JOB DESCRIPTION: FIRSTWORKS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Organization Description
Launched in 2004 in collaboration with the City of Providence’s Department of Art, Culture & Tourism, FirstWorks has attracted over 66,000 participants, and annually engages more than 40 nonprofit community organizations and schools. FirstWorks builds community, reaches an underserved audience and presents extraordinary arts programs that elevate Providence’s national profile.
The purpose of FirstWorks is threefold: (1) to build community and create a gateway to the arts across genres, ages and cultures, actively engaging a broad and diverse audience through festivals, performances and educational programs, (2) to champion arts programs that are “firsts”: debuting presentations of high-quality new work, first experiences in arts for children, and for new audiences; and (3) to promote socio-economic development in Rhode Island through the arts.
Annual programs include year-round Arts Learning with Youth, the FirstWorks Festival – 5 weeks of performing arts in Providence, including a 3 week digital-media festival, and special events throughout the year.
Oversight and direction is provided by the FirstWorks Board and committees, including Fundraising, Marketing, Board Development and Finance/Audit. Six staff positions cover Marketing, Programs, Operations, Outreach and Education, Production and Development.
Managing Director
The Managing Director is the chief operating officer for FirstWorks, working in partnership with the Artistic Director, who is the chief creative officer for FirstWorks. The MD reports to the Board of Directors and supervises day-to-day administrative and staff activities. The MD works closely with the Artistic Director to align the organization’s operational and artistic functions and to implement FirstWorks’ mission.
The focus of this position is on administration, management and finance. The scope of responsibility includes administration, development and fundraising, financial and contract administration, strategic and operational planning, marketing, and external relations. The Managing Director maintains an atmosphere of collaboration, consensus building, open communication and stakeholder participation, encouraging creativity, flexibility, and stability.
This is a full-time position. The candidate must already reside in the greater RI area. Cover letter and resume may be submitted in confidence to the Chair of the Search Committee via: annette@first-works.org
Summary of Responsibilities include:
Administrative:
Ø Supervise all administrative staff, monitoring employee performance,
Ø Manage/develop human resources policies, procedures and hiring with appropriate input from Board of Directors,
Ø Oversee the effective use of financial and technological resources, managing the annual operating budget and contract administration, with Finance Committee and Treasurer,
Ø Collaborate with Artistic Director on annual budget development and planning,
Ø Provide financial reporting to monitor expenses and coordinate proper expense allocations.
Development and Institutional Advancement:
Ø Oversee a comprehensive fundraising plan that supports FirstWorks’ ongoing initiatives,
Ø Closely monitor and report progress in meeting fundraising targets,
Ø Cultivate potential funding sources and current donor relations, with Development Director, Artistic Director and Board of Directors,
Ø Coordinate with city, state and regional governments and agencies as needed,
Ø Represent the organization in the community, along with the Artistic Director,
Marketing
Ø Negotiate primary media sponsorships,
Ø Oversee and extend ongoing brand development and marketing plan,
Ø Develop marketing strategies to build audience, participation and national and regional profile with staff and Artistic Director,
Ø Forge cross-promotional partnerships,
Ø Guide the creation and timely release of all printed materials.
Governance:
Ø Work with Artistic Director and Board of Directors on the development, implementation and progress towards meeting short-term operational and long-term strategic plans,
Ø Provide concise, relevant and timely information and reports to the Board so that it can fulfill its policy and decision making responsibilities,
Ø Identify and assist in recruitment of Board members, along with the Artistic Director.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with Master’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
- Previous related senior management, including fiscal and operations experience, required.
- Superior interpersonal skills, verbal and written presentation abilities, and leadership.
- Demonstrated experience in non-profit marketing and development.
- Experienced team player with enthusiasm for team-building and collaborative decision-making.
www.firstworksprov.org
270 Westminster St # 3
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-4278