Background: Landmark on Main Street, Inc. (LOMS) is a vibrant theater and community center that enriches the lives and enhances the cultural experiences of the people of Port Washington and the surrounding regions. In addition to being the home of the 425-seat Jeanne Rimsky Theater, the historic, multi-use building provides low-income housing for seniors and affordable rental space for three youth-oriented nonprofits (The Port Washington Children’s Center, the Port Washington Parent Resource Center, and the Port Washington Youth Council’s Teen Center), as well as rental spaces for local events, classes, and workshops.
The Jeanne Rimsky Theater is in use over 200 days a year for performances by world-class musicians, dancers, performers, authors, and educators. Past performers include Ben Folds, Rufus Wainwright, Paul Reiser, Jon Batiste, Sandra Bernhard, Josh Ritter, and Arturo Sandoval, among many others. In addition, signature community-based programs produced by LOMS, as well as a free ticket program for underserved individuals, ensure broad and multi-generational access to the arts. The current strategic plan has four main pillars: revitalization of programming, theater upgrades/updates, new branding and marketing, and maintaining legacy programs.
The Position: Landmark on Main Street, Inc. is seeking a strategic and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in expanding its community impact, strengthening its audience base and donor support, and diversifying its programming. The Executive Director will be responsible for cultivating successful fundraising efforts, directing the programmatic resources and vision, financial planning and reporting, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the theater, and managing rental spaces to maximize revenue and community impact. The position requires the willingness to model a strong work ethic, support a collaborative and enthusiastic staff, streamline processes and procedures, and inspire passion for the impact of the programs.
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, be approachable and open to new ideas, and be an active and engaged problem-solver. They must be able to work with a minimum of ego and set clear goals and priorities for both the staff and the organization. They will be successful at building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with stakeholders, including individual, corporate, foundation and endowment donors, and sponsors. In addition, they will be a charismatic advocate and possess a commitment to community development through equitable and inclusive access to arts and education.
Responsibilities:
Leadership/Board Management:
In partnership with the Board, provide leadership and strategic direction for LOMS that covers overall programmatic, financial, and operational systems, policy, and practices
Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Board and staff based on trust, confidence, and transparency, encouraging collaboration in pursuit of organizational effectiveness and growth
Actively engage in identifying and recruiting potential Board members to meet the organization’s needs and the demographics of the community
Set long- and short-term financial and fundraising goals to facilitate sustainable growth
Fundraising/Marketing:
In collaboration with the Development Director, create and execute an annual fundraising plan with measurable objectives, tactics, and strategies that ensures the growth of a diversified funding stream, including individual gifts, corporate support, event and rental revenue, foundation support, government grants, and legacy giving
Establish and steward relationships with LOMS’s existing and potential supporters; cultivate corporate sponsorships
Activate Board to build relationships with donors to further support fundraising strategy
Working with the Marketing Manager, develop and execute a marketing plan to meet brand awareness and ticket sale goals; maximize press coverage of all programs
Oversee the establishment and implementation of communications that provide a clear and concise message to build awareness about the mission and programming
Oversee social media platforms and presence to ensure effective and engaging communication and representation of the events, programming, and mission of LOMS
Represent LOMS at community, political, and social functions and actively and regularly engage with patrons, donors, and community members; find new ways to engage audience and the community
Serve as a thought leader and engaged promoter of LOMS gala and other special events
Expand the reach of LOMS in new communities, increasing audience diversity
With community affairs manager, seek opportunities to create new partnerships
Programmatic Resources:
Direct the booking and contracting of performers, presenters, and events
Ensure programs and performances are professionally executed and produced
Act as the “Face and Voice” of Landmark with consistent day of show presence (arrive early, greet guests, introduce artists, announce upcoming shows)
Incorporate audience interests and feedback to refine and develop programming that best serves the community; honor and support legacy performers while exploring new performers that may attract new audience members and supporters
Evaluate the success of the programming while staying current on trends/opportunities in the performing arts, community programs, and arts education
Maximize theater and gym rentals as a source of revenue and service to the community
Oversee existing media resources, including website and online programs, ensuring their visibility and accessibility
Day-to-Day Administration:
Manage daily operational activities, including compliance with fiscal policies and procedures; oversee general office management
With Managing Director, oversee the facility and subtenant management as well as the management of event staff and theater operations
Provide leadership and set quality standards while promoting a culture that reflects LOMS’s values and spirit of collaboration
In collaboration with the Board and senior staff, create and manage the annual budget to ensure financial sustainability, maximize resources, and support the strategic plan
Attract and retain quality staff and volunteers; pursue opportunities for staff development and training; streamline procedures
Qualifications:
Proven senior nonprofit management experience; prior experience as an Executive Director in a cultural institution and/or community-based nonprofit preferred
Accomplished fundraiser at ease with all aspects of fundraising and proven success in the role of seeking and asking for major gifts and corporate support, as well as securing grants and sponsorships; proven success in diversifying revenue streams
Entrepreneurial and innovative builder who has had success growing an organization, including strategic planning and financial management
Superior writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to serve as a persuasive spokesperson for LOMS
Demonstrated ability in public relations, including branding and marketing to enhance visibility and positioning; knowledge of the performing arts and talent booking preferred
Strong organizational skills: flexible, able to focus, prioritize and implement, as well as address and meet challenges
Willingness to work evenings and weekends in support of programs and events; ability to connect with and establish relationships with community partners is essential
Experience in building and supporting cohesive and effective teams
An adaptable mindset to respond to evolving opportunities
All positions at Landmark on Main Street, Inc. are filled without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, HIV/AIDS status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All are encouraged to apply.
To Apply: Landmark on Main Street, Inc. has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations and applications may be directed in confidence to:
Jack Lusk, Managing Partner & CEO
Harris Rand Lusk
260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Email your resume and cover letter to Sabrina Stoker at: sstoker@harrisrand.com Please put “LOMS ED” in the subject line of your emailed application.
Landmark on Main Street, Inc. (LOMS) is a vibrant theater and community center that enriches the lives and enhances the cultural experiences of the people of Port Washington and the surrounding regions.
