Position: Performing Arts Specialist

Position Summary:

The Performing Arts Specialist will act as Executive Director, lead, supervise and manage all aspects of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) and carry out the strategic plans and policies as established by the BCPA Governance Board. The Performing Arts Specialist shall report to and be evaluated by the Principal of Bowie High School, and shall also report to the Governance Board, which may provide input to the Principal as part of the evaluation process.

The primary function of this employee is to complete all responsibilities for the daily operation of the BCPA facility and perform various tasks such as screening applicants, coordinating and scheduling events, promoting the facility, preparing the annual report, overseeing facility maintenance and upkeep, and proposing pricing to the Governance Board. The Performing Arts Specialist may be called upon to work beyond normal duty hours.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Oversees all aspects of the design, marketing, promotion, booking, scheduling, delivery and quality of the performing arts programs, products and services at the BCPA;

Evaluates the BCPA programs for their effectiveness, makes appropriate adjustments and seeks new programs, services and collaborations;

Recommends additional equipment for acquisition to support new programs;

Attends all Governance Board meetings;

Recommends yearly budget to Governance Board for consideration and Board of Education for approval; including anticipated revenue, prudently manages organization's resources and programs within those budget guidelines according to current laws, regulations, and school system policies/procedures;

Manages operations, costs & resources of the BCPA;

Informs the BCPA Governance Board of unexpected intra-year revenue and expense variances and recommends alternatives;

Prepares annual report and proposed pricing;

Establishes standard policies and procedures for all aspects of operating the BCPA including but not limited to operating hours; scheduling events; cleaning, building security; safety; emergency response; full-time, part-time, and volunteer staff training; HVAC operations; and access to and use of BCPA equipment;

Documents standard operating procedures and policies into an Operation and Maintenance Manual (O&M);

Reports and assists in investigating accidents;

Responds to facility emergency situations as necessary including securing the facility due to break-ins, broken windows, faulty doors, and other emergencies where the building cannot be secured;

Responsible for maintaining safety and order;

Arranges for emergency repairs to secure the facility;

Schedules events and staff for the normal operation of the BCPA year round and weekends on a scheduled basis. Arranges and schedules appropriately qualified full-time or part-time staff for basic facility operations during all times the facility is in use within  budgeted resources and subject to school system policies/procedures, minimizing overtime expenses wherever possible;

Evaluates and certifies full-time and part-time staff assigned to perform as the “Event Facility Manager” who may be the senior responsible employee present during scheduled events;

Serves as the “Facility Manager” as needed for scheduled events;

Responsible for the opening and closing of the facility on a daily basis;

Responsible for facility key and access control;

Monitors operation of building utility systems;

Oversees routine maintenance and repairs to the facility in accordance with approved policies and procedures;

Plans, schedules, and assigns work to the full and part-time BCPA staff.  Recruits, selects and trains part-time staff. Manages staff expenses within established budgets.  Coordinates personnel matters with school system personnel administration offices.   Provides monthly cash flow, income and expense reports to the Governance Board and school system personnel as required;

Establishes scheduling procedures;

Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a clear, positive manner to relevant stakeholders consistent with school system and Governance Board requirements;

Builds beneficial alliances and coordinates work with other community agencies/organizations;

Prepares and gives presentations to government and business organizations to create greater understanding between community, government, press, public and member organizations;

Works closely with the Governance Board, school system and BCPA staff to develop the seasonal and long range artistic, financial and management goals;

Attends scheduled performances and events, conferences, fundraising seminars and other events as appropriate;

Develops fund raising plan to include identifying resource requirements, researching public, corporate, foundation and individual funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funding sources, writing grants, submitting proposals and administering fundraising records and documentation consistent with school system policies/procedures; and

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

 The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Thorough knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources involved in a performing arts center;

Knowledge of school system functions and organizations;

Knowledge of and experience in theater production and management, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media;

Experience with writing grants or similar fund-raising documents;

Skill in planning, developing, implementing and administering performing arts programs;

Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with school system, officials, staff and the public;

Excellent human relations skills; in listening, presenting, explaining and communicating policies/procedures, both orally and in writing;

Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, report to constituents and work with minimal supervision;

Ability to multi-task and resolve conflict efficiently;

Ability to exercise sound business and strategic planning;

General knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in the operation and control of technical equipment found in large performing arts center complexes;

Ability to train students and scheduled users in the proper operation of stagecraft equipment; and