AKRON CIVIC THEATRE

182 S. Main Street, Akron, OH  44308

Position: Executive Director
Reports to: Akron Civic Theatre CEO
Employment Type: Full Time Salaried
Salary: Compensation: $85,000 - $100,000 annually commensurate with experience plus benefits
AKRON CIVIC OVERVIEW:
During this time of strategic growth for the Akron Civic Theatre, it is very exciting to add this new staff position to support the CEO in overseeing operations of the theater, including fund development and its multiple venues. The 90-year-old Akron Civic Theatre is nearing completion of a major restoration and expansion project that will take this beloved venue into the next 90 glorious years. The recent “Staging the Future” campaign raised significant dollars to complete a restoration that began in 2001 by finishing the entry arcade and Grand Lobby. The current restoration project also added a new box office, administrative offices, and a flexible-use 200+ capacity performance space called The Knight Stage, as well as investing approximately $750,000 in public art and adding to the theater’s endowment. With the newly formed collaboration with the University of Akron, along with the recent management agreement with Goodyear Theater, and the Civic’s ongoing work with the City of Akron and Lock 3, the Civic is uniquely positioned to maximize the number and quality of events in the Greater Akron community. Concurrently, the Civic staff is focused on driving attendance to all venues and positioning Akron as a premiere destination for arts, entertainment, and culture. The two articles below highlight the recent activity aforementioned:
https://uakron.edu/im/news/ua-and-civic-theatre-advance-akronarts-with-new-partnership?fbclid=IwAR1tj6iF5CUWmubU1COZNosndR-Bmhj-k2xd9lBtYET5Cesvm4svinG1B_A
https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2021/04/16/akron-civic-theatre-renovation-nearly-complete
BASIC FUNCTION:
Working in conjunction with the CEO and the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Akron Civic Theatre and the venues under its management, with particular emphasis on fund development, operations including personnel management, and facilities. The Executive Director is a member of the senior staff responsible for working with the CEO and Board of Trustees in developing and executing the strategic direction for the theater.
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DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Working with the CEO and Finance Director, prepare an annual budget for presentation to the Board Finance Committee consistent with strategic direction discussed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the management of expenses associated with operations, staffing, and fund development of the Akron Civic Theatre within the parameters of the approved budget.
• Working with the CEO and fund development team:
o meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish and maintain effective communications with them.
o grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
o oversee grants management including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
o build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
o oversee the membership and annual fund programs.
• Maintain existing and establish new working relationships with key community stakeholders and represent the Akron Civic Theatre at community activities to maintain and enhance the organization’s strong community profile and good standing.
• Ability to act as a public spokesperson for the Akron Civic Theatre to share and promote the mission and programs to the community at large.
• Draft organizational policies and prepare procedures for implementation, review existing policies on an annual basis, and recommend changes to the CEO as appropriate.
• Provide support to the CEO and Board of Trustees by preparing presentation materials associated with agenda items for Board and Committee/Task Force meetings.
• Working in conjunction with the Associate Director for Operations, facilitate the development and maintenance of human resource policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff.
• Working in conjunction with the Technical Director/Building Operations Manager, establish a regular schedule of assessment of the capital condition of the theater and present to the CEO and Board of Trustees recommended priorities for maintenance and associated costs.
• Establish and maintain an inclusive, positive, healthy, and safe work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
• Minimum of five years’ experience with increasing responsibilities with proven track record in strategic planning and development, financial management, fund development, project management, and policy development with tax-exempt organization.
• Experience in leadership and management of people.
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• Experience as part of an organization in a “growth” situation.
• Experience working with a complex set of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with the Board and staff.
• Ability establish and maintain cross-sector relationships and partnerships.
• Strong computer skills.
• Project management experience, including administering budgets, program records, reports, and documentation.
• Bachelor’s Degree in arts administration, business, public administration, non-profit management, or related field.
• Strong background in arts management, fund development, facility management, or related areas
• Ability to manage time and handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and independently.
Preferred:
• Minimum of ten years experience with increasing responsibilities.
• Strong experience with arts and culture organization(s).
• Multi-year capital or expansion campaign experience.
• Experience with donor tracking software.
• Master’s degree in arts administration, business, public administration, non-profit. management, or related field.
TO APPLY
Applicants must provide a cover letter that highlights your qualifications, a résumé, and three professional references. Please email to: ltighe@janussmallassociates.com and put “Akron Civic Theatre ED Position” in the subject line. While there is no application deadline, review of applications will begin in late December/early January. Note: Interested applicants must be willing to submit to a background check as part of the evaluation process.
The Akron Civic Theatre is deeply committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates the diversity of all of our employees. We respect the dignity and inherent rights of all individuals and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We continuously focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices, and policies because our greatest strength is our team.
Updated 11/18/21