Executive Director

This is a Full Time Job

Position Overview
The Executive Director is a new position. It is responsible for all aspects of SMPAC's operations including execution of the strategic plan, budgeting, event planning and programming, financial management, venue and event operations, implementation of the long term site plan, fundraising and development, marketing, and staff and volunteer management. As noted above, SPAC's board committees will play active roles supporting the Executive Director in each of these areas. The Executive Director develops and manages key relationships with Board participation and support. The Executive Director reports to the Chairman of the SPAC board of directors.
Roles and Responsibilities
• Strategy Implementation. Provide vision and leadership to build on SMPAC's historic success to fully realize its long term potential.
• Planning and Programming. Annually lead planning, negotiation and delivery of a varied and compelling schedule of performance and community events that attracts a range of audiences and fulfills SMPAC's mission to enrich community spirit, quality of life and economic development in Simsbury and the surrounding region.
• Relationship Development and Management. Develop and implement relationship management strategies to enhance key relationships and open new performance programming opportunities. Key relationships currently include the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Premier Concerts, Town of Simsbury, and promoters of the Two Left Feet Blues Festival. New key relationship opportunities may include other music promoters, Simsbury and Greater Hartford educational institutions including Hartt School of Music, Simsbury High School, and area private schools, and theater organizations such as Playhouse on the Park and Hartford Stage Company.
• Financial Management. Manage operations to yield a positive financial result on an annual basis. To date, SMPAC's revenue sources have principally been event tickets and sponsorships. Unlike most performing arts institutions, annual giving has been a small part of the revenue mix and therefore represents an opportunity for growth.
• Fundraising and Development. Develop and implement a supporter engagement and fund raising strategy to provide both annual operating support and long term giving for capital improvements and endowment. This effort should include outreach to individuals, corporations, grant making institutions and other potential sources of support.
• Marketing. Lead venue marketing, communications and promotion activities. Develop a marketing strategy and program that reaches targeted audiences and improves the likelihood of attendance, contribution support and community support. Act as spokesperson for SMPAC.
• Site and Infrastructure Development. Identify short term venue capital improvement opportunities that reduce operating costs and develop and implement special fundraising programs to support acquisition of improvements. Participate in completion of the updated long term site plan. Develop and implement a fund raising campaign to raise funds necessary to implement capital improvements associated with the approved site plan and development schedule.
• Education and Enrichment. Develop educational program consistent with SPAC's mission that reaches young people and provides continuing education opportunities for adults.
Qualifications
The successful Executive Director candidate will have broad experience in regional performing arts institutions including senior roles that provided insights into all aspects of successful arts organizations. The successful candidate will have a particularly strong track record in venue program planning and implementation, fundraising, relationship building, and budgeting. This successful candidate will be a self-starter and behave in an entrepreneurial manner. The successful candidate will have earned a bachelor's degree or better in a field related to arts administration.
As noted above, the board of directors will provide significant support to the Executive Director. Additionally, the current budget includes funds for adequate administrative and site support during the performance season. Also, the Executive Director may create compelling internship opportunities to provide capacity.
Competencies necessary for success include the following:
• Facility management skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills;
• Strong negotiation and consensus building skills;
• Strong planning, organizing, project management and problem solving skills;
• Demonstrated leadership by example;
• Strong management skills including willingness to roll up sleeves to help with tasks as necessary;
• Ability to wear multiple hats, adapt to change, and multi-task;
• Strong public speaking skills;
• Technologically adept including use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel software.