Wild Swan Theater Seeks Executive Director
February 2, 2008
Wild Swan Theater is a nonprofit theater company whose mission is to provide high quality professional theater for young people and families that is artistic, affordable and accessible. Founded in 1980, the company gives 160 to 180 performances for approximately 50,000 people each year as part of an 8 production season in Ann Arbor and on tour at theaters, schools, museums, and libraries throughout Michigan, and occasionally out of state. The organization has been a national leader in making theater accessible to people with disabilities and has also developed many innovative arts-in-education programs. With a budget of $400,000, it has 3 full-time employees, 3 part-time employees, and contracts with 50 to 60 theater artists, musicians, and sign language interpreters each year. We are currently seeking an Executive Director to work with our founding Co-Artistic Directors and Board of Directors in leading and managing the company and our work.
Job Summary:
In collaboration with the Co-Artistic Directors and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages all business aspects of the organization in support of the organization’s mission. The Executive Director must be a skilled administrator with experience in the areas of financial management, fundraising, and marketing. S/he must be adept at leading a staff of creative individuals as well as the organization’s relationships with multiple educational, corporate, and government partners/entities/agencies. In addition, s/he must be an active and passionate advocate and spokesperson for Wild Swan Theater.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Administrative Management
- hire and supervise non-artistic staff
Co-ordinate and Manage Marketing and Communications Strategies and Materials
- print pieces – brochures, newsletters, press releases, photos, posters
- on-line marketing and development of new initiatives
- data base
- website
Fiscal Management
- develop budget and manage all fiscal aspects of organization
- co-ordinate accounting and annual audit
Fundraising
- co-ordinate all fundraising initiatives with staff and Board of Directors
- manage and co-ordinate individual and corporate giving; major gifts
- research and solicit grants
- develop new initiatives
- develop and manage fundraising events in collaboration with board of directors
Board Relations and Development
- work closely with board to support and help implement their initiatives
- work to ensure that standing committees are functioning and support Wild Swan's mission
Experience and Qualifications Required:
- Significant proven leadership skills developed through at least 3+ years of arts management experience
- A deep commitment to and passion for the performing arts, with theater experience preferred
- The ability to support, develop and lead a team of highly intelligent, creative, capable and independent staff members
- A track record of successful fundraising: major giving, corporate, and individual campaigns
- Experience and success in grant research and solicitation
- Ability to manage multiple projects and work across several deadlines simultaneously
- Sense of humor, patience, flexibility
How to apply:
Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2008.
Please email a cover letter, resume, salary history and 3 professional references to:
hilary@wildswantheater.org (Please no phone inquiries.)