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Artistic/Managing Director
VSA arts of Alaska, operating Out North Theater,
Anchorage, AK

The Organization

VSA arts of Alaska (VSA AK) is a progressive multi-arts organization offering a vibrant mix of contemporary visual, performance, and media art.  Established in 1985 as Out North, the organization provides a forum for underrepresented artists, including LGBTQ artists, artists with disabilities, and artists of color.  We have been a National Performance Network Partner since 1987 and a Warhol Foundation Initiative Member since 2002, and since 2004 have been affiliated with VSA arts, an international arts organization promoting inclusion and access in the arts. 

Art + Community = Change.  Our mission is to create and connect art and community, to find and share cultural explorers whose ideas challenge and inspire, and to champion those who are marginalized.  We work to support the creation and circulation of contemporary work in the arts, to build a community of learners, and to serve as a catalyst for progressive culture and policy in our region.  We have received the Governor’s Award for the Arts in recognition of ongoing successes in creating and connecting art with the community to challenge conventional notions of what constitutes contemporary culture, and in maintaining an artist-focused platform for underserved artists, art forms, and audiences. 

Our programs include: a) a live performance series featuring nationally recognized artists, including artists associated with the National Performance Network, b) artist career development, including “Under :30” featuring local and emerging artists performing their own work of under 30 minutes, c) after-school and school-based programs, including theater and media programs targeting at-risk youth and a new project focusing on Hmong students and culture, d) monthly poetry readings, and f) visual arts shown in two galleries, one of which features emerging or community artists, and g) programs generating earned revenue to support our mission, including films, film festivals, and local theater productions.  We also anticipate broadcasting soon from our LPFM radio station.

VSA AK owns and operates the Out North Theater building, a vibrant 10,000 square foot artistic space in East Anchorage in a former cultural center and library.  The building features an 86-seat black box theater, two gallery spaces, and administrative space.  The galleries and theater are also used for community events and meetings and other revenue-generating activities. 

The Location

We are located in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city and home to about 40 per cent of the entire population of the state.  Anchorage has an increasingly diverse ethnic population, as reflect by the approximately 100 languages spoken by students in the Anchorage School District.  Anchorage is slightly farther north than Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg.  Major industries include government and military, petroleum, and tourism.  While Anchorage (and Alaska generally) is politically conservative, the organization attracts progressive and supportive audiences. 

The Position

VSA AK seeks a leader who is passionate about the organization’s mission and can carry out the mission through artistic vision, community-building, and entrepreneurial spirit.  The AMD is the principal leadership position for the organization and reports to the Board of Directors.  He or she supervises the Management Team, consisting of the full-time Marketing/Development Director, full-time Technical & Operations Manager, and part-time Business Manager. The AMD is responsible for creating the artistic direction of the organization as well as directing and supervising its day-to-day operations. The chosen candidate will demonstrate strong leadership ability, exhibit effective organizational and management skills, and have solid budgetary and financial management skills.  Specific duties include:

A.  Program Development and Production

• Hires, contracts, and  manages artists for the live performance series
• Supervises the selection of emerging artists and assists in their career development
• Develops VSA-related programs and coordinates youth programs
• Selects revenue-generating events and programs that help support and build audiences for core mission activities
• Curates VSA-related art exhibits or uses guest curators to develop exhibits
• Negotiates and approves all contracts with artists, producers, and other contractors

B.  Management

• Recruits,  hires, and supervises staff
• Develops the annual budget in collaboration with the Business Manager and Board Finance Committee
• Responsible for monthly financial reporting including current financial results, budget performance forecasting, accurate cash flow projections, and balance sheet.
• With the Technical and Operations Manager, oversees the operation and maintenance of the facility

C.  Marketing and Development

• Collaborates with Marketing/Development Director to promote programs and events and to develop marketing strategies and enhance audience development
• Responsible for fundraising, with board assistance,  and is responsible for other development initiatives
• Responsible for increasing earned income through programming and rentals

D.  Board Relationships and Governance

• Partners with the Board in supporting and furthering the mission
• Reports to the Board, attends Board meetings and related events
• Assists with board recruitment, development, and strategic planning
  

The ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate the passion and ability to support and communicate the organization’s mission and values;
• Have an artistic vision for the organization consistent with its mission; 
• Understand, connect with, and give voice to those who are disenfranchised in our community including people with disabilities, people of color, and people identifying with or as LGBTQ; 
•  Have the ability to thrive in a northern environment with its challenges of climate, perceived isolation, and seasonal changes in daylight;
• Have a minimum of three years experience in an arts management/leadership position with experience in marketing, fundraising, and board relations;
• Have a BA or MA in arts administration;
• Demonstrate strong skills in budgeting and financial management;  
•  Have the ability to lead, manage, collaborate with, and inspire staff, artists, community members, board members, and volunteers;
• Have the ability to successfully develop and implement short- and long-term strategic goals;
• Speak and write persuasively and serve as a spokesperson for the organization with patrons, the public, the media, and state and national funders;
• Demonstrate experience in grant writing and reporting;
• Have experience with fundraising, identifying new revenue sources, and increasing levels of contributed income; and
  
• Have the ability to build and foster relationships with local and state disability  and cultural communities.

Salary: $35,000 to $40,000 DOE.

Start Date: June 2010

Procedure for Application: 
Interested individuals may submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, and a minimum of three references vsaakjobs@gmail.com.  The cover letter should describe your interest, qualifications, and experience, and include an explanation of how you would further the mission and values of the organization. The submission should be in WORD or PDF format.  In the subject line please write “AMD Search” and your last name. No phone calls, please.

Application Deadline:  March 31, 2010

Out North is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in its organization and programming. 

©2009 VSA Arts of Alaska. All Right Reserved.