The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts , inaugurated on December 18, 2015, is poised to become Northwest Ohio’s premier destination for diverse arts programming, education, and entertainment. The Executive Director will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to join MCPA while the organization initiates strategic programming and planning as part of its vision to create greater availability and visibility for the performing arts in the community. Along with a keen business sense and an ability to manage priorities and effectively delegate, the ED should bring a passion for and knowledge of arts management. S/he will possess a thorough understanding of programming, facility management and operations, institutional image building, marketing, fund development, and external relations.
ORGANIZATION
The Marathon Center for the Performing Arts is poised to become Northwest Ohio’s premier destination for diverse arts programming, education, and entertainment. Driven by a strong group of civic-minded and community-oriented leaders, the dream of a center that would serve Hancock County and region came to fruition in 2013. The newly-created Board of Directors announced that Marathon Petroleum Corporation would provide the lead naming gift of $3 million to launch a capital campaign supporting the construction of a multi-purpose performing arts center in Findlay, Ohio. The $17.3 million building opened on time and the capital campaign raised $18.3 million through donations from more than 1,000 individuals, community organizations, and businesses. On opening night, Marathon Petroleum Corporation pledged an additional $1 million towards the establishment of a $10 million endowment fund for MCPA.
Using the art deco-style auditorium of Findlay’s historic Central Middle School as both its structural and aesthetic foundation, MCPA honors the past while incorporating beautiful design and advanced technologies. MCPA features a magnificently renovated 960-seat performance space with a proscenium stage, expanded backstage capabilities, an orchestra pit with hydraulic lift, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology. The building includes a marble atrium lobby with an original art deco chandelier, a 300-person capacity multi-purpose event hall, a lounge space, an art gallery, spacious offices with natural lighting, and flexible spaces on the lower level to provide arts education classes for the community.
MCPA offers a wide variety of programming including appearances by popular musical acts, orchestral and dance performances, touring Broadway shows, variety shows, and lectures. The inaugural season has featured performances by the Moscow Ballet and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and will end with a special evening starring the rock band Chicago, who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this spring. Additionally, in collaboration with The Arts Partnership of Greater Hancock County, the organization offers educational programming and classes in acting, improvisation, theater, chorus, and creative writing. MCPA will be a launching pad for talent and provide a venue for other related arts organizations, including local schools and the University of Findlay.
Available for rent to show promoters, organizations wishing to host functions, and individuals celebrating weddings and other private events, MCPA will continually evolve through the support of multiple revenue streams. The operating budget for the partial 2015-2016 fiscal year is $350,000 and projected revenues for 2016-2017 are $550,000. MCPA is governed by an engaged and committed 12-member Board of Directors, led by Chairman Edward Reading. Currently, MCPA has four full-time and eight part-time employees, including a General Manager, Director of Marketing, Production Manager, Technical Director, and Box Offer Manager. Additional seasonal staff and overhire are engaged for stage productions. The new Executive Director will be responsible for hiring a Director of Development.
COMMUNITY
MCPA is located in the heart of Northwest Ohio, an area with thriving industries and recreational opportunities. Located in Hancock County with a population of 76,000 people, the city of Findlay is home to Fortune 25 Company, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and Fortune 1000 Company, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. Both companies have invested extensively in the city and the surrounding community. Major planning is currently underway for the community, including a $20 million five-story Hancock Hotel, spearheaded by the Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and a $35.5 million Global Technical Center (GTC), being built by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. MCPA enjoys a close, collaborative partnership with the University of Findlay, nationally recognized for its programs in equestrian studies, animal science/pre-veterinary medicine, nuclear medicine technology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and environmental, safety, and occupational health management. The University is also is home to the Mazza Museum which features the most diverse collection of original artwork by children’s book illustrators in the world. This combination of major industry, higher education, and the arts attracts progressive, intelligent residents. Additionally, the Blanchard Valley Health System is based in Findlay and serves the greater region through two hospitals, a retirement community, a hospice facility, an urgent care facility, and several other health-related companies.
MCPA strives to strengthen the economic vitality of the community and become a hub of a diverse and thriving downtown arts district. Currently, Findlay residents enjoy a lively historic center and shopping district as well as many fine dining options. Downtown Findlay is also home to the Jones Building Artist Studios where artists have been creating watercolor and oil paintings, pen-and-ink drawings, and photography since 1960. A short drive from several major metropolitan areas, including Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Detroit. Findlay is located only four hours from Chicago and 50 miles from Lake Erie.
Designated a “dream town” by Demographics Daily (an online publication), Findlay has also been repeatedly named the number one “micropolitan” area (small city) in the United States by Site Selection magazine. Findlay boasts an outstanding public school system, two brand-new middle schools, and the Millstream Career Center. It is the only city in Ohio to be named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance, an organization founded by Colin Powell. The cost of living in Findlay is very low compared with many other cities across the country, with a median home value of $123,000.
Sources: FindlayHancockAlliance.com, Findlay.edu, Livability.com
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) will have the unique and rewarding opportunity to join MCPA while the organization initiates strategic programming and planning as part of its vision to create greater availability and visibility for the performing arts in the community. The ED will work with the staff to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure and planning while engaging with the Board to expand opportunities for collaboration with other nonprofit and for-profit companies and constituencies as well as community partners and supporters.
Serving as the public face of MCPA, the ED will lead the staff in expanding audiences and providing multiple constituencies with access to a diverse array of high quality, multi-disciplinary artistic presentations and programs. The ED will oversee all aspects of the organization and will be a prudent fiscal manager with an objective of increasing both earned and contributed revenue. S/he will possess the experience, skills, and diplomacy necessary to successfully identify and manage key relationships and partnerships that will propel MCPA forward in achieving its mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Fiscal Management, Operations, and Human Resources
Accept fiscal responsibility for MCPA’s overall budget, direct all aspects of facility operations, and ensure effective use of financial and human resources.
Determine the MCPA programming mix and pursue presentations that will attract a diverse audience and elevate the organization’s reputation as the preeminent arts venue in Northwest Ohio.
Plan and project annual budgetary allocations for the next three to five years.
Review and approve MCPA’s revenues and expenditures through the fiscal year.
Hire, directly supervise, and assess MCPA staff.
Make recommendations regarding the appropriate staffing and organizational structure to support the ongoing operations of MCPA.
Revenue Enhancement
Create strategies to identify stakeholders, define how key messages will be delivered in order to maximize visibility, brand, and earned and contributed revenue opportunities, and secure support from new and existing audiences and funders.
Identify funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, grants, and corporations. Using industry standard, devise the most effective donor stewardship and cultivation methods.
Support the development staff in actively seeking out and initiating contacts with potential donors.
Develop, cultivate, and steward relationships with existing and new donors.
Community and Public Relations
Guide the public image and brand awareness of MCPA, its mission, vision, and values, and play an active role in external relations throughout the region.
Develop appropriate communication and outreach methods to encourage broader and deeper community participation in MCPA’s programs.
Act as the public face and voice of MCPA, providing leadership locally, regionally, and nationally in the broader arts and cultural community.
Collaborate with the University of Findlay, strengthening the institution’s relationship with MCPA.
Create alliances with local arts organizations for greater outreach and visibility.
Board Engagement and Strategic Planning
Develop, implement, and monitor short- and long-term goals and strategies.
Assume joint responsibility with the Board for their implementation, reporting on progress toward goals regularly.
Provide support to best utilize the talents and resources of the Board.
Collaborate with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health of the organization by achieving revenue goals and monitoring expenses.
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The selected individual will be a visionary yet pragmatic leader who wisely utilizes all available resources to advance MCPA’s mission. Along with a keen business sense and an ability to manage priorities and effectively delegate, the ED should bring a passion for and knowledge of arts management. S/he will possess a thorough understanding of programming, facility management and operations, institutional image building, marketing, fund development, and external relations. The ED will be adept at developing plans and initiatives that will support the achievement of desired strategic outcomes and possess the confidence and optimism to work collaboratively, engaging others in the advancement of the organization’s goals.
The selected candidate should also demonstrate the following competencies:
Leadership and Goal Achievement – Identifying and prioritizing activities that lead to a goal and achieving extraordinary business results through people.
Interpersonal Skills and Customer Focus – Effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to all kinds of people while maintaining a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Negotiation – Facilitating agreements between two or more parties.
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in business, arts administration, or related field is desirable. A minimum of ten years of experience in a performing arts organization and superior programming knowledge is required. Candidates should possess demonstrated success in fundraising and a fluency in marketing and social media. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with diverse community stakeholders. Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office and other computer skills are needed.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
MCPA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, a paid holiday and vacation policy, and the quality of life derived from living in an affordable and friendly community.
APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES
Please submit a letter and resume (electronic submissions preferred) with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to:
Pamela A. Pantos, Vice President
Arts Consulting Group, Inc.
292 Newbury Street, Suite 115
Boston, MA 02115
Tel: (888) 234.4236 ext. 204
Cell: (617) 335.6920
Fax: (888) 284.6651
Email: Marathon@ArtsConsulting.com