Executive Director

The Virginia Thespians, a chapter of the International Thespian Society, welcomes applicants for the position of Executive Director. This is a 12-month part-time position that requires full-time hours from October through February in preparation for the annual Virginia Thespian Festival, and part-time hours from March through September. The Executive Director will work closely with the Managing Director and the Executive Board of Directors to promote secondary-level theatre and theatre education throughout the Commonwealth, and to fulfill and expand the mission and vision of the Virginia Thespians. Together, they will inspire a creative vision that will guide the organization's future. The duties of the Executive Director include: • Cultivate relationships, plan logistics, and communicate regularly with universities, colleges, and institutions of higher learning for attendance at the Virginia Thespian Festival (“Festival”) • Cultivate relationships, plan logistics, and communicate regularly with theatre artists and institutions for attendance, performance, adjudication, and workshop instruction at Festival • Cultivate and communicate with relevant businesses to act as vendors at Festival • Under advisement from and with consent of the Executive Board of Directors, negotiate and enter into contracts with venues, vendors, artists, institutions, et al. • Communicate with Festival performance and hotel venues, acting as a liaison between the venues and the Executive Board • Cultivate and encourage participation and attendance at Festival by students and teachers • Cultivate and encourage participation and attendance in the Chapter and other Chapter-sponsored events • Act as a guide and mentor to Virginia Thespian Officers and State Thespian Officers • Cultivate and solicit businesses and institutions to act as sponsors for Festival • Work with Planning Board members to determine needs for Festival on an ongoing basis • Attend monthly meetings of the Planning Board of Directors, offering updates and insights as pertaining to the execution of duties • Aid in the development and planning of non-Festival events, such as the Theatre Educators’ Intensive and regional events • Serve as a leader, both within the Virginia Thespians and externally in the broader community, to promote awareness of, and resources for, the Virginia Thespians • Represent and promote the organization's mission and vision to participants, audiences, and the community at large • Model excellent leadership skills and characteristics to Board members, volunteers, paid staff, participants, and the community at large • Actively participate in the development, implementation, execution, and evaluation of the annual organization budget Desired qualifications and skills include: • At least four years nonprofit management and/or administration • At least four years supervisory experience • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in theatre leadership • Experience and familiarity with the secondary education system • Demonstrated ability to motivate a team of volunteers • Demonstrated ability to lead an organization or program through change and growth • Experience in contract negotiations and working with performance venues • Demonstrated history of working with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and economic strata • Demonstrated commitment to social justice • Demonstrated competency in Google Workspace, MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), calendaring and screen-sharing/online meeting applications, and a CRM database (BookTix) • A current driver’s license and clean driving record is preferred • Keen eye for design, art, and creativity • Ability to communicate vision effectively • Excellent time management skills • Excellent public speaking skills • Demonstrated experience in engaging community partners who reflect a wide variety of backgrounds and worldviews • Accustomed to working independently while also motivating and leading a collaborative team • High level of attention to detail, and care • Ability to manage and handle normal to high levels of urgency-related stress • Ability to problem-solve in high-stress environments • Excellent written and oral communication skills • Sense of humor • Commitment to transparency and inclusivity • Event planning skills for small to larger scale events across multiple venues Compensation for this position is $30,000 yearly, distributed in four equal installments between November and March. Virginia Thespians strives to be an anti-racist, fully accessible, multicultural organization that is truly welcoming to all. Staff and volunteers will: ● Demonstrate the initiative to learn and