EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ARCADIA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION
The Executive Director of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of the Foundation and managing the state-of-the-art Arcadia Performing
Arts Center. Located on the campus of Arcadia High School, the stunning 40,000 square foot Center, which opened in 2012, houses the school’s acclaimed theatrical, musical and dance
programs.
The Center is also a regional performing arts venue and a location for special events and commercial filming. In 2015-16, headliners included Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Hiroshima, Wong Fu, and the Inland Valley Ballet, among other performing groups. The revenue raised through public programming, events, and rental activities helps to support arts education within the Arcadia Unified School District and arts in the West San Gabriel Valley.
The Executive Director has the exciting opportunity to lead the Foundation in realizing its vision for the Center and, in so doing, make an important contribution to arts education in Arcadia and
the San Gabriel Valley and to the cultural vitality of Southern California.
This is a full-time, exempt position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, which is currently comprised of 13 members and supervises staff, including, at present, six full and part-time employees. In addition, the Executive Director oversees volunteers.
The Executive Director’s key responsibilities include: Governance, Finances, Revenue Generation, Management, Programming, Marketing, and External Relations.
Governance
• Lead the Foundation in a manner that supports and guides its mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
• Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure compliance with legal, financial and professional standards in all areas of operations.
• Prepare materials for meetings of the Board of Directors.
Finances
• Manage the Foundation’s finances in accordance with the the approved budget which, in 2016, is approximately $521,000.
• Collaborate with the Foundation’s CPA on the creation of financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.
• Ensure the fiscal integrity of the Foundation by submitting to the Board a proposed annual budget.
Revenue Generation
Fundraising
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that meets budgetary goals and will include such components as ticket sales, subscriptions, sponsorships, annual giving, major gifts, grants, planned giving, and special events.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s prospect management system to facilitate the efficient generation of solicitations, acknowledgments, stewardship reports, and tax records.
• Strengthen the Foundation’s prospect research function to identify new donors.
• Implement a contact reporting system.
Special Events and Rentals
• Develop and implement a plan for generating revenue through hosting special events, including performances not originated by the Center, as well as facility rentals by private
individuals and commercial entities.
• Negotiate contracts for such events and rentals.
• Supervise employees responsible for staffing such special events and rental engagements.
Management
• Initiate a strategic planning process to ensure that the Foundation fulfills its mission efficiently and effectively.
• Implement the strategic plan and provide data-supported quarterly reports to the Board of Directors on progress to date.
• Create and implement systems for collecting reliable data that will be used to track success and fundraising purposes.
• Administer all aspects of the organization’s operations.
• Develop, improve and implement internal policies and procedures.
• Hire, mentor, supervise and review staff, which currently includes nine individuals working in marketing, “front-of-the house” activities (coordinating ushers/volunteers, ticket sales/box office, concessions, parking, hospitality); and “back-of-the-house”
activities.
• Sign agreements on behalf of the Foundation.
• Process and pay bills.
Programming
• Create a programming vision for the Center that will become the centerpiece of its brand. This vision will advance the Foundation’s mission, appeal to and attract a local and regional audience, and ensure financial success.
• Coordinate with Arcadia High School on scheduling well in advance of the season.
• Investigate partnerships with other presenting performing arts venues in order to leverage resources when booking programs.
• Consider expanding the current four-program season to include programs that are financially viable and appeal to niche audiences.
• Book programs, negotiates artists’ contracts with booking managers, including compensation, technical production needs, hospitality arrangements, and marketing and sales requirements.
• Oversee the “back” and “front” of the of house activities.
Marketing
• Create and implement a comprehensive marketing plan for the Center that will include such components as the website, social media presence, press releases, drafting and placing ads, and related activities.
• Supervise marketing staff responsible for implementing the plan.
External Relations
• Enhance the Foundation’s image by being active and visible in the community and among professionals within the performing arts community regionally.
• Maintain and strengthen key relationships within the Arcadia Unified School District, including administrators, faculty and booster club representatives.
DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• A minimum of five-years experience working in a performing arts organization or nonprofit organization
• Demonstrated record of fundraising success
• Intercultural fluency—the ability to successfully operate and communicate within different cultural contexts
• Diplomacy
• A “builder” who is creative and entrepreneurial within a non-profit and academic framework
• Strong leadership skills
• Positive and proactive
• Strategic thinking and problem solving expertise
• Excellent communication skills
• Technological fluency (Word, Excel, database management, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and empower others
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
SUCCESS MEASURES
The Board of Directors will assess the Executive Director’s success after one-year of employment based upon her or his success in achieving goals that they mutually establish
within the first 30 days of employment. An informal review will take place after the first six months of employment.
TO APPLY
Submit a cover letter and resume by email to Carolyn Wagner Consulting at carolyndittewagner@gmail.com.
The Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable state and federal
laws on the matter.
ABOUT THE ARCADIA THE FOUNDATION AND THE CENTER
The Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was created to support arts education in the schools and is dedicated to maintaining the Performing Arts Center
as a nucleus for the arts, education and engagement where the lives of students and the greater community are enriched. The Center is destined to be a world-class venue where lessons are
learned, talent is fostered and an impressive array of arts is shared and cultivated.
The Center is the realization of a long-standing dream for the citizens of Arcadia to have a major center for arts and culture in its community. Through their overwhelming support of Measure I,
this world-class performing arts venue was finally realized and clearly shows the commitment of the Arcadia residents to the arts. In addition to being used by the high school for drama, dance
and music performances and classes, the new Center will be enjoyed by the entire community, as it is the only performing arts venue in the City of Arcadia.
Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation
188 Campus Drive
Arcadia, California 91007
www.arcadiapaf.org