JOB OPPORTUNITIES


 

MANAGING DIRECTOR

 

Jackalope Theatre Company is searching for its next Managing Director to work alongside a committed staff and board at one of Chicago's most exciting producers of new work. The next Managing Director will be a key collaborator in leading the theatre through this exciting time of re-emergence, sustainability, and ongoing growth. They will also work to help ensure that Jackalope continues to make significant contributions to the city and to the industry through partnerships with the Chicago Park District, local elected officials, national theatre professionals, and Jackalope's wider community members. 
 

The ideal candidate for Managing Director will bring experience and skill in the areas of nonprofit management, financial organization & strategic planning to their role, while also maintaining a focus on community engagement and connection with our ensemble. This individual will be able to lead a fast paced creative environment, prioritizing responsibilities and responding to the needs of others with adept problem solving skills, focus and patience. Financial literacy and fiscal planning are a significant aspect of this role, so the ideal candidate for Jackalope's next MD will feel confident with both short term and long term financial strategy and forecasting.
 

JTC is dedicated to considering a broad range of candidates, including those with diverse work experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after some time away, looking to transition to a new field, or taking the next step in your career path, we look forward to reading your application!

 

JOB DESCRIPTION  
Financial Management (30%)

⬤ Budgeting and forecasting. Prepare an annual budget and individual show budgets to present for board approval and ensure operations are sustainable and within budget guidelines.

⬤ Monitoring income and expenses. Regularly update Quickbooks and provide quarterly and show-by-show financial reports to the board. This includes monthly reconciling of all Quickbooks accounts and engaging with the Board Treasurer on a monthly basis. Ensure sound financial practices and appropriate, best-practice banking/tracking systems with regular and appropriate monitoring.

⬤ Payroll & Accounts Payable/Receivable. Process bi-weekly payroll and weekly AP checks. Strategize system of checks and balances with Board Treasurer for oversight. 

⬤ Tax & Non-Profit Filings. File annual tax return and annual report; file end of year 1099s for all contractors; stay up to date on PAV license and all other permitting and licensing from the City.

 

Management & Operations (30%)

⬤ Strategic planning. A keen and creative approach to ensure all operations combine for an effective and sustainable model to accomplish our short-term and long-term objectives.

⬤ Hiring and management. Hire and release any/all administrative and other personnel, including paid staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants. Manage the staff, company and volunteers. Negotiate salaries and draft contracts for production-related contractors.

⬤ Board management. Work closely with the board president to prepare board meeting schedules, agendas and supplementary materials for all meetings. Work with the board of directors on developing strategic business plans and business development projects. Attend monthly board and subcommittee meetings.

⬤ Season Planning with Artistic Director and Company. In collaboration, create the season schedule, including rehearsals, performances, fundraising events, board meeting schedule, and other appropriate events. Validate venue schedule with all Chicago Park District or Private Venue administrations, as well as the board to ensure all parties are up to date.

⬤Production. Serve as the primary producer while overseeing a production manager for all Jackalope Theatre productions, ensuring adherence to Jackalope & Chicago Theatre Standards, and general safety guidelines. Coordinate the scheduling and planning of rehearsals, readings, and performances. Oversee production budgets in coordination with production managers.

⬤ Daily operations and administration. Oversee and ensure the ongoing administration of Jackalope. General duties include:

• Act as HR point of contact for the company and staff.

• Maintain relationships with all partnerships: Chicago Park District Management, The Saints, League of Chicago Theatres, Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Theatre District, etc.

 

Fundraising & Revenue (30%)

⬤ Individual Giving. This includes managing personal donor plans & touches with major gifts, coordinating annual giving campaigns and sending out donor acknowledgments. Work with the Board & Development Manager for improving these processes.

⬤ Grant Submissions and Tracking. Manage & work with the Development Manager to maintain the grant cycle, which includes approximately 40 applications per year. Manage expense tracking, acknowledgment, and final reporting for awarded grants.

⬤ Strategic planning for earned revenue. Work with Board and staff to increase revenue through packages and ticketing strategies.

⬤ Gala and Special Events. Work with the Development Manager and staff to plan and implement special events.

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Other (10%)
*These are duties that can hopefully be delegated and outsourced as the company grows, but at the present time are performed by a combination of the MD & AD. Likely these will be split up depending on the skill set of the candidates.

⬤ Ticketing operations. Maintain and regularly update Vendini ticketing system & input ticket requests. Create ticketing and patron reports.

⬤ Press relationships. Working with AD - Draft and send press releases to local publications as appropriate and invite press to opening night shows and events.

⬤ Maintain Jackalope @ info email account. Regularly check and respond to the info@ general email account to patron questions and general inquiries.

⬤ Print Materials. Coordinate with contractors for the processes for programs, posters and other print materials for the company operations.

 

Compensation and Schedule

⬤The position is expected to begin on January 1st, 2024. 

⬤The Managing Director will be paid a Salary of $40,000.00 annually. The Managing Director will also be provided a monthly Healthcare Stipend of $150 throughout the year - totalling $41,800.00 in full annual payment.

⬤Candidates will be interviewed by the staff and board throughout the months of November & early December, and we hope to bring on a candidate before January 1st. Training will occur in January and the selected candidate will undergo a thorough transition with the current Interim Executive Director, Board of Directors and Search Committee.

 

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and three references through Indeed -  https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=55f62aaea8eae58c