Executive and Artistic Director

Deertrees Theatre announces the opening of our search for a new Executive and Artistic Director to lead the theater into its 85th Anniversary season in 2021.  Please send letter of interest, resume, and three references by electronic means to dpercival@deertrees.org.  Interviews will be held virtually, but tours of the theater may be arranged by request. Deadline for applications is November 15, 2020.

Position Description

The Executive and Artistic Director (EAD), employed by the Board of Directors (BOD), oversees the administration, programming, and strategic plan of the theater.  Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.  The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Board Governance: The EAD works with the BOD to fulfill the theater's mission as delineated in the theater's mission statement.  S/he communicates closely and effectively with the BOD to provide information needed in a timely manner for effective decision making.

Financial Performance and Viability:  The EAD ensures the financial health of the organization through sound fiscal management, fundraising, and development.  S/he:
  • ensures the theater's financial integrity, including submission of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements to the BOD and assists in preparation for annual audits.
  • practices strong fiscal management that includes operating within the approved budget, ensuring sound resource use, and maintaining a positive financial position.
  • carries out fundraising and development of other financial resources necessary to support the theater's mission.
  • researches opportunities for grant funding and prepares grant applications with the assistance of the BOD.
Mission and Strategy:  The EAD works with the BOD, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.  S/he:
  • designs and implements a varied summer season of programming that realizes the theater's artistic and financial goals.
  • oversees strategic planning to ensure the theater realizes successful fulfillment of its mission into the future.
Outreach and Communications:  The EAD is the primary "face" of the theater for its members, the media, and the community.  S/he:
  • carries out outreach initiatives that enhance the theater's image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
  • establishes and maintains relationships with various arts and community groups throughout the state and region.
  • promotes all performances utilizing website email, social media, and advertising.
Operations:  The EAD manages the theater's resources (financial, staff, and volunteer) to carry out activities and programs.  S/he:
  • manages programming.
  • establishes employment and administrative procedures for day to day operations in association with the Production Manager.
  • oversees fiscal expenditures.
  • reviews and approves contracts for services.
  • assists the BOD in hiring and developing competent staff.
  • signs all notes, agreements, and other instruments entered into by and on behalf of the BOD.
  • carries out other duties as discussed and agreed by the BOD.
Building Preservation:  The EAD oversees the maintenance and restoration of the historic theater in cooperation with the Buildings and Grounds Committee.  S/he:
  • ensures that maintenance and preservation activities are carried out.
  • leads the capital campaign when required to fund more extensive preservation efforts.

Professional Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • Five or more years of senior nonprofit management experience, particularly in the field of booking a variety of musical performances.
  • Significant knowledge of performing arts organizations, particularly in Maine, but throughout the Northeast.
  • Solid hands-on budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and grant writing.
  • Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
  • Ability to convey a vision to staff, BOD, volunteers, and donors.
  • Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector. Ability to collaborate with and motivate board members, staff, and volunteers.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
Salary and Benefits
Commensurate with experience and other qualifications.  The EAD is expected to reside within commuting distance of the theater and attend all concerts and events during the 10 week summer performance season.  Part time duties may be performed remotely during the remainder of the contract year.