Sunset Position Profile

General Managing Director

About the Organization:

Sunset Playhouse is a not-for-profit community theatre organization, incorporated in 1954. A building fund drive was launched, enlisting the support of the entire metropolitan Milwaukee area, and in March of 1960, the doors of the Playhouse were opened to the public!

The mission of Sunset Playhouse is to provide high quality theatrical entertainment to the general public. It offers educational and personal growth opportunities for members, volunteers, patrons and the community at large while maintaining a strong commitment to the preservation and appreciation of live theatre.

The foundation of the organization is based on an active and diverse pool of volunteers working in conjunction with paid professionals in an atmosphere of respect, cooperation and commitment.

Sunset was the first theatre in the state of Wisconsin to be built entirely by a community theatre group. Sunset Playhouse operates out of its own $2M facility. Sunset's Furlan auditorium has a seating capacity of 299, with a large well-equipped proscenium stage. The building houses all the facilities of a complete theater facility including: lobby, auditorium, studio theatre, dressing rooms, rehearsal hall, costume shop and storage, shop, light and sound booth, storage areas, catering kitchen, offices, and board room.

Sunset is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The Theatre staff consists of an Artistic Director, an Office Manager, a Technical Director, School Administrator and several box office associates. An active and diverse pool of volunteers work in conjunction with these paid professionals to accomplish the goals of the theatre. Sunset produces eight main stage shows a year, (comedies, mysteries, musicals, and dramas), a Musical Mainstage series, plus up to six additional shows in its studio theatre which also acts as a reception room.

The theatre operates on an annual budget of approximately $400,000 which is covered entirely from ticket sales, other earned revenues, and fund campaigns.

While the staff and board of the theatre are proud of their accomplishments, there remain several opportunities and challenges for the new General Managing Director to focus on. These include:

Creating a campaign to retire the current mortgage.
Continuing the successful financial management of the theatre’s operations through enhanced ticket sales and audience expansion.
Developing a program to grow and enhance the volunteer base.
Enhancing and extending Sunset’s visibility within the surrounding communities.

Role of the Managing Director:

The General Managing Director, a new position, reports to the Sunset Playhouse Board of Directors. The General Managing Director directly supervises the Office Manager and School for the Arts Administrator. The General Managing Director supervises and coordinates the efforts of the Artistic Director and Technical Director. The General Managing Director supports and manages several board and operational committees.

The General Managing Director is the senior operating and financial officer of the Sunset Playhouse and, together with the Artistic Director, acts as a public spokesperson and community liaison. The General Managing Director also provides leadership and direction to key theatre activities including finance and administration, marketing and communication, development (including annual fund as well as capital and endowment campaigns), volunteer and educational outreach. S/he has principal oversight for the day-to-day operation of the company and is responsible for promoting a collaborative and open work environment and high performance standards.

The General Managing Director will work collaboratively with staff and the Board to achieve the company’s goals. S/he supports the Artistic Director and the artistic staff in accomplishing the company’s educational and artistic activities.

Specific Duties:

Works collaboratively with the Artistic Director to ensure that the company will accomplish all of its institutional goals.
Provides management and oversight for day-to-day operations including operating and maintaining the theatre’s facilities – theatre, studio theatre, box office, concessions, parking lot and grounds.
Collaborates with the Artistic Director and the Board on short and long-term strategic planning in general and for fundraising, audience development and operations in particular.
With the Development Committee, creates and implements strategies to achieve earned and contributed income goals.
Collaborates with the Artistic Director and Board to develop and approve the company’s annual operating budget.
Oversees financial management and controls including the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of annual operating budget and capital fund activities.
Actively participates in all fundraising activities including individual and corporate donor solicitation, special events planning, attending all public events.
Works closely with and is accountable to the Board of Directors for financial and day-to-day operational activities.
Attends all Board and appropriate committee meetings. Works with the Board President to set agendas and facilitate the work of the Board.
Represents and promotes the theatre in arts circles and at the community level through board and panel services, public speaking, attending local events and general networking.
Actively engages in recruiting, developing, and retaining volunteers.

Qualifications:

Ideally, candidates for this position should have:

At least five years of successful management experience within a theatre company or similar not-for-profit organization. Such management experience might include running a department, serving as a general manager or similar position.
Strong leadership, teambuilding, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A clear ability to encourage, engage and energize board and staff members, volunteers, donors and audiences.
Ability to lead and manage a complex theatre organization.
Considerable experience in not-for-profit fiscal management and the skills needed to promote and protect the financial well-being of the theatre.
Fundraising ability including direct foundation, corporate and individual solicitation and familiarity with various fundraising techniques.
Experience in marketing performances and ancillary activities to the public. A willingness to explore and create new initiatives that provide appropriate support and visibility to the organization.
A sincere interest in and appreciation for collaboration with other arts, cultural, and community organizations.
Passion, energy, stamina, flexibility and the willingness and interest to fully engage in the life and activities of the theatre.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include a health insurance allowance and paid time off.

Start Date:

The position is a newly created one. The company wishes to identify the new General Managing Director as early as possible in the coming season (starting September 2008).

Procedure for Application:

Interested candidates are invited to submit resume, salary history, a minimum of three references and a brief cover letter describing interest, relevant qualifications and experience to the search committee. Sunset Playhouse is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.

Sunset Playhouse
Attn: Search Committee
PO Box 2
800 Elm Grove Road
Elm Grove, WI 53132

e-mail: searchcommittee@sunsetplayhouse.com (preferred)
fax: 262-782-3150

sunset playhouse