Vice President for Performing and Visual Arts
The Vice President for Performing and Visual Arts reports directly to the Chief Programming Officer and is charged with administrative and oversight of all visual and performing arts activities of the Institution. The guiding priorities and responsibilities of the role are:
Planning and Leadership
- Comprehensive institutional oversight and management of all artistic programming for Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Theater Company, Chautauqua Opera Company and Conservatory, Chautauqua Visual Arts, and summer series such as popular entertainment, family entertainment, Sundays in the Amp, and chamber music.
- Serve in a leading role for vision/mission work and long-range planning for the performing and visual arts.
- Oversight of Schools of Performing and Visual Arts including the School of Dance, Visual Arts, Theater conservatory, and School of Music (instrumental, piano, and voice).
- Form strong working relationships with the Chief Programming Officer and artistic and managing directors of all cultural programs.
Administration and Finance
- Work across the organization to develop and monitor all Performing and Visual Arts Department budgets, ensuring overall institutional alignment of expenses and revenues.
- Take a proactive role in working through budgetary details and communicating the decision-making rationale behind programmatic resource allocation.
- Directly and indirectly manage all administrative and artistic staff engaged in the delivery of the Institution’s programming, creating procedures and systems that honor self-empowerment and a unified focus on shared goals.
- Oversee relationships and contracts with unions including AGMA, SDC, USA, Actors’ Equity (not AFM).
Collaboration and External Relations
- Model and build upon deep collaborative practice with other program vice presidents to collectively plan and execute a successful summer season and/or other initiatives.
- Support fundraising and advancement efforts related to artistic programming and be in regular communication with the Advancement Office.
- Build and foster relationships with artist managers and artists for the selection of artists for Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Chautauqua Chamber Music, Sunday concerts, family Entertainment series, and popular entertainment programming.
- Serve as a sounding board and reflective voice for all Artistic Directors.
- Engage the local community through oversight of arts education programming.
- Liaise with community groups including Friends of Theater, Dance Circle, VACI Partners, CSO League, and Opera Guild.
Values and Vision Stewardship
- Contribute to long-range planning that supports the vision and mission of Chautauqua Institution through the frame of the performing and visual arts.
- Provide oversight for the total artist experience, including collaborating with Production on effective and timely transportation of performers, entertainers, and artists to and from Chautauqua Institution.
- Be an engaged participant in decision-making and relationship-building regarding artist and entertainment selection.
- Show a real and present dedication to the Chautauqua community in Southeastern, New York, and be an obvious public figure during the Institution’s summer season.
- Take pride in building programs that have life and impact beyond the Institution.
Qualified candidates should possess the following qualifications, skills, and traits:
- A deeply curious soul who has an active interest in working with a multitude of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.
- An obvious and active personal commitment to DEI and anti-racism.
- Is authentically interested in learning and has a voracious appetite for knowledge and discovery.
- Has strong management and financial acumen specifically as it comes to producing performing arts, showcasing visual arts, and promoting lifelong learning.
- A dual ability to think in visionary ways while taking the reins for executing detailed strategies and plans to make the vision a reality.
- A love of collaboration and high regard for the grounding of organizational structure.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to read music and/or have strong knowledge of music is preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail, and other business-related systems.
- Is looked to as someone who models integrity, honesty, dedication, and balance.
COMPENSATION AND START DATE
Chautauqua Institution offers competitive compensation commensurate with organizations of a similar size and scope of activities. The organization hopes to make a hiring decision by the end of 2021, with the selected candidate assuming the Vice President for Performing and Visual Arts role shortly thereafter. Chautauqua Institution is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon satisfactory completion of a background check and reference conversations.