Long Beach Opera is currently seeking a new Managing Director to begin in June 2015.
To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Douglas Clayton at [email protected].
LONG BEACH OPERAThe mission of Long Beach Opera (LBO) is to expand the boundaries of the opera experience in Southern California by presenting new and rare works that engage diverse audiences and instill a love for opera in youth. LBO’s artistic vision is to create works of the highest artistic level and redefine OPERA as experiences that are Outside the box, Provocative, Engaging, Relevant, and Adventurous. LBO is committed to works that explore the human condition, create dialogue between diverse audiences, explore the world around us, and help us understand life’s meaning.
LBO has received critical acclaim from national and international press like Opera Now, London (“Beloved wild-card of a west coast opera company”) and LA Times (“LBO deserves a medal for its unequalled history of operatic innovation in America”). LBO plays a distinct role in the artistic environment of Long Beach and Greater Los Angeles by presenting new and rarely performed operas, in a variety of theaters and alternative spaces. LBO’s site-specific productions include Ricky Ian Gordon's Orpheus & Euridice in and around the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool, Peter Lieberson’s King Gesar at Long Beach’s Harry Bridges Memorial Park and Ernest Bloch’s Macbeth in a passenger terminal at the Port of Los Angeles.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
SUMMARY The Managing Director is responsible for the daily operations of Long Beach Opera, and for ensuring the directives of the General Director are executed by all staff in a timely and accurate manner. This exempt, senior position reports to the General Director, and all other staff report to the Managing Director. The MD and GD work in close cooperation to build, nurture and sustain the company in order to achieve its Mission, strategies and financial goals. In addition to overseeing the implementation of all activities and goals as set by the General Director, the Managing Director shall also be the primary liaison with the LBO Board of Directors. The Managing Director serves as the General Director’s deputy, and is authorized and expected to make those day-to-day executive decisions necessary for the smooth operation of the company.
ACCOUNTABILITY- Timely and accurate execution of all activities by all staff as directed by the General Director. - Smooth and efficient daily operations. - Planning and overview of budgets to assure adequate cash flow. - Presenting financial and program status to the board. - Cultivate a productive, dedicated, and Mission-driven staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Executive
- Direct supervision of all management staff
- Authorized signatory for all contracts and disbursement of funds
- Ensure LBO’s compliance with all regulations.
- Promote productive collaboration and communication within and between all departments.
- Act as an executive representative of the company to major partners of all kinds
Finance
- Create and manage all financial reporting to staff and board including Finance Committee of the BOD
- Develop and manage institutional budget and oversee all department budgets in collaboration with senior staff.
- Manage all bookkeeping functions - Manage banking relationships
- Primary liaison with the auditors and government regulatory agencies
- Lead staff and volunteers to implement all business operations for special events
Marketing/Press
- Work with marketing associates, consultants, and press representatives to create messaging and strategies to promote LBO’s brand, programs and events
- Manage partnership marketing relationships with other arts organizations
- Lead efforts to build community partnerships around programs and productions to build investment and participation between LBO and the residents of Long Beach and Greater Los Angeles
Operations
- Manage office space: activities, maintenance, and renovation
- Serve as Human Resources manager
- Conduct yearly employee evaluations for support staff and specific department heads
- Assist other staff with data analysis and reporting
- Attend performances and events as site supervisor ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for staff and patrons.
Board
- Serves as primary staff liaison with the BOD
- Manages most BOD Committees with Committee chairs
- Develops agenda and prepares reports for board meetings
- Assures follow-up for any board action items
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Proven business and operations experience
- Strong financial analysis and financial reporting experience in accounting and budget development and analysis with current and emerging technologies
- Understanding of CRM database systems for activity management and customer relations
- Attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong inter-personal relationship skills
- Strong communication skills both speaking and writing
- Thoughtful problem solving skills
- Background or interest in the arts and music in particular is preferred, but not required
- Experience with business or nonprofit law a plus
- 5-10 years experience with finance and business operations, particularly in the non-profit arena
DESIRED TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The Managing Director must have strong business and management skills. S/he must demonstrate effective decision-making, problem solving and planning skills. Strong and confident communication and the ability to identify issues, distill ideas and clarify solutions are essential for this role. The Managing Director will be expected to have a big picture view of the organization’s operations, while being involved in the day-to-day business details. The Managing Director must have the intellectual and emotional capacity to be work with a variety of personalities and constituencies including volunteers, operations and artistic staff, Board of Directors and vendors.
LBO is an internationally regarded niche cultural organization with a small and highly energized staff and support base; building relationships and understanding the LBO culture is essential to the success of this individual. Proven expertise working in a collaborative team-based environment is essential.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
MBA or MFA/Arts Management preferred, BA acceptable
5-10 years senior management experience
Production experience, particularly with site-specific work, a plus
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work limited nights and weekends during productions and special events. Must be able to work during the production season (January through June), and fundraising event(s), and/or other events as requested by General Director. Ability to help with various LBO set-ups, may be expected to lift or move boxes weighing up to 25 pounds.
COMPENSATION
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Health: medical offered.
To apply, please submit cover letter and resume to Douglas Clayton at [email protected].
