Friday, May 2, 2008

Director, Hillman Center for Performing Arts, Shady Side Academy - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 5/2/08

The Hillman Center for Performing Arts (HCPA) opened in 2005 as a community venue on the campus of Shady Side Academy in the Pittsburgh suburb of Fox Chapel.  Shady Side Academy is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that acts as a fiscal sponsor for the Hillman Center for Performing Arts. 

Organizational Mission

The Hillman Center for Performing Arts is Shady Side Academy’s primary performing arts classroom.  As a teaching and learning space, the Hillman Center offers current students a chance to discover and nurture their talents.  As a public performance venue, the Hillman Center presents programs of excellence that represent Pittsburgh’s cultural traditions and celebrate global artistic innovation.  Our annual series benefits the current students and alumni of Shady Side Academy, as well as the residents of Western Pennsylvania, through residencies and performances.

Structure of the Position

The Director reports to the President of Shady Side Academy and is an administrator of the school.  While student productions are created and supervised by teachers in the school’s Arts Department, the Director of the Hillman Center for Performing Arts works to present professional touring and local artists to students and the public.  A vibrant student usher corps supports the front of house and also advises on artistic selections.  In addition, the Director works to provide a much needed rental venue for community organizations and arts presenters.  Under consideration is whether the position will be part or full time, academic year only or year round.  Further details will be made available soon.

Job Summary

The Director is the lead staff position, overseeing operations of the 641 seat Richard E. Rauh Theater, the110 seat Peter J. Kountz Theater, and a variety of practice and support spaces.  The Director will serve as primary liaison to Shady Side Academy’s Office of the President and all constituents, including project donors, audiences, and artists and “client” organizations that rent the theater.  Programming has included chorale performance, instrumental concerts, dance, conferences, and family-oriented theater, among other programming options.  Offerings appeal to children, families, and adult audiences.

Required Qualities & Skills

Creativity, initiative, self direction, a collaborative spirit, the ability to support the goals of both the Hillman Center for Performing Arts and Shady Side Academy.  Experience in arts marketing and audience development or equivalents.  Demonstrated record of successful grant writing.  An appreciation for world music and diverse musical and artistic traditions.  A desire to build broad community partnerships.

Director Responsibilities

Provide leadership to HCPA, reporting to the president of Shady Side Academy and directing all aspects of HCPA’s external operations;

Effectively represent and position HCPA as a viable and critical venue that nurtures Pittsburgh’s performing arts community and diverse audiences;

Strategically develop operational procedures that ensure a safe, efficient, and professional venue for audiences, performers, and presenters, while securing HCPA’s own operational future;

Identify and secure funding including public and private grants, individual contributions, and corporate giving opportunities;

Identify annual goals, including numbers of events scheduled and revenue targets, and oversee marketing, outreach, and rental agreement efforts to ensure success;

Develop operating budgets that will allow for the financial and programmatic success of HCPA;

Analyze strategic challenges faced by the organization and formulate creative solutions, alliances, and business initiatives to support and meet the goals of HCPA;

Enhance HCPA’s visibility by building strong relationships with appropriate cultural and civic organizations, foundation officers, government officials, and community leaders;

Administer and further develop the grant-based “Community Partners in Education” program to diversify HCPA audiences;

Effectively develop and manage a relationship with the students, alumni, faculty, staff of Shady Side Academy that allows for the open communication of ideas, policies and procedures, and other operational matters that are vital to HCPA’s success;

Encourage an environment of teamwork and shared objectives with students, alumni, faculty, and staff who view HCPA as the school’s primary performing arts classroom;

Ensure HCPA’s compliance with all legal and regulatory guidelines and requirements;

Carry out other related duties as assigned by the President of Shady Side Academy.

Compensation & Benefits

The Director will receive a competitive salary based on education and experience.  Benefits may include health, vision, dental, disability, and life insurance as well as a 403b retirement plan with an employer match.

TO APPLY: Applicants should e-mail a cover letter and resume to: liebmann@shadysideacademy.org by Friday, May 16, 2008.

Equal Opportunity Employment
Shady Side Academy provides equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or any other unlawful criteria and abides by applicable laws and regulations.

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

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