Livingston Arts Council (LAC)
Job Description / Position : Executive Director
Classification : Full-time, Exempt
Reports to : The LAC Board of Directors
Organization Overview :
The Livingston Arts Council (LAC) has been a leading voice for arts and culture in the Howell region since 1995 providing arts programming, direct support to artists and arts and cultural organizations located in Livingston County, and overseeing the renovation and programming of the Howell Opera House. The LAC mission is to engage, educate and entertain individuals of all ages through arts and cultural activities in the community and by utilizing and renovating the Howell Opera House for creative expression and social interaction.
In addition to the support the LAC provides its constituents, the agency also provides community arts leadership by actively engaging with area business and civic leaders to ensure that the arts play a vital role in economic development, placemaking, community revitalization, and quality of life issues.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of the Livingston Arts Council (LAC). With oversight from the LAC Board, the Executive Director provides leadership and vision for the organization and is responsible for overseeing administration, developing educational and cultural programs, creating and implementing fundraising strategies, revenue generation, and strategic plans of the organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :
Managerial and Administrative Responsibilities
- Exhibit strong leadership and the ability to inspire and lead the LAC and staff in a highly professional manner, fostering teamwork, collaboration and trust.
- Lead with personable demeanor, intellectual curiosity, and an eagerness to explore new ideas and partnerships.
- Build and strengthen relationships within the arts and cultural community and with other existing and potential stakeholders as well.
- Assist in the development of current and long-term organizational goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures for the LAC operations.
- Establish plans to achieve goals set by the Board of Directors and implements policies.
- Responsible for the recruitment, employment and release of all personnel.
- Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people who are supportive of the mission, values, and work of the LAC.
- Encourage staff development and education as it relates to everyone’s needs as well as the needs of LAC.
- Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, that sound human resource policies are in place, that records of attendance and leaves are maintained and approved, and that the personnel manual is regularly updated and approved by the Board of Directors.
- Oversee all financial activities with the Executive Committee, Treasurer and Finance Committee.
- Negotiate contracts on behalf of the Board of Directors.
- Responsible for compliance with applicable laws and legal requirements and works directly with LAC legal counsel and auditor.
Membership Retention and Recruitment Responsibilities
Develop and implement membership recruitment and retention plans.Coordinate recruitment of new members.Keep the LAC Board apprised of current membership levels and trends.Develop membership marketing and promotional materials.Communicate member needs, services and pertinent information to the LAC Board.Establish partnerships and affiliations with external organizations for member benefits.Advocacy, Publicity, and Communication Responsibilities
Maintain a strong working relationship with the arts community, as well as other cultural organizations.With the LAC Board President, serve as LAC’s primary representative and spokesperson at the community level, with the media and with other organizations.Serve as the LAC contact for artists and arts organizations and otherwise represent the association when appropriate.Respond to requests for information and assistance from LAC members.Coordinate news releases relating to the LAC affairs and related matters.Maintain oversight, prepare and approve LAC content information for communication vehicles, LAC website and social media platforms.Respond to inquiries regarding LAC activities.Fundraising, Grant Proposal Writing, and Grantsmanship
Develop robust fundraising program with individual donors.Develop and execute Operations and Renovation fundraising campaign.Seek and submit application(s) for grants and in-kind resources to sustain the work of the LAC.Administer local, county, state and federal grant funding.Develop fundraising opportunities and events and seek sponsorship opportunities along with the board to help sustain the work of the LAC.Develop opportunities to enhance and increase membership numbers.Oversee, along with the board, best practices to sustain and increase investment and endowment.Financial Oversight and Fiduciary Responsibilities
Provide leadership to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee to ensure proper and responsible fiduciary and financial oversight for LAC.Develop and maintain sound financial practices and participate in the annual independent audit or review.Work with staff in preparing a budget that allows LAC to operate within budget guidelines, present to the Board for approval.Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the LAC to carry out its work, including invested funds as directed by the LAC investment policy.Assist the board with the development of a long-range budget mechanism and plan for adequate long-term funding of LAC activities, staff and facilities.Work with Board on recommendations for setting membership dues rates.Assist the Board of Directors and Executive Committee in preparation of agendas, reports and minutes and appointment of committee chairs.Assists the Board in development of the board orientation, board self-evaluation and leadership orientation for standing committees.Human Resources
Responsible for human resource functions, onboarding and training, staff development, management and termination processes for LAC.Responsible for contracting of payroll process including preparation and maintenance of contract of payroll system, files and records, reporting and payments for retirement, taxes and other payroll withholdings as required.Administers and maintains employee benefits programs, insurance and addresses IRS compliance questions.Maintains, updates, and monitors personnel manual, policies and procedures and forms.Theatre Programming and Restoration
Establish policies and practices to effectively manage the facilities of the Howell Opera House. Short term, become fully engaged in the completion of the renovation project and develop a plan to ensure all systems within the theatre are well understood and can be used effectively.Provide expertise and guidance in programming, marketing, fundraising and public relations to achieve established goals and objectives.Responsible for the LAC and Howell Opera House offerings and artistic programming, consistent with the activity level outlined in the business plan of the LAC, including but not limited to coordination of theatre and main level events, in addition to events within the community.Negotiate contracts and agreements with user groups consistent with policies and approvals established by the Board of Directors.Facility Maintenance
Provides management oversight of building operations, maintenance, and related personnel. Coordinates facility maintenance, rental, and health / safety measures.SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE :
The LAC Board requires that the Executive Director have the following qualifications :
Strong leadership and creative problem-solving skills.Expertise and proven record of successful fund development, grant proposal development, and writingAbility to communicate effectively in both oral and written formatsStrong interpersonal and small group interaction capabilities; ability to work effectively in team situations.Ability to plan, organize and effectively present ideas and concepts to a wide variety of groups.Knowledge of accounting practices, including the ability to read and interpret financial statements.Knowledge of effective management principles and non-profit organization best practices.Experience and successful track record in seeking funds, developing fundraising events, and in organizing advocacy efforts.Ability to plan, direct and coordinate programming and administrative functionsAbility to build consensus and to foster fruitful partnerships between the arts and business communities, local, regional and statewide government.Skill in effective decision-making and ability to manage change.To be innovative, collaborative, and proactive.Sensitivity to highly political issues.A passion for the arts and a vision for the arts in Livingston County.Excellent computer and electronic communication skills.The LAC Board prefers that the Executive Director have the following qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of nonprofit association management with at least five (5) years of experience at senior administrative management level(s).Familiarity with the purposes and function of the performing, visual and literary arts.CAE (Certified Association Executive) designation.Successful experience in developing and executing theatre arts management, public relations, and programming.Compensation :
Full time, salaried / exempt position, compensation shall be commensurate with experience. Salaried / exempt employees are subject to applicable personnel policies, eligible for health insurance, PTO (paid vacation, sick leave, personal days) and holiday pay.
