Executive Director Job Announcement & Profile

Executive Director Position Announcement

THE SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE CONFERENCE (SETC) www.setc.org, seeks our next creative and dynamic leader for the position of Executive Director (ED). SETC is the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States providing extensive resources and year-round opportunities for the field.

The ED is the chief executive officer and executes the vision and mission of SETC by supervising the central office staff and collaborating with the executive committee, board of directors, and advisory councils. Responsibilities include overseeing the planning and execution of the nation’s largest theatre convention (4,500+ participants), unified auditions, and other professional programs that span the calendar year. The ED develops and manages a budget and financial architecture that sustains the fiscal wellbeing of the organization & provides entrepreneurial incentives for growth. The ED and staff operate in a hybrid work environment where staff work remotely a majority of the time and leased space is utilized for short-term in-person work in Greensboro, NC. In addition, the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces such as hotels and convention centers or theatres.

Qualified applicants will demonstrate evidence of substantial executive and/or artistic leadership in theatre or a related field; experience in fiscal & personnel management and event planning; knowledge of theatre as a business, art form, and/or field of scholarship; the ability to articulate and provide examples of managing projects and teams in-person, remotely, and in hybrid modalities; and a commitment to upholding the values and action towards equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

It is anticipated the successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree and a background including 3 or more years of management experience that demonstrates a record of success, innovation, and excellence. The successful candidate must be willing to relocate to the Greensboro, NC area.

The minimum salary for the position is $87,000 and consideration is given for experience and qualifications.  Benefits are competitive.

Applicants should submit

• a letter detailing their particular interest in SETC and addressing the themes of the leadership profile outlined above,
• a current resume, and
• the names and contact information of five professional references.

Please send all materials electronically to: edsearch@setc.org. For optimal consideration, candidate materials should be received by July 1, 2022.

SETC is resolutely committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life and culture of our organization. We are actively interrogating our policies and practices to deliberately take action and institutionalize anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practice. SETC will work to center marginalized voices, bodies, and stories. We will listen and learn about racism, discrimination, and adversity.

Our organization aspires to create a community of people representing a multiplicity of identities and pledges to create an inclusive environment for everyone and to hire without discrimination, bias, or inquiry about race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, pregnancy, marital status, gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, or physical appearance.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), women, individuals with disabilities, parents and/or caregivers, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  If you require assistance in applying for open positions due to a disability, please email us at edsearch@setc.org to request accommodation.

To learn more about SETC, visit www.setc.org/about.

Job Profile – Executive Director

Other Title: Chief Executive Officer

Job Purpose

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors in collaboration with the ED.

The ED is the chief executive officer and executes the vision and mission of SETC by supervising the central office staff and collaborating with the executive committee, board of directors, and advisory councils.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director performs the following:

Leadership

• Lead and adapt change
• Identify and nurture leaders
• Participate with SETC’s Executive Committee and Board in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
• Actively support SETC’s values through action-oriented approaches to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives
• Identify, assess, and inform the SETC’s Executive Committee and Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization
• Act as a professional advisor to SETC’s Executive Committee and Board on all aspects of the organization’s activities
• Foster effective team work between SETC’s Executive Committee and Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
• In addition to the President of SETC’s Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of SETC’s Executive Committee and Board as appropriate and jointly with SETC’s
• Executive Committee and Board when appropriate
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile

Operational planning and management

• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board, membership and Stakeholders
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
• Draft policies for the approval of SETC’s Executive Committee and Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to SETC’s Executive Committee and Board as appropriate
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
• Provide support to SETC’s Executive Committee and Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

Program planning and management

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services
• Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board
• Ensure balanced programming to support both an educational and professional mission
• Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects
• Convention planning for groups as large as 5,000 including site visits, contract negotiation, convention hotels, and all production logistics
• Manage event programming such as keynote speakers, EDIA series, trainers, receptions, special events, etc.
• Develop partnerships that widen the net of opportunity and strengthen the SETC mission
• Develop new ideas for reaching out to support a fiscally self-sustaining model

Human resources planning and management

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
• Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
• Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission
• Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
• Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance
• Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
• Conduct performance reviews
• Ensure the execution of monthly payroll/403(b) contributions and maintain TIAA regulatory requirements

Financial planning and management

• Direct a financial architecture that provides a stable present and fosters a prosperous future
• Maintain, manage and nurture entrepreneurial growth
• Work with staff and the Finance Committee to prepare a comprehensive budget
• Work with SETC’s Executive Committee and Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
• Work with staff to oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising plan for the organization.
• Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
• Manage, report, and calculate revenue/expense for almost 25 different funds in SETC’s Scholarship/Awards Fund, Corporate Reserve, and Cash Reserve Investments
• Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
• Provide SETC’s Executive Committee and Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
• Collect and calculate information for annual Audit
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments

Community relations/advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
• Support SETC’s publications (Bi-Monthly SETC News & 3 Times/Annual Southern Theatre) in providing information, writing, proofing, page numbers, ad space, budgeting, and working with outside Editor
• Continue the work of outreach to traditionally marginalized constituencies in support of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility initiatives

Risk management

• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
• Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field
• Evidence of executive and/or artistic leadership in theatre or a related field;
• Experience in fiscal & personnel management and event planning
• Knowledge of theatre as a business, art form, and/or field of scholarship
• Experience managing projects and teams in-person, remotely, and in hybrid modalities
• Provide evidence of action towards equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ voluntary organizations
• Marketing skills that include a strong promotional communication skill set (media, vendors, etc.) and knowledge of market for specific initiatives
• Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, CPP, EI, health coverage etc…
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
• Knowledge of human resources management
• Knowledge of financial management
• Knowledge of project management
• Ability to provide oversight for website development; approve direction; offer appropriate style and copy, offer direction and information as needed; approve final design and costs for change.

Qualitative analysis skills

• Business management skills
• Proficiency in the use of computers for:
• Word processing
• Financial management
• E-mail
• Internet
• Database management systems
• Managing workflow and communication with staff in a hybrid situation through Microsoft Teams or other app built for hybrid work.

Personal characteristics

The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.

Experience

Three or more years of management experience that demonstrates a record of success, innovation, and excellence in a voluntary sector organization.

Working Conditions

• SETC’s Executive Director and staff operate in a hybrid work environment where staff work remotely for the majority of the time and leased space is utilized for short-term in-person project oriented work; in-person work is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition, the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces such as hotels and convention centers or theatres.
• SETC’s Executive Director often works a standard work week, but additionally will often work evening, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as SETC’s Executive Committee and Board meetings and representing the organization at public events.