AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

The Virginia Avenue Project, a highly respected nonprofit organization in Santa Monica, CA, is seeking an outstanding Executive Director. For twenty years, VAP has provided long-term mentoring and creative arts education to at-risk children.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Position Description

In support of the programs provided by the Virginia Avenue Project (VAP), the Executive Director is responsible for implementation, financial and administrative management, and oversight of all policies, processes, activities and functions related to operating the corporation effectively. Fulfillment of this position requires experience in the community action and decision making infrastructure of the Santa Monica and/or Greater Los Angeles areas. A significant part of the job is to develop the Project's profile in the community as a leader in the field of youth mentoring and arts education, and to raise the awareness and support for our work. The Executive Director is expected to be a role model for staff, exhibiting the "Project's" fundamental principles of collaboration, communication and shared purpose in furthering VAP's mission. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and works in collaboration and partnership with the Artistic Director and/or Executive Artistic Director.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

• Operations: Responsible for administration of overall operations of the corporation
• Financial Management: Responsible for the financial management of the corporation, including, but not limited to: accounting, financial analysis and reporting, creating and managing annual budget and maintaining a system of controls.
• Staff Management: Responsible for overall leadership and management of staff
• Program: Responsible for collaborating with the Artistic Director/Executive Artistic Director in the development of programming.
• Development/Fundraising: Responsible for the development, implementation, management and oversight of fundraising efforts including, but not limited to: grant procurement, event planning, individual and corporate donations and support. Incorporates suggestions from paid or volunteer experts in the field and Board of Directors.
• Marketing: Responsible for oversight of marketing, public relations and promotions efforts and, in collaboration with Artistic Director, all marketing materials.
• Community Relations/Outreach: Responsible for connecting with community and corporate organizations and their representatives.
• Board of Directors: Responsible for providing information, advice and counsel to the Board of Directors, Board Committees and Board Members in the creation of policies, fundraising, and setting short and long-range goals, strategic direction and implementation. Responsible for supporting all activities associated with the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and/or Experience:
• Undergraduate degree required (business degree preferred); advanced degree preferred
• General knowledge of and appreciation for the performing arts, education and children
• Experience in education and/or working with young people
• Experience in managing a budget and generating financial reports
• Administrative experience and direct experience supervising, motivating, coordinating and evaluating staff performance
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, knowledge of fundraising trends and the fundraising community
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in using computers, Filemaker Pro and QuickBooks
• Ability to work gracefully under pressure in a collaborative, creative, fast-paced, non-corporate environment
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytic and organizational skills; independent judgment
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of grant procurement and administration, contract administration and negotiation, community organization, fiscal and organizational management, principles and practices of marketing and public relations.
• Ability to plan, direct and coordinate activities; negotiate and administer contracts, work with commercial vendors, government agencies, community groups and other organizations as necessary.

If your professional experience meets the requirements stated here and you love kids, the arts and would like to work in a positive, creative environment set on making things happen, please submit your resume to Mary Cohn Sharf, VAP Board Chair, mcohn@saijobs.com

from LA Culture Net