Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Productions

Washington Performing Arts Society • Washington, DC

18d • $105,000

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Productions serves as a cornerstone of Washington Performing Arts's mission as a leading arts producer, creative convener, and community builder within the region's creative economy. Reporting to the President & CEO, and a member of the senior management team, the Director will be a key representative with D.C. institutional and civic stakeholders and partners. The ideal candidate possesses an entrepreneurial mindset and brings a portfolio of deep work experience, strong networks within the civic, cultural, and business sectors in the Washington metro area, as well as relationships with artists who live and work in the capital region, primarily within the 8 Wards of Washington D.C.. The position is the lead strategist for Washington Performing Arts’s signature community engagement program, Mars Arts D.C..

Requirements

• A minimum of seven (7) years working in the arts and culture sector, ideally in a leadership capacity (project, management, organizational) at an upper management or senior level, and in a community-building context
• Experience working in Washington, D.C.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Ability to work some nights and weekends
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Artistic Vision & Expertise Expansive knowledge of D.C.'s arts ecosystem, including individual artists, ensembles, and emerging talent; principally music, but also dance, spoken word, and visual arts
• Exceptional curatorial taste and proven ability to identify artistic quality and excellence
• Deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the transformative power of arts in building community
• Strategic Leadership & Partnership Building Experience in arts management (mission-driven and/or commercial/civic) and cultural strategy
• Skilled coalition-builder who can engage stakeholders across corporate, diplomatic, civic, and cultural sectors
• Ability to translate ambitious visions into actionable plans and tangible outcomes
• Experience pitching projects and ideas to varied partners/sectors
• Operational Excellence Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success managing project budgets and plans
• Knowledge of event production and ability to execute seamlessly with producing partners and contractors
• Experience serving on a leadership or management team
• Experience working or engaging with a Board of Directors
• Strong case-maker and synthesizer of data and narrative, to leverage in partnering with marketing and fundraising team members
• Personal Qualities Entrepreneurial spirit with a "make it happen" mindset—nimble, adaptive, and responsive
• Exceptional communicator who values collaboration and fosters inclusive culture
• Strategic planner who balances big-picture thinking with practical implementation
• Commitment to Washington Performing Arts's inclusive ethos, Everybody In, Nobody Out.

Responsibilities

• Developing and producing free and/or thematic programs through the Mars Arts D.C. program, Washington Performing Arts’s signature community engagement program. Director will be hands-on with production elements. Performances take place in unconventional venues (indoors, outdoors), connecting audiences and artists throughout the city; mobilized with funding through grants, donations, and in-kind partnership resources.
• Building creative, co-branded partnerships with peer cultural and civic institutions seeking to enhance programming by engaging locally-sourced performers, speakers, and cultural thought leaders.
• Initiating and growing highly customized paid curatorial services (on a fee basis) as our region’s premier go-to resource for civic, business, cultural, and myriad other organizations, and achieving annual budgeted revenue goals from existing and new sources.
• As a member of the Management Team, guiding the artistic, financial, and operational vibrancy of Washington Performing Arts; working with staff colleagues, as well as the multi-generational Board, Junior Board, and Women’s Committee to ensure the organization upholds its mission, guiding principles, and inclusive ethos in all that we do.
• Representing the organization with DC civic (e.g. DC Chamber) and cultural leaders and building brand awareness.
• Identifying new partnerships and revenue streams.
• Developing and managing the department’s annual operational and program budget.

Benefits

• Medical - WPA sponsored plan 100%. Employees can also select from a variety of health care plans. 10% discount for dependents.
• HSA - If an employee selects and HSA plan, WPA will contribute a portion to offset the cost.
• Vision - 100% Employer sponsored
• Dental -100% Employer sponsored
• 403b - Employee contribution (5%+ auto deduction optional)
• Group Term Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Coverage is provided to all active employees working at least 30 hours each week.
• Employee Assistance Program
• WMATA Smart Benefits
• PTO including sick, personal, vacation, one week of PTO during winter and summer (Directors receive 20 days per year the equivalent of 6.66 hours per pay period).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed