Durango Arts Center: Executive Director Job Description

Durango Arts Center

Executive Director Job Description

Durango Arts Center Mission

Created and sustained by the people of the Four Corners region, the Durango Arts Center promotes the exploration, education, enrichment and enjoyment of the arts.

Position Description: Executive Director

GENERAL PURPOSE

Serves as the chief fund-raising officer and overall executive manager of the Durango Arts Center.  This position is salaried and a 40-hour week is expected, with additional hours often required.  Evenings and weekends are a regular part of the position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position works for the Board of Directors and their policy guidance and reports directly to the board president.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises all employees of the Durango Arts Center. (Currently there are 10-part-time employees).  On May 15, 2012, the theater artistic director/manager position will become a full-time position.  Also supervises on occasion, volunteers, community service workers and others as necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as the chief executive officer of the Durango Arts Center

1) Is responsible for all fundraising and coordinating this with DAC Board and staff.  Also must be able to grow the funding for The Durango Arts Center with grant writing, individual and corporate donors, fundraisers, volunteers, and membership base.  Experience in developing earned income potential for the DAC is also part of the position. Strong business and managerial skills are required.

Leadership and Artistic Vision:

1) Is responsible for reporting to the Durango Arts Center Board of Directors for the administration of all policies and operations of the center.

• Works closely with the Board of Directors and participates in board discussions and decisions when appropriate.

• Coordinates preparation of agendas for the board meetings with the Board President.

• Attends all board meetings and many sub-committee meetings such as special event fund-raising events.

• Prepares reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

• Provides input to the Board of Directors in the development and implementation of the Boards strategic plans for the organization and in the updating of policies, procedures and bylaws.

• Responds to inquiries about the DAC and keeps the Board of Directors informed of important issues that may affect the administration of the organization.

2) Coordinates work of DAC and maintain communication/outreach with artists, donors, DAC members, instructors, downtown business neighbors, (BID, DATO Chamber, City Council, service clubs, other organizations and government agencies).

3) Serves as the official spokesperson, along with the Board President, for Durango Arts Center, communicating policies, programs and services to the public, other organizations and governmental unties that impact or may be impacted by the Art Center.

4) Work with the Exhibits Director and Exhibits Committee on the development of new exhibits, local, regional, state and national exhibits.

5) Works with the Education Coordinator in developing art education programs for children, teens and adults.

6) Works with the theater manager in ensuring that the theater is fully utilized and that the DAC produces a summer and holiday program. Also ensures that the theatre manager is leasing space as available and working and collaborating with other organizations that utilize the DAC Community Theater.  An education theater program will be added in January 2013, and the executive director will work with the theatre manager in the development of this new program.

7) Works with the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator to enhance membership and volunteer efforts.

8 ) Attends special community and arts-related events, often after hours at the center and elsewhere, representing the Durango Arts Center.

Management and Administration

1) Manages and supervises all programs and activities at The Durango Arts Center to achieve within the available resources the mission and goals of the organization.

2) Hires, manages and evaluates staff.

3) Assures that assigned areas of responsibilities are performed within the budget.

4) Manages the DAC building including rental properties and building projects (e.g.; studio and gallery renovation/maintenance).

5) Ensures consignment and retail/gift shop tasks and other assignments as deemed necessary by the board.

6) Also works with appropriate staff and volunteers to ensure that the DAC building is maintained, cleaned and upgraded whenever feasible.

Development and Financial

1) Performs or oversees development work such as grant writing and fund raising activities (as expressed in essential duties).   Currently the budget is approximately $625,000.  The DAC receives no major public support, other than specific grants.  The entire budget must be raised from fund-raising and earned income.

2) Is a member and active part of the DAC Finance committee along with the Board President, Board Treasurer and other appointed members of this committee and works with DAC bookkeeper in ensuring the Finance Committee have adequate financial information to perform their oversight.

3) Approves all expenditures made on behalf of the DAC.

4) Advises the Board of financial conditions and current/future needs of the organization.

5) Administers the adopted budget of the DAC and assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.

6) Performs or oversees marketing budgetary items (e.g.; radio, television and other media).

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

1) Graduation from an accredited four -year college.  A master’s degree is highly desirable. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education requirement.

2) Demonstrated experience in fund-raising, grant writing, membership campaigns and/or other fund-raising experience.

3) A minimum of five years experience in administrative or supervisory work in a non-profit field, business, government, arts organization or a field closely related to the mission of the Durango Arts Center

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1) Knowledge and appreciation of all the arts.

2) Demonstrated skills in developing and administering an annual budget.

3) Demonstrated skills in planning, directing and administering arts programs.

4) Proficiency in operating a computer.

5) Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

6) Strong oral and written communication skills.

7) Ability to establish and maintain effective and strong working relationships with the Board of Directors, volunteers and the public.

8 ) Ability to efficiently and effectively operate a non-profit organization.

9) Ability to successfully lead, supervise and support all staff.

10) Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to be the official spokesperson of the organization.

11) Must be organized, have attention to detail and the ability to juggle a high volume of work responsibilities.

SALARY RANGE: $50,000 annualized with paid two-week vacation after completion of first year. No other benefits available at this time, yet position could grow to include enhanced benefits.

To apply for position: Please send (via email to sheri@durangoarts.org) a cover letter expressing why you are interested in being considered for this position along with a resume that states relevant experience as stated in the job description.

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