OpenStage Theatre Seeks Managing Director

OpenStage Theatre & Company is seeking a Managing Director.

About the Company: OpenStage Theatre & Company, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, is governed by a Board of Directors, administered by a professional staff, and composed of a community of artists dedicated to creating excellence in live theatre.

Since its inception in 1973, OpenStage has actively produced and promoted live performing arts in Northern Colorado, making it one of the longest-practicing and most renowned theatrical producers in the state. In addition to being the foremost local producer at the Fort Collins Lincoln Center, the city's primary performance space, OpenStage is a major figure in the statewide arts producing community. Citing productions that consistently garner critical and public acclaim, The Denver Post applauded OpenStage's work as ranking "among Colorado's best companies."

Recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Henry Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, and commendation by the Colorado State Legislature and the City of Fort Collins, OpenStage Theatre is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, the national association of professional not-for-profit theatres. Excellence, discipline, and artistic integrity are the principles that continue to guide OpenStage.

OpenStage Theatre produces a mainstage season of six productions, five in the Lincoln Center Magnolia Theatre and one outside in the Park at Columbine Health Systems. In addition, its second stage, openstageetc produces two intimate productions at the Center for Fine Art Photography.

Vision: OpenStage Theatre & Company will be a successful regional arts producer that consistently delivers magical and transforming experiences.

Mission: OpenStage Theatre & Company's mission is to provide exceptional theatre that captivates the heart and mind.

ROLE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Managing Director reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in partnership with the Producing Artistic Director as the Theatre's executive team. The Managing Director plays an integral role in the development and execution of the organization's strategic plan in addition to day-to-day administrative activities, including:

Administration: The Managing Director exercises responsible stewardship of all resources within the organization and collaborates with the Artistic Director to ensure the optimum balance of artistic quality, financial strength, and institutional integrity.

Financial Management: The Managing Director works with the Artistic Director to develop an annual budget to support the organization's programmatic and institutional priorities. The Managing Director is responsible for monthly financial reporting, budget performance, forecasting, cash flow projections and maintenance of the accounting systems.

Audience Development/Earned Income: The Managing Director works with staff to plan and implement audience development activities including marketing strategies, public relations and promotional events for season and single ticket sales campaigns, as well as seasonal, production and program sponsorships.

Fundraising: The Managing Director works with the Board and staff to strategize and implement all fundraising activities, including, but not limited to, individual gifts, Board gifts, special events, corporate giving, government support and foundation grants.

Planning: The Managing Director works with the Producing Artistic Director, Board and staff to create and execute long-term strategic, fundraising and strategies that will sustain the fiscal and operational health of the Theatre.

Board of Directors: The Managing Director serves, with the Producing Artistic Director, as the primary staff liaison to the Board. The Managing Director assists the Board's leaders as appropriate with the recruitment, education and development of Board members and works closely with Board committees to engage the members in the service of OpenStage Theatre.

Advocate: The Managing Director helps to advance the relationship between the Theatre and various local and regional organizations, including government agencies and advocacy groups, community and local business groups and arts organizations. The Managing Director/Producing Artistic Director team presents the public face of OpenStage Theatre and the Managing Director may be called upon to speak to private and public organizations and to the press, as well as to promotes the arts in general throughout the city and region.

The ideal candidate will:

• Have a bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of experience with a nonprofit or for-profit organization in a management/leadership role. Experience in fundraising, Board relations and marketing is highly desirable, and with a theatre company or arts organization also of value;
• Demonstrate experience and interest in supervising/managing fundraising campaigns and identifying new sources and increased levels of contributed income;
• Demonstrate experience and capacity to lead, manage, motivate, inspire, train and collaborate with staff, artists, Board and volunteers;
• Have experience and knowledge of marketing, advertising and public relations activities, particularly as they relate to growing ticket and other earned income revenue;
• Have the ability to successfully develop and implement long-term strategic and annual tactical plans;
• Be a highly motivated self-starter with strong communication and computer skills.
• Exhibit stamina and a strong work ethic, as well as the flexibility to deal with unpredictable pressures and a variable flow of work activity with a small staff;
• Have strong business skills and experience in budgeting, creating long-term budgets and goals, and financial management;
• Be able to speak and write persuasively and serve as a spokesperson for the Theatre in public and to the media;
• Demonstrate a passion for theatre and the arts, as well as the connection between the Company and its community.

Base Salary: $45K. Salary and Benefits Commensurate with Experience.

Application Procedure:

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following application packet no later than midnight, June 19, by email at info@openstage.com (with subject title: Managing Director Search):

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
4. Contact information for a minimum of three references.

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