Director of Advancement & Operations

Overview

Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP) is looking for a new team member as we emerge from a leadership transition and organizational restructuring. The Director of Advancement & Operations will serve as one of two co-leaders in a shared management model for the organization. Working alongside the Director of Programming & Producing, this position oversees all aspects of fundraising, including foundation and government grants, individual giving programs, and all other fundraising activities; as well as administration and operations, including human resources, finance, and general management including contracting for LAPP-produced projects. The co-leaders will share responsibility for oversight of all communication and marketing needs for LAPP. 

The ideal Director of Advancement & Operations is passionate about the arts and contemporary performance-making, enjoys cultivating existing and prospective donors, has the drive necessary for nonprofit fundraising, and enjoys nonprofit management and administration, building policies, procedures, and best practices. The candidate understands the varied public messaging needs of an arts non-profit organization and  must be interested in collaborative work styles. 

Essential Functions

LEADERSHIP

• Partner with Co-Director on establishing best practices and protocols for an effective and efficient co-leadership model;
• Participate in regular training and workshops on collective management;
• Work with the Board of Directors and Co-Director on business planning, strategic planning, and long-term organizational thinking;
• Communicate regularly and effectively with Co-Director about activities and seek to support all staff members in their roles as needed;
• Maintain relationships with key funders and supporters and developing new partnerships and relationships;
• Oversee board meetings, agenda, and management with the goal of expanding the Board’s size and developing its skills;
• Establish a balanced annual operating budget in collaboration with Co-Director and Board;
• Reconcile general revenue budgets;
• Proactively identify areas of cost savings and revenue-generating opportunities;
• Engage the organization in field-wide initiatives;
• In collaboration with Co-Director and on a rotating basis, organize and lead weekly staff meetings, conduct annual performance reviews and quarterly board updates;
• Assist in troubleshooting issues that other staff members cannot readily resolve;
• Co-develop company brand and messaging strategy;
• Represent LAPP at various professional gatherings;
• Contribute to the organization’s well-being with an “all hands on deck” attitude for projects, performances, events, and elsewhere as needed.

ADVANCEMENT

• Serve as lead grant writer and point of contact for all foundation and government grants, working well before deadlines to ensure adequate time for collaboration and input from appropriate staff members, artists, and key partners;
• Develop a robust individual giving program in support of LAPP’s artist programs and operations;
• Manage prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for individual donors;
• Complete donation acknowledgments and send thank you notes to donors;
• Participate in activities that support the success of our artist-driven programs as requested by the Director of Programming & Producing;
• Create and execute a funding strategy for the Live Arts Exchange [LAX] Festival;

• Prepare year-end reports to satisfy government, management, and Board needs;
• Lead the planning and execution of special events for fundraising, donor cultivation, and/or donor stewardship;
• Maintain accurate records through regular upkeep of digital files and database management, including regular development reporting and account reconciliation;
• Maintain an active development calendar that includes foundation and government grant opportunities, deadlines, and reporting requirements. 

ADMINISTRATION

• Oversee all aspects of human resources for the organization, including oversight of Gusto, the payroll system, and QuickBooks Time;
• Manage hiring and dismissals in partnership with Co-Director and implement best practices for staff engagement;
• Process regular payroll runs and off-cycle payroll as needed during festivals and events, including producing projects;
• Maintain proper company insurance policies and manage workers comp and unemployment claims;
• Process W9s and 1099 forms as needed for tax purposes;
• Monitor field-wide trends in pay equity and benefits;
• Implement new benefits when possible, including PTO and retirement savings;

• Act as primary signatory on legal documents and wherever applicable;
• Maintain compliance with city, state, and federal agencies, including business filings and statements of information; 
• Monitor the organization’s finances and alert the Board on important financial matters;
• Process and track all accounts payables and receivables;
• Follow-up with clients, artists, and vendors for late payments and as needed;
• Serve as general bookkeeper;
• Provide and file necessary financial reports, including annual 990s.

COMMUNICATIONS
In partnership with co-director, manage support staff or contractors to ensure the following: 

• Maintain a consistent brand identity for all of LAPP and all of its programs, programs, and special contracts;
• Manage the organization’s website, create content for blog posts, and update pages using a WordPress back-end;

• Develop and execute all public-facing communications, including email campaigns, print material, advertising copy, and social media;
• Create and post content on the organization’s social media channels;
• Collaborate with programming staff to generate project-specific press releases and materials;
• Work collaboratively with the organization’s programming staff to create content and strategies for paid advertising campaigns;
• Develop and implement marketing plans for all of LAPP’s core activities, including the LAX Festival, Touring Projects, Artist Programs, and Special Contracts;

• Conduct market research to understand better the multiple sides of our market activities (audiences, artists, presenting organizations, and donors);
• Establish goals and objectives to reach segmented stakeholders through appropriate marketing channels;
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of digital campaigns using key performance indicators including event attendance; 
• Build and maintain relationships with prospective organizational and corporate partners for the purpose of cross-promotion and/or marketing sponsorships;
• Create graphics for digital marketing campaigns using Canva or other design tools.

Experience/Skills 

• Background in arts administration, producing, or nonprofit management, with a minimum of five years experience in a professional work environment
• Minimum of two years experience in development fundraising and donor cultivation
• Minimum of two years experience in operations; familiarity with strategies and processes in marketing and/or communications
• Minimum of two years experience in a management or supervisor role, with experience managing teams
• Solid understanding of organizational and project-based budgeting, finance, and communications  
• Excellent people management skills
• Ability to prioritize a complex workload with excellent organizational skills
• Able to take responsibility and make informed operational decisions
• Highly computer literate with proficiency across all common computer applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experienced and comfortable working with artists at multiple career stages
• Comfortable interfacing with project partners and funders
• Able to work effectively with a team, as well as independently
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrates a commitment to supporting artists and a creative community

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position; they do not purport to describe all functions of the position. Employees may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions of the position may change or be changed as necessary.

Schedule

This position will work approximately 30 hours per week. Weekly schedules are responsive to active program activities. This position offers a hybrid work schedule. LAPP’s office hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Onsite office hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Nights and weekends will be required to align with events and productions. Travel may be required for special projects and events. 

Salary: $59,280 – $70,200

Benefits: All employees have access to accrued sick time and paid time off. After six months of service, all employees have access to a Guideline Retirement Savings account, with an employer safe harbor match of 100% of contributions on the first 3% deferred, then 50% of contributions from 3% to 5%. LAPP will provide a monthly healthcare supplement of $250 following three months of full time employment.

Deadline to apply: May 15, 2024 or until the position is filled

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: send a resume and cover letter to hello@performancepractice.org