Download The Erie Playhouse Founded in 1916, the Erie Playhouse`s mission

The Erie Playhouse
Founded in 1916, the Erie Playhouse’s mission is to enrich the greater Erie region by providing life-long
opportunities to participate in quality theatre. With an annual budget of $1.3M, a historic 434 seat
theater and outstanding reputation for quality performances, the Erie Playhouse is a leader on stage and
in the greater community. The Erie Playhouse is a proud partner to Erie Arts & Culture, a grantee of the
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and an Erie County Lead Asset as designated by the Erie County
Gaming Revenue.
Position Description: Executive Director
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the full-time, exempt, Executive Director leads a team of twelve
professional staff members and volunteers in the planning, management and evaluation of all the business
and artistic functions of the Erie Playhouse. The Executive Director serves as an ambassador of the Erie
Playhouse’s mission.
Responsibilities:
Organizational and Human Resource Management  Develop and maintain compliance with organizational policies and procedures;
 Ensure that the theatre is compliant with all governing laws and regulations and maintains
appropriate insurances;
 Work with a Finance Committee of Board and staff to maintain thorough and transparent
financial management practices that protect the organization’s resources and promote integrity;
 Maintain a team of qualified and professional staff and volunteers to oversee day-to-day
operations of the theatre;
 Manage all Human Resource practices including hiring, terminations, annual performance
reviews and development of professional development opportunities;
 Work with the Board of Directors to create and execute strategic and facility plans;
 Maintain effective two-way communication with the Board of Directors, regularly updating the
Board on theatre activities and progress on strategic goals.
Program Development  Work with the Producing Director and staff to craft the artistic vision and shape each season;
 Work with the Producing Director and staff to cultivate volunteer directors and choreographers;
 Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence in the production of theatrical and educational
programs;
 Conduct rigorous programmatic and organization evaluations to drive continual improvement and
ensure that the organization remains relevant to the community which it serves.
Resource Development –
 Lead Board and staff in the development and execution of an annual fund development plan to
advance the organization’s strategic goals and develop new revenue opportunities;
 Build and maintain positive relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, grant
funders and elected officials;
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Promote the organization’s endowment and nurture donors to make transformational gifts to
sustain the organization for generations to come;
Assist Development Director in identifying and securing grant opportunities to support facility
and organizational improvements, launch innovative programs and aide in audience development;
Assist Development Director in creating fundraising events to engage stakeholders and foster
giving.
Marketing & Advocacy  Promote the history, mission and programs of the Erie Playhouse in a dignified and professional
manner at all times;
 Represent the organization in the community and in the media;
 Lead Board and staff in the development and execution of a strategic communications plan to
strengthen the Erie Playhouse brand;
 Develop community partnerships to expand access to programming and increase the impact of the
organization;
 Collaborate with other arts and cultural organizations to increase the cultural vitality of the Erie
region;
 Advocate for public participation in and support of theater.
*Other duties as put forth by Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
Successful candidates will exude a passion for the arts and demonstrate the following traits:
 Mission-driven, persuasive communicator with excellent interpersonal skills;
 Self-directed, action-oriented, entrepreneurial individual;
 Adaptable, dedicated and collaborative leader.
Qualifications include:
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Bachelors level or advanced degree in Arts Management, Theater and/or Business Management
or related field or equivalent experience;
Experience managing an outcomes-based organization;
Experience effectively leading and scaling a community, regional or national theatrical
performance preferred;
Experience developing and implementing strategies leading to organizational growth;
Experience developing and managing high-quality programs and data-driven program evaluation;
Experience in volunteer, human resource and financial management;
Success in working with a volunteer Board of Directors;
Experience in marketing, public relations, and fundraising with the ability to engage a wide range
of stakeholders;
Strong written and verbal communication skills.