Artistic Director

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Artistic Director is the senior executive of the management team and is the primary face of the organization, embodying and communicating the artistic vision and mission of the Fountain Theatre.
The AD oversees and maintains the artistic excellence of the organization, ensuring that the Fountain continues to be seen as one of the premier theaters in Los Angeles while advancing the national reputation of the organization.

The Artistic Director serves as the public spokesperson for the organization to the press, media, subscribers, donors, patrons and the public. The AD actively works to build practices that increase the Fountain’s profile, and forges and maintains artistic relationships with theater companies and individual artists across Southern California, the nation, and abroad. Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the successful candidate takes pride in the work of the theater: telling the story of the Fountain’s mission in compelling ways to all the communities it serves.

RESPONSIBILITIES

A. ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP

The Artistic Director leads all artistic activities of the organization, including:

• selecting and implementing full seasons of plays (new and established work) for the indoor theater and outdoor stage;
• leading the development of new plays and the nurturing of new theater artists;
• directing one production of a play per year (if a director), as needed and when available;
• overseeing the hiring of artistic staff for each production;
• attending pertinent meetings, rehearsals, previews and Opening Nights;
• providing notes to the director and designers throughout the process, as needed;
• constructing annual (or) multi-year program roadmaps for all areas of work by identifying strategic priorities for the organization, in collaboration with the Administrative staff and the Board of Directors;
• championing and sustaining the Fountain Theatre’s programs of theater production, arts education, and dance, and increasing their reach, scope, and support;
• building and maintaining long-term relationships with a wide range of practicing artists and arts organizations;
• establishing and maintaining relationships with community-based organizations whose work aligns with the mission and values of the Fountain Theatre; and
• identifying and inviting theater artists of local, national and international prominence to create, develop and perform new work at The Fountain and seeking new voices in the American theater to invite to The Fountain.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

• The AD, working in collaboration with the Board, is instrumental in creating and advancing the organizational structure of the Fountain, including the hiring of key Administrative support.

• The Artistic Director reports to the Board and approves all key staff positions and contractors needed to accomplish artistic and administrative activities. The AD determines the final hiring and firing decisions across all key personnel.

• The AD supervises the full and part time artistic staff, maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with the Administrative staff and the Board of Directors.
• Along with the Administrative staff and the Director of Development, the AD actively participates in all fundraising/development activities of the organization, providing support for all campaigns and initiatives. These responsibilities include:
  • actively collaborating with the Administrative staff and the Director of Development in writing and securing grants (government and private) as needed;
  • participating in major gift solicitations and in all annual fundraising activities. Fundraising campaigns include The Fountain Fund, underwriting for Main Stage productions, Fountain for Youth, special events and capital campaigns.

• The AD supports and champions Fountain for Youth and the Fountain’s arts education programming, and provides leadership and support for the Theatre Education Manager.
• The AD oversees the creation and finalizing of all financial budgets in collaboration with other staff members and the Board.
• The AD cultivates and provides stewardship of donors.
• The AD partners with the Administrative staff to manage union negotiations and agreements as necessary.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate should have:

• a passion for the Fountain Theatre’s mission;
• a Bachelor’s degree (preferably in the arts) and a minimum of 5 years of experience as an artistic leader in a non-profit theater;
• excellent writing and interpersonal skills;
• the ability to multitask effectively;
• the self-motivation and eagerness to take the initiative;
• a proven track record as an artistic leader with established relationships in the theatrical community; and,
• a familiarity and comfort in working with fundraising campaigns and solicitations; a familiarity with the Los Angeles philanthropic community is a plus.

PERSONAL LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate should have:

• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all forms;
• A firm belief in the arts and culture as a fundamental pillar of a healthy community;
• A dedication to advancing the Fountain’s work in furtherance of its mission, vision, values, and history;
• A high standard of personal ethics, confidentiality and accountability; and
• A positive, welcoming, and engaging attitude with respect to workplace interactions, with a willingness to listen and learn.

BENEFITS

• Compensation commensurate with experience: $80,000 – $100,000
• Flexible schedule policies
• Some employer-paid health benefits may be provided
• Paid time off includes major holidays, sick and vacation days.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample using this link.
No phone calls please.

All questions can be sent via email to ADSearch@fountaintheatre.com