More information about Cornerstone Theater can be found here. (https://tinyurl.com/2p93m768)

Job Description

The Artistic Director serves as the co-executive leader of Cornerstone Theater, in partnership with the Managing Director, both reporting to the Board of Directors. Among the responsibilities of the Artistic Director:

• Provides artistic leadership of the company, both in terms of day-to-day and long-term considerations. The AD forms the vision for the company’s artistic development and provides leadership in the ensemble’s collaborative process to determine Cornerstone’s artistic direction.
• Serves as the artistic voice of the company, including being a primary spokesperson for the company to the greater community of audiences, arts affiliates, funding agencies, the press, and both current and potential community partners.
• Develops artistic programming and projects, working with the ensemble and the consensus process to drive the creative cycles of the company.
• Drives the production process of the theater, tracking projects and deadlines while cultivating the artistic standards set by the company.
• Carries responsibility, with the Managing Director, for the company’s current and long-term financial stability.
• Engages in the implementation of the company’s strategic plan and is responsible for implementation of items individually assigned to the Artistic Director in the strategic plan, as well as updating the strategic plan as needed.
• With the Managing Director, shares responsibility for development of the company’s board of directors, and for providing regular updates to the board on activities and concerns of the company.
• Maintains a focus on ensemble development, including the planning of the Ensemble agenda and maintaining a stable and productive ensemble spirit.
• Shares responsibility for developing and maintaining productive relationships with both institutional and individual funders, and for participating in the grant-writing process.
• Centers the company’s relationships with individual community collaborators and organizations, during productions and afterward.

Qualifications

Desired skills and experience:
• As a respected artist in the professional theater, is known for artistic rigor, excellence and transformation in bringing a powerful vision to the stage, inspiring collaborators to achieve their best work
• An expansive commitment to community participation and inclusion in creating theater
• A history of working with people from diverse backgrounds and identities, with experience building a culture of belonging and a committed practice of deepening their cultural literacy
• Experience supporting/fostering the development of new plays
• Theatrical producing knowledge and project management, with a track record of successfully working within time and budget parameters
• Experience working in collaborative environments, including with multiple creative partners in the generative process of creating new work
• Experience with and understanding of the financial tools necessary to manage a complex organization
• Relevant experience to bring to the partnership with the MD on the business of the theater, including fundraising, marketing, board engagement, and fiscal oversight
• Ability to manage setting priorities for themselves and to help set realistic expectations for the organization
• An effective storyteller and ambassador, able to engage a wide variety of readers and listeners in the mission and vision of Cornerstone
• A strong communicator committed to clarity and timeliness, to ensure that company members, collaborators, and other stakeholders receive key information as needed

Qualities and Characteristics:
• Has a compelling vision for the role of the theater in civic life
• Communicates with directness, and is able to navigate with grace in the discomfort of difficult conversations when they arise
• Is an active listener
• Leads from a position of kindness, generosity and curiosity
• Excited to partner with a managing leader in running the company
• Models a balance between confidence and humility; conveys confidence in one’s ideas, and is humble enough to adapt or change when compelled by others’ responses
• Exhibits openness to a culture where both emotional and intellectual discourse are welcomed
• As a leader, holds themselves and others equally accountable for their commitments
• Brings appreciation of and patience for consensus decision processes that can require extra time and exploration
• Embraces difference with joy and welcomes the complexities and rewards of working in a non-homogenous environment

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

Compensation

Annual salary of $90,000 - $104,000.

Benefits package: including comprehensive health inclusive of medical, dental, and vision; retirement package; generous time off policy including vacation, personal time and sick leave.

Application Instructions

The search for the Artistic Director is being conducted on behalf of the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Theater by the Tom O’Connor Consulting Group. Cynthia Fuhrman, Vice President/Executive Search, is leading the search process, reporting to a board appointed search committee.

Please use your cover letter to tell us about what you hope to bring to this role, and how your background and experience responds to the desired skills and qualities.

The priority application deadline for this search is March 6, 2023. Applications received by this date will be given priority consideration. While we will still accept and consider applications received after this date, we encourage you to apply as early as possible for the best chance at being considered for the position. Please note that meeting the priority deadline does not guarantee an interview.

To apply, visit the online application (https://tinyurl.com/2rr53jvs) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you've had with similar roles and institutions. No phone calls, please.