CEO & Producing Director

The Chief Executive Officer and Producing Director (CEO & PD) will drive the organization’s next level of growth through a strategic evolution that enhances FringeArts’ impact and reach. The CEO & PD will serve as the ambassador for the organization locally, nationally, and internationally and will passionately articulate its vision of elevating Philadelphia as a primary nexus for cultural conversation, progressive ideas, and innovative performance art creation. Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO & PD will have oversight of all administrative operations including fundraising, marketing, finance, human resources, and facilities, while giving direction and supervising a close-knit team of talented arts professionals dedicated to developing Philadelphia’s cultural sector. They will build a culture of artistic excellence and financial stability and will fortify fundraising strategies to build contributed revenue. Leveraging the organization’s brand, the CEO & PD will identify and embrace new opportunities and deliver results that resonate with creative vibrancy and institutional resiliency. They will also develop and engage in authentic relationships with diverse constituencies of funders, board members, partner organizations, staff, artists, and global communities.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Leadership 

• Create and support a global ecosystem of independent and emerging artists who illuminate a unique cultural experience in Philadelphia.
• Embody and provide positive and collaborative leadership to the staff and Board with the goal of shaping the future of FringeArts through executable goals and objectives.
• Champion the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access to ensure an artistic and organizational culture that respects different perspectives and nurtures an environment of goodwill, inclusion, and empowerment at all levels.
• Inspire and engage stakeholders as the chief spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
• Serve as a committed, visionary, and accessible leader with a true connection to the organization’s stakeholders including artists, staff, board, donors, and community members.
• Oversee financial planning and well-being of the organization and ensure transparency, integrity, and accuracy in all financial reporting.
• Embrace other strategic vision and leadership responsibilities, as needed.

Artistic Vision and Programming 

• Provide leadership to the Programming Manager & Artistic Producer and the Independent Artist Program Manager to ensure that audiences are offered the opportunity to experience the world through the perspective of pioneering artists.
• Activate strategic partnerships with artists and other organizations to expand stakeholders, audiences, and to enhance participation in the city.
• Present and promote a mix of programs that align with FringeArts’ mission and reflect a wide range of diverse perspectives.
• Plan and implement artistic and educational programming to achieve a balance of local and global collaborations, performances, and events.
• Embrace other artistic vision and programming responsibilities, as needed.

Revenue and Resource Enhancement 

• Expand the organization’s contributed revenue initiatives, growing a team of fundraising staff to expand the pipeline of individual, foundation, and institutional donors to support the annual festival and year-round programming and capital needs of the organization.
• Play an active role in prospecting, cultivating, and stewarding major donors and foundations to secure gifts aligned with the long-term sustainability of the organization. 
• Identify and secure the major financial support necessary to expand audience accessibility, include new and diverse voices, and highlight the overall footprint of FringeArts.
• Drive the marketing strategy to maximize earned revenue opportunities through ticket sales, partnerships, sponsorships, and other entrepreneurial earned revenue approaches.
• Embrace other revenue and resource enhancement responsibilities, as needed.

Organizational Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Plan, implement, and monitor the financial, human resources, technology, and other institutional systems to strengthen and expand organizational capacity.
• Execute forward-thinking policies that ensure a healthy workplace that embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Supervise the operations, development, programming, marketing, and administrative teams, thoughtfully managing staff workload as the organization grows and expands. 
• Recruit and retain highly qualified personnel, set performance standards, and evaluate and coach staff toward optimal performance. 
• Encourage self-initiative, collaboration, and accountability among the staff and provide staff members with professional growth opportunities.
• Cultivate board members and their connections to secure future vitality and community relevance.
• Embrace other organizational leadership and operational excellence responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics  

The CEO & PD will be a visionary, innovative, and strategic leader, driven by new ideas and focused on results, as well as understanding the needs of artists and the desires of audiences. They will be versatile and able to adapt rapidly to changing priorities while maintaining a positive demeanor. A creative, people-oriented, and diplomatic leader, the CEO & PD will inspire excellence and provide support to artists and staff. Transparency and clear communication will be key aspects of their leadership style, with the goal of building a shared culture of openness and collaboration. The CEO & PD will be imaginative, curious by nature, and have the ability to see and solve problems from different perspectives. They will value frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders and possess excellent time and priority management skills. The CEO & PD will bring a deep passion for and knowledge of contemporary performing arts.

Other key competencies include: 

• Innovation and Accountability – The capacity to build diverse and innovative local and international partnerships, respond proactively to community needs, and embrace professional standards of responsibility.
• Planning, Organizing, and Prioritizing – The agility to collaboratively establish strategic goals while assessing risks, organizing activities, and operationalizing priorities.
• Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – The dexterity and sensitivity to respect team members and their viewpoints, share responsibility for successes and failures, effectively communicate, build rapport, and relate well to people and diverse perspectives. 
• Personal Accountability and Self-Starting – The aptitude to take responsibility for decisions that are made and demonstrate eagerness to commence projects with determination and focus. 

Qualifications

At least five years of senior-level executive leadership experience is required. Proven success in fundraising, programming, relationship building, and leadership of complex and dynamic organizations is essential. Comprehensive contributed and earned revenue building skills, as well as experience navigating change and inspiring a high-achieving team of creative professionals and administrators, is needed. Extensive experience in financial and operational management is crucial. A profound and demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access is required. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required. Experience in a performing arts based nonprofit organizational management is preferred.