WaterFire Providence: Managing Director
The Organization
WaterFire® (http://www.waterfire.org) is the award-winning sculpture/event created by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. A symbol of Providence’s renaissance, the event is universally recognized as a powerful work of public art. The mission of WaterFire Providence (WFP), the 501(c)3 organization that produces WaterFire (WF), is “to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.” Presented 12 to 25 times a year, WF has grown to include a wide array of arts and community partnerships with an attendance ranging from 15,000 to 90,000 per event.
WFP’s strategic plan envisions a significant campaign for growth in the next three years. The plan includes the new position of Managing Director (MD), responsible for all administrative functions. Mr. Evans will assume the role of Executive Artistic Director (EAD).
Based on the performing arts dual leadership model, the MD will work as a team with the EAD in parallel as well as in a shared decision-making relationship. In general, it is the artistic mission of WFP that will guide the decision making process in keeping with the strategic framework and budget. While both MD and EAD report directly to the Board, the EAD serves as the first among equals in organizational leadership.
Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities
The MD will be instrumental in managing, consolidating and building WFP’s day-to-day operational effectiveness; attending to all aspects of operational and financial management for the organization; managing its human resources, overseeing fund development, expanding board engagement, and ensuring a high performing fund development team including the Executive Artistic Director (EAD), the directors of philanthropy and sponsorship and leadership volunteers; representing the organization in all aspects of advocacy, friend and fund raising as well as community outreach and program and project development. Specifically the MD will be responsible for:
- Building a bold, strategic, engaged, innovative, and future-focused board.
- Building staff capacity, administrative, production, volunteer and communications systems.
- Enabling investment in expanded production equipment and long term reinvestment.
- Enabling investment in the office facilities, equipment and technology.
- Building stronger philanthropic and earned revenue program.
- Expanding public support and visitor donations.
Specific job functions based on approximate percentage time usage of the MD: Partner in Strategic Vision and Entrepreneurial Thinking (10%); Day-to-Day Operations (40%); Institutional Development, Marketing and Advocacy (30%); and Board Governance and Support (20%)
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a BA degree with eight or more years experience in a management position with increasing responsibilities, preferably in the cultural sector. He/she will have strong operational, financial, analytical, human resource management, friend and fundraising experience with demonstrable qualitative and quantifiable results
- 1. Skills
- Experience in working successfully in a co-leadership environment
- Strong leadership skills and a sophisticated systems thinker and strategist
- Proven record of entrepreneurship
- Personal credibility and intellectual ability to win professional respect and trust
- Demonstrated ability and experience in institutional advancement
- Ability to understand, operate and monitor WFP’s financial management systems
- Excellent collaboration and partnership skills
- Outstanding written, verbal, technological and presentation skills
- A hands-on, detail oriented self-starter and skilled manager
- 2. Values
- A genuine passion and commitment the mission and philosophy of WFP
- A genuine appreciation for the artistic expression which is at the core of WFP
- A collaborative team member and leader with a strong, hands-on work ethic
- Contribute engagement and joy to the team
- Of unquestioned integrity and the highest ethical standards
- 3. Work Schedule Expectations
WaterFire usually occurs on Saturday evenings (often every other Saturday) from May to October. Thus much of the event oversight, donor and sponsor contact, volunteer and staff support function, and development and programmatic opportunities occur on weekends during the summer. The candidate will be expected to be on site for all appropriate WaterFire events. This is a full time position; competitive salary commensurate with skill and experience.
Application Guidelines
This search is being conducted by Third Sector New England’s Executive Transition Program with Transition Consultant Dorothy Chen-Courtin. To view complete position profile and to apply, please visit http://www.tsne.org/jobs/md_waterfire_providence Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only online applications will be accepted. Application materials will be accepted until the final candidate is selected. WaterFire Providence is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.
Upcoming performance will be held on October 9 in Providence, RI.
