Executive Director of the Center for Performing Arts

Position Details

Position Information

Position Type
Administrative Appointment

Classification Title
Executive Director

Position's Functional Title
Executive Director of the Center for Performing Arts

Position Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Position Summary

Governors State University ( GSU ) Center for Performing Arts ( CPA ) seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader with demonstrated success in the cultural sector as its next Executive Director. We seek an individual committed to serve with a spirit of generosity, empathy, and inclusion.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE :


Governors State University is the only regional, public, comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving more than 5,500 students annually. GSU is a cultural destination located on a 750-acre campus encompassing the world-renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, a state-of-the-art 1165-seat Center for Performing Arts, Chicago Southland International Film Festival, and the Visual Arts Gallery. GSU is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago; 37 miles from Millennium Park and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions (learn more at www.visitchicagosouthland.com ). As a Minority Serving Institution and an emerging Hispanic Service Institution, GSU is committed to achieving equity and inclusive excellence. In 2020, GSU welcomed its first African American, woman President, Dr. Cheryl Green; an advocate for the arts, equity, and inclusion.

The Center for Performing Arts was founded in 1995, culminating a 10-year quest to bring a world-class performing arts facility to the Chicago Southland. Since its inception, the CPA has served over 1.5 million individuals, introduced over 300,000 schoolchildren to arts-in-education experiences, and welcomed over 8,000 artists and touring companies; presenting dozens of local, national and world premieres. The CPA annually serves over 50,000 residents from Cook, Will, and Kankakee counties in Northeast Illinois and Lake County in Northwest Indiana. In 2012, guided by the vision of creating an “arts infused university”, the CPA became a unit of the College of Arts and Sciences. The CPA’s vision is to bring together diverse artists and audiences to create experiences and memories that activate compassion and transform the world. For more information, visit www.centertickets.net.

SUMMARY :


Reporting to the Chair of the Division of Arts and Letters and the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, the Executive Director serves as the primary curator of cultural content carrying out the Center’s organizational vision. By engaging the campus and Chicago Southland communities through education, entertainment, performing arts, and dialogue, the Executive Director positions the CPA as the cultural destination in the Southland through quality programming, a state-of-the art 1165-seat venue, and welcoming patron experiences. This individual oversees multi-disciplinary programming, venue operations and upkeep, budgets, fundraising, marketing, personnel and the execution of 150+ cultural, arts-in-education, academic, community and rental activities annually. The Executive Director serves as the public face of the institution, managing internal liaisons with faculty, staff, students, and various departments as well as external press, Board of Advisors, municipalities, donors/corporate funders, and the public.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Produce, present, and attract culturally significant artistic and community partners aligned with our Artistic Intent and Community Engagement goals, ensuring GSU’s status as a premiere cultural destination in the Chicago Southland.
• Oversee and manage all areas of the cultural season planning and execution, including program curation, finance, contracts, promotions, operations, and engagement. Provide effective leadership and management of human and financial resources consistent with strategic direction.
• Grow earned and contributed revenues in partnerships with the CPA Board of Advisors and senior leadership team (six direct reports): Theater Manager, Marketing Director, Cultural Development Officer, Finance Administrator, Technical Director, Director of Education.
• Lead, empower, evaluate, and develop a diverse team of professionals (13 full time and 25 + seasonal and part-time employees, student workers, contractors) while fostering an inclusive culture of accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee 1165-seat facility and adjacent support spaces, including venue upkeep, equipment repairs and capital improvements.
• Promote accessibility and inclusiveness through diverse programming, pricing, multi-channel promotions, partnerships, and artistic literacy/engagement.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Foster and expand strategically minded relationships with institutional and individual funders as well as cultural, educational, community and business organizations.
• Support the Theatre and Performing Arts Studies ( TAPS ) program in residency at the CPA to produce three annual productions, including play and guest directors’ selections in production, marketing, front of house and campus/community engagement support.
• Expand cultural and arts-in-education access, engagement and equity for community members and south suburban students in grades K to 12. In partnership with the Director of Education, host and curate campus artists’ residencies, deepening arts engagement and participation through artistic literacy, with co-curricular activities.
• Serve as a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors, and other university-wide committees, as appropriate.
• Serve as a member of local, state, and national organizations to represent the Center in networking, collaboration, and growth.
• Oversee marketing strategy, including allocation of media budgets, promotions and community outreach for acquisition and loyalty for campus and community audiences
• Actively oversee and collaborate with Cultural Development Officer on earned revenue strategy, including grants, sponsorships, individual giving, and special events.

Priority review begins on January 5.

Salary Range : Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Salary is determined based on Education and Experience exceeding the minimum qualifications. This is a full-time administrative, exempt, non-union position.

Minimum Qualifications

· Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Arts Management, Fine Arts, Music Education, or a related field.
· Minimum of 5 years of relevant management experience in professional performing arts and live events presentation.
· Stellar organizational and management skills.
· A proven track record curating cultural seasons, expanding cultural engagement and participation with the arts.
· A track record in securing contributed revenues, including grants, and individual gifts.
· Extensive experience in developing and managing sustainable revenue and expense budgets.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong strategic and planning skills.
· Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in arts management, business or related field.
· A deep commitment to music, dramatic and visual performing arts and education and experience working with the community as an advocate for cultural arts.
· Preferred experience with grant writing and working with high net-worth individuals.
· CFRE preferred (not required) or other fundraising training.
· Appreciation for the role of a presenting organization in the cultural life of a university and surrounding communities.
· An understanding of the complexities of programming and administration within university environments as evidenced by success in collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
· A genuine personal and professional dedication to the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Posting Date
11/16/2022

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Posting Number
AP0311P

Type of Search
External

Quicklink for Posting
https://employment.govst.edu/postings/7971

Employee ID

Department

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcripts, and a list of professional references by January 5, 2023, to receive full consideration, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. References will only be contacted prior to final interviews.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. List of Three Professional References

Optional Documents

1. Transcripts
2. Other
3. Other2
4. Other3
5. Other4