We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
If you are interested in other opportunities from Lamplighters Music Theatre, please email your resume to
info@lamplighters.org
OUR MISSION
The mission of Lamplighters Music Theatre is to share our enthusiasm and love for the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan through productions of their comic operas and of other works of comparable wit, literacy, and musical merit. Our company strives to enrich the lives of current and future theatre-goers with productions of the highest artistic quality, and to offer performance opportunities in the unique style of operetta to established and emerging artists alike. Through youth training, programs in schools, and community outreach, the Lamplighters aspire to develop young talent and encourage people of all ages to explore the comic appeal and deep musical rewards of this repertoire.
Critically acclaimed artistic successes for the Lamplighters include honors for Best Production and Best Director at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England, and local awards in nearly every performance, direction, and design category. The hallmarks of a Lamplighters production are high production values, including a legacy of fabulous costumes and sets and a live orchestra, and strong artistic integrity both in the sophisticated comic acting and the sublime unamplified singing that showcases the beauty and purity of the human voice.
Lamplighters’ approach is based in a philosophy of respect: respect the material (finding emotional truth in even the silliest material and performing with an understanding of its underlying nuance); respect the audience (putting on the highest quality performance possible, through attention to craft and integrity of casting); and respect the collaborators (not letting personal pride get in the way of the work, taking the importance of the chorus seriously, and appreciating each other with humility).
OUR COMPANY
Lamplighters Music Theatre was founded in 1952. Over the past seventy-two years, the company has developed a unique and vibrant community of singers, musicians, actors, directors, designers, choreographers, technicians, board directors, volunteers, and administrative and production staff. The quality of the productions attracts both established and up-and-coming artists, and the quality of the community has kept company members coming back for decades to bring their children (and grandchildren!) up as company members – there is a truism, “once a Lamplighter, always a Lamplighter.”
We are a company who is committed to maintaining a culture of inclusion, diversity, high quality productions, and maintaining the artistic integrity of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas and other similar works – all done through a combination of hard work and fun. The Board of Directors prides itself on being a “Learning Board”, where we strive to combine the best qualities of a “Governance Board” and a “Working Board” to help Lamplighters succeed. We see ourselves as an organization that is committed equally to high artistic standards, fiscal responsibility, and social responsibility.
THE ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Reporting to the Board of Directors, and supervising all staff, including the Artistic Director, Resident Music Director, and LMT Multimedia Director, the Executive Director has overall responsibility for maintaining the Lamplighters’ tradition of excellence.
As the chief executive and chief financial officer of the organization, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing business operations, strategic planning, marketing, communications, financial development, fundraising, Board relations, public and subscriber relations, and general management of the company. The Executive Director manages and supervises a full-time Business Manager, artistic and administrative staff plus contractors, volunteers, and hourly employees engaged for each production.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
BOARD RELATIONS:
Work with Board to develop and execute strategy, plans and policies
Work closely with Board President to recruit Board candidates, monitor Board committees, and encourage broad participation of Directors
Attend all Board meetings, contribute to agendas, and provide informational materials as requested
Engage in active communication with the Board in a timely, forthright, and professional manner; provide regular updates and reports on organization activities, performance, and progress toward goals
Work with Board to develop and adhere to compliance and governance policies, as well as industry best practices
Represent Board to staff and vice versa. Foster relationships between Board and staff to achieve the company’s goals
STRATEGIC PLANNING:
Aid in development/evolution of organization strategic plan in collaboration with the Board
Develop near- and long-term plans in keeping with the overarching strategy and mission of the organization
Identify opportunities for growth and innovation in keeping with the mission, strategic plan, and goals
BUDGETING, FINANCES & ACCOUNTING:
Act as chief financial officer of the company, responsible for banking, taxes, reporting and other financial matters with assistance and advice from the Board
In conjunction with the Board and staff, develop annual budget of approximately $1 million, and closely monitor expenditures and cash flow
Ensure all accounting is in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Supervise accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll
Ensure timely completion of annual audits and/or financial reviews
Prepare timely and accurate financial reports and analysis to Board, and special reports upon Board request, working collaboratively with the Finance Committee
Work with the Board Investment Committee and external portfolio manager to oversee investments in the Lamplighters endowment fund
FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT
Collaborate with the Board and staff to design and implement fundraising strategy and budget
Report fundraising activity to Board, including an annual report
Work with staff to research, report on, schedule, and execute applications for grants, programs, and other opportunities. Ensure compliance with all required grant reporting.
Ensure that CRM system updates, follow-up with individual donors, and thank-you letters are completed promptly
Work with Board and staff to develop and execute donor cultivation, giving programs, and events
Explore special fundraising opportunities and community partnerships, including private sector options
PRODUCTION & ARTISTIC:
Work with the Artistic Director, Resident Music Director and LMT Multimedia Director to ensure that the company's offerings meet the high standards of Lamplighters’s rich history and mission
Set performance calendar and negotiate contracts with venues
Act as liaison with each venue’s management and box office
Act as Manager on Duty at performances and manage or delegate front of house activities
Act as lead in negotiating collective bargaining agreements and handle union contractual and disciplinary issues
Ensure timely and effective communication with all artists throughout the hiring/audition process
Responsible for all contract management, including venues, workers, and suppliers
Work with Board Education Committee to build and manage Education and Outreach Programs, including the upkeep of educational contacts database
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND MARKETING:
Develop, schedule, and execute overall marketing strategy in conjunction with staff
Plan, execute and track the success of marketing campaigns in both traditional and new media
Is responsible for look, feel, and content of website and all promotional materials and media communications
Build and maintain relationships with community and government partners, donors and stakeholders
Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and meetings
Oversee activities of staff and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ("EDI") committee to ensure adherence to EDI goals
MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP:
Hire, supervise and evaluate administrative staff
Provide mentorship and leadership, fostering a positive and productive work environment
Supervise Human Relations function in coordination with the HR Consultant, including managing employee benefits, maintaining policies and managing confidential personnel files
Responsible for coordination of volunteer activities, including Board members acting in a volunteer capacity
Maintain organization calendar and develop replicable operating procedures
Act as the main point of contact for professional organizations and for patrons and donors on non-artistic matters
Negotiate, manage and maintain leases and insurance policies. Supervise building maintenance and rentals/subleases
Act as primary point of contact in the event of emergencies
Maintain company records and archives, both physical and digital
Requirements
A successful candidate must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Ability to manage a non-profit organization, executive management experience, with proven leadership ability
Skills as both line manager and project manager
Experience with creating a budget and being held accountable
Skills in development and fundraising
Experience with operations, finance, and budgeting, as well as the willingness to learn what it takes to keep Lamplighters financially solvent
Familiarity with grant writing, including ability to retain and supervise grant-writing consultants when and if needed
The ideal candidate will have:
Previous experience as the chief executive of a non-profit organization, ideally one in the live theater industry
Proven, creative strategic planning skills
Excellent tactical problem-solving skills
Experience as a non-profit development director or other relevant development experience
Strong accounting skills
Understanding of the current real costs of labor in the theater industry
Knowledge of Gilbert & Sullivan, opera/operetta and classical music theatre
Familiarity with Quickbooks, Salesforce, Google Workspace, Zoom Workspace and online survey tools such as Survey Monkey
Familiarity with both VOD and live streaming of theatrical productions
The ideal candidate will be a person who:
Is a lifelong learner, willing to both ask for help to fill the gaps in their experience and to teach others
Inspires morale in others through their leadership, organizational skills and enthusiasm
Brings creativity, flexibility, and realism to the challenge of leading a San Francisco theatrical institution into the future
Possesses a strong personal commitment to the importance of the arts in the community and an understanding of the role that creative joy plays in communicating art to the audience
OTHER INFORMATION
- Use of a car is desirable, and flexibility to work some evenings and weekends is required
- This is a full-time exempt position
- The office is located in SOMA, San Francisco and some remote work is allowed
- Start Date: Negotiable. As late as August 2024
