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Now Hiring: Holland Theatre Executive Director
Please send resume and any questions to office@thehollandtheatre.net
The Board of Directors for the Holland Theatre in Bellefontaine, Ohio, seeks candidates to fill the role of Executive Director. The Holland Theatre is a nonprofit 602-seat historic atmospheric theater in the heart of downtown Bellefontaine, a thriving town of 15,000. The theater draws audience members from our primarily rural county as well as nearby cities including Columbus and Dayton. Completing a multimillion-dollar restoration in 2019, the Holland books about twenty-five world-class performing arts events per year and partners with community theater groups and other organizations to provide opportunities for local arts engagement. Other staff members include a part-time office manager/marketing assistant and a sound/light technician. Staff are supported by an active board of directors and a robust volunteer base.
Position Summary
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership in the areas of programming, fundraising, marketing, and community/donor relations. Candidates should exhibit a deep appreciation of the arts and be prepared to implement knowledge of current and emerging venue management and marketing technology, trends, and tools. Detailed list of roles and responsibilities are listed below.
Flexible work hours, full time, $60,000
Experience and Qualifications
Applicants should have a minimum five years of related experience. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, creative problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the challenges and rewards of a small town/rural setting.
Applicants should have experience collaborating with staff and volunteers as well as managing budgets and working with various stakeholders. Applicants should have a passion for community involvement and education and the ability to share the theater’s story and expand its outreach.
Applicants should have experience booking events and working with artists’ management, along with the ability to create a marketing plan. The ideal candidate will have experience with writing grants, cultivating sponsor relationships and collaborating to develop long-term funding solutions. Website management and graphic design experience would be beneficial.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Seek out programming to create a season lineup that promotes the best of the arts and engages a wide range of patrons
- Negotiate contracts with artists/performers
- Act as the primary contact for artists/performers after contracts are signed and on the day of performance
- Communicate with the theater’s box office manager to provide timely and complete information regarding upcoming events
- Ensure all advance work and support of touring shows are provided in a timely and professional manner
- Coordinate with and foster a professional relationship with the theater’s in-house sound/light technician/s and all staff and volunteers
- Coordinate backline requirements and contract riders leading up to a performance
- Coordinate stage set-up to meet artists’ expectations
- Act as the master of ceremonies on day of events
- Coordinate other uses of the theater including rentals and community events
- Communicate regularly with the board, staff, and volunteers to coordinate use of the theater and timely preparation
- Lead the board in creating fundraising goals and plans
- Build relationships with donors and business sponsors
- Research and pursue grants from both private and governmental agencies
- Work with the board to prepare, maintain, and continually review an operating budget for the theater
- Work with the board to develop short- and long-term capital planning for the theater
- Provide concise, relevant, and timely updates on the theater’s financials and operations to help the Board fulfill policy-setting and decision-making responsibilities
- Create a marketing budget and provide direction for advertising/marketing for all upcoming events
- Regularly review and update current marketing strategies and outlets, including social media, newspaper, radio, television, print materials, etc.
- Foster a professional relationship with patrons of the theater, local and regional residents, local businesses, civic leaders, and local government officials
- Leverage partnerships with local artistic entities, including LoCo Art (local youth arts organization that rents space from and partners with the Holland), teachers and administrators in the local schools, graphic design students, and other organizations to enrich the connection and engagement among the theater, schools, and community
- Collaborate with local civic organizations for downtown events and represent the Holland at meetings of downtown businesses/organizations
- Network with industry professionals/artists and attend conferences to build relationships and stay current with industry trends and innovations