greater service to the community, region, and state.
Governance (approximately 5% of responsibilities)
Provide support to best utilize the talents and resources of the Board, stimulate involvement, recruit new members, and work closely with the Board to ensure strong leadership infrastructure to maintain long-term organization success.
- Initiate and maintain effective communications with the Board President, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
- Provide concise, relevant, and timely information to the Board so that it can fulfill its policy and decision making responsibilities.
- Actively assist in Board prospect identification, cultivation, and recruitment with the goal of developing Board members whose skills, experience, financial connections, diversity, and capacity meet the needs of the organization.
- Assist Board committees developing and implementing their goals and objectives and name appropriate board liaisons to work closely with committees.
- Celebrate the successes of individual Board members and the Board as a whole in recognizing their contribution of time and resources as community ambassadors for the organization.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) and a minimum of 3 years of related management experience, and a successful track record in best practices in the non-profit field with an emphasis on marketing and fundraising skills.
COMPENSATION:
32 hour work week. Compensation will be based on experience and background, and will range from $32,000 to $36,000. No health insurance will be provided.
APPLICATION AND INQUIRIES
Email a resume, statement describing why you should be selected for this position (no more than 300 words), 3 professional references, and any other supporting documents to: President@sdgmc.org
We are accepting resumes until June 15, 2011.