Executive Artistic Director
The Board of Directors for Flatwater Shakespeare Company welcomes applications for the position of Executive Artistic Director, following the departure of former Executive Artistic Director Marshall Carby. Please see the following job description for details about the position and how to apply.
Job Opportunity: Executive Artistic Director, Flatwater Shakespeare Company
About Flatwater Shakespeare Company:
FSC is a private, professional theatre company in Lincoln, NE that was formed in 2001 and incorporated in 2004. It is a registered non-profit organization. The company focuses on providing high quality productions of Shakespeare and other classic works as well as on a robust education program serving the community, primarily currently directed toward k-9 kids and senior adults. The company is a registered non-profit. Flatwater Shakespeare is maintained by a dedicated part time staff—including an Education Director, Operations Manager, an active Board of Directors, and volunteers. Productions and programming are staged at various venues around Lincoln, including most recently the The Stables at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Lincoln public parks, and Turbine Flats. For more than ten years, Flatwater has been offering free summer Shakespeare productions at Lincoln parks, and for more than five years, free “Little But Fierce” educational programming for children. All activities are supported through ticket sales, events, donations and grants.
Position Title: Executive Artistic Director
Reports to: Flatwater Shakespeare Company Board of Directors
Hours: Quarter-time to Third-time position; year-round position
Supervises/coordinates with: Operations Manager; education program leaders and staff; technical, operations, and artistic staff.
Compensation: $16,000-$18,000 annually, depending on experience and candidate specializations.
There is not a benefits package.
Job Summary
The Executive Director serves as the leader and is the “face” of Flatwater Shakespeare. The Executive Director must be committed to Flatwater Shakespeare’s mission to bring a high-quality, inclusive, educational and entertainment experience to Lincoln. The role requires fundraising and donor
development and will include work writing grant applications, setting budgets, and reporting to the company’s Board of Directors. This position is heavily administrative, but currently configured for a well-prepared candidate to serve also as the Artistic Director for the company. If an applicant preferred to
serve as only Executive Director, with a desire to later hire an Artistic Director, the compensation and work expectation could be adjusted to reflect the nature of these positions as dual roles rather than a single role. Candidates interested in the dual position should explain their applicable experience as an Artistic Director (or similar position) in their cover letter and address how they would balance the two parts of the job.
Essential Job Functions:
- Develop and implement a financial plan to ensure the continued stability and growth of the organization. Coordinate the development of the budget for the fiscal year
- Develop funding proposals and coordinate with the Operations Manager
- Creating narratives and messaging materials for outreach, fundraising, and public relations
- Play a key role in short and long-term strategic planning with a focus on continuing existing high-quality artistic productions and education and community outreach programs
- Continue developing existing collaborations with community partners and seek opportunities for new collaborations
- Support a mission forwarding diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Provide a high level of visibility for Flatwater; meet with granting organizations, donors, and corporate funders; seek out funding opportunities and write and submit applications, collaborate with operations and other staff
- Provide regular reports to the Board of Directors and work with the board
- Foster a safe and professional work environment
Additional Functions of Executive Artistic Director:
- Develop the vision and strategic goals for the company as a whole; develop the artistic season and strategic plan for the theater program beyond the season’s shows.
- Collaborate with the Education staff on overall vision; collaborate on impact of the theatrical program in the community and in league with the education program
- Hire and manage guest directors and key production staff, oversee production budgets
- Secure venues for productions; set audition schedules; manage and update contracts; monitor rehearsals; help build company culture
Desired Education, Experience, and Skills:
- Experience and involvement with Shakespearean productions and/or theater arts organizations, preferably at least 3-5 years of experience, with experience in leadership roles
- BA or higher degree (graduate degree preferred) in a field related to management, theater, arts, or education
- Ability to work with funders to gather financial support for the organization in professional settings; comfort in communicating and advocating for the company and its strategic goals
- Knowledge of grant writing and/or experience administering and tracking grants
- Understanding of budgeting and financial oversight
- Experience with a nonprofit organization; strong understanding of nonprofit rules and regulations
- Experience managing staff and fruitfully collaborating with co-workers and staff; ability to promote an inclusive atmosphere and operate with an understanding attitude as a leader
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Working Conditions:
This is a one quarter to one third-time position, with flexible hours. Certain times of the year will be busier than others, depending on the production schedule and fundraising needs. There will be required meetings with the board, including meetings with potential funders and board and committee meetings. It is
highly recommended for the candidate to live in Lincoln or be comfortable frequently commuting to Lincoln.
Flatwater Shakespeare is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified and eligible individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship,
disability, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To apply, please send a cover letter and a CV or resume, with contact information for the applicant and references for the applicant, to Kelly Stage, Chair of the Board of Directors at kstage.flatwater@gmail.com (subject line: Application for Executive Director Position). Questions may also be sent to kstage.flatwater@gmail.com.
