January 30, 2024
Crandell Theatre Executive Director Position Overview from the Board of Directors Search Committee:
We are looking for someone with experience comparable to an executive director at a small to medium-sized, not-for-profit arts organization. The applicant must have an above-average knowledge of or interest in movies and the movie world. She/he/they must be experienced in—and happy with—getting in the weeds when necessary, in a small organization of committed staff and engaged board members. We need someone with a friendly, outgoing disposition that will attract our donor and audience bases as well as a collaborative style in working with staff members and the board of directors. This individual must be comfortable analyzing and interpreting income and expense statements and creating annual budgets in collaboration with board members.
Introduction:
Crandell Theatre, Inc., located in Chatham, NY, two hours north of New York City in the Hudson River Valley, owns and operates a 500-seat, single-screen movie house that has been listed on the state and national registers of historic buildings. The Crandell produces the critically recognized FilmColumbia festival, held annually in October. Weekly screenings include mainstream Hollywood movies as well as art films and documentaries, while programming for children, collaborative community festivals, and conversations with film-related personalities enrich the movie-going experience for film aficionados as well as the general public. At this pivotal moment in its history as a not-for-profit theater, the Crandell Theatre Board of Directors (BOD) is hiring its first full-time Executive Director to assess the theater’s existing operations, programs, and systems with fresh perspective and to develop, in collaboration with the BOD, creative programming and the required financial foundation to secure the future of the Crandell Theatre as a regional cinema arts center. The Executive Director will guide the completion of the $3.6 million renovation of the 100-year-old facility and develop and implement inaugural programming.
Priorities for the Position of Executive Director:
Leadership and Management
- Work with the BOD to develop and implement a long-range strategy that achieves the Crandell’s mission related to film programming and care of the historic facility; develop and implement annual work plans
- Lead the development of programmatic, organizational, and financial plans that secure the Crandell’s programmatic and financial health
- With the BOD guide the completion of the renovation of the theater, including fundraising to secure operations, occupy the facility, and develop and implement programming schedule
- Recommend operating policies to the BOD
- Facilitate effective communication among board members, its committees, and staff
- Act as the spokesperson for the theater in professional and community settings
- Recruit, select, and manage staff and contract personnel who have appropriate technical and personal skills to further the organization’s mission
Financial and Operational Management
- Oversee sound financial practices
- In coordination with the BOD Finance Committee and Treasurer, prepare and manage annual budgets, and oversee audits
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
- Maintain proper insurance coverage for building, equipment, and liability
- Issue box office reports and coordinate timely payments to distributors
- Create and maintain safety protocols for staff, volunteers, and the public
Fundraising and Development
- In conjunction with the BOD prepare and implement a funding development strategy to achieve a sustainable financial position for the organization and to complete the renovation of the theater
- Lead fundraising activity to secure funding to support and sustain operations, including developing and maintaining relationships with donors
- Identify sources and secure grant funding
- Identify, solicit, and secure funding from business, corporate, and private sponsors
Community Relations
- Establish and maintain sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with board members, community members, business and government representatives, and cultural organizations
- Establish and maintain standard office hours, creating consistent public access opportunities and, using all appropriate media, create high visibility locally and throughout the region
- Prepare timely communications on the Crandell website and in all appropriate media related to programming and the role of the Crandell within the region
- Maintain positive working relationships with local press and appropriate media
Compensation and Work Location:
The salary range is $72,000-$80,000 with medical benefits. Given the nature of the Executive Director’s position and responsibilities, the board prefers an individual who can commit to working fully or substantially on site. The position is full-time, salaried, and exempt in accordance with current labor laws. The Executive Director is an at-will employee, reporting to the board of directors. Crandell Theatre, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. As a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization, the Crandell is dedicated to enriching the cultural vitality of the region through film programming that challenges, inspires, educates, and entertains.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Five years+ track record of success in roles with increasing levels of responsibility in non-profit arts organizations or related field
- Demonstrated leadership skills and capabilities
- An obvious love and knowledge of movies
- Demonstrated strong financial and staff management skills
- Ability and experience with strategic thinking and development
- Strong, clear, and concise written and verbal communications skills
- Enthusiasm and skill for fundraising
- Demonstrated experience working successfully with the public
- Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Responsible and organized, with strong interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated
- Excellent and passionate collaborator
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted through February 29, 2024. Selected applicants will be invited for follow-up interviews, and all applicants will be acknowledged. Qualified and interested candidates should submit the following to EDapplications@crandelltheatre.org for consideration:
- Cover letter (up to two pages) highlighting experience and interest in the position
- Current resume
- Professional references (3)