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Title: Education and Outreach Director

The Search
Asolo Repertory Theatre, the premiere professional theatre of Florida, is searching for an education professional to serve as their Director of Education and Outreach. This senior manager will lead the organization’s education initiatives, and play a significant role in shaping Asolo Rep’s relationship with its community. Working closely with Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards and Managing Director Linda DiGabriele, the successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team of senior staff who has advanced Asolo Rep’s stature, stability and impact as an artistic force. The organization intends to identify the new Director of Education and Outreach by July 2013, with a start date for full-time employment as soon thereafter as possible.

The Background
Originally founded as the Asolo Theatre Company in 1960 by visiting Florida State University (FSU) faculty from the University’s main campus in Tallahassee, since its inception Asolo Rep has grown to be one of the Southeast’s premiere resident professional theatres.  Well known as a jewel of the vibrant arts and cultural community serving Sarasota and the surrounding region for decades, Asolo has captured increasing national attention and acclaim over the past seven seasons under the artistic leadership of Michael Donald Edwards.  Changing its name in 2006 to reflect the organization’s commitment to an annual schedule of rotating repertory, Asolo Repertory Theatre is a member of The League of Resident Theatres (LORT), currently operates with an annual budget of $7.7 million, and serves an annual audience of over 100,000.  With a subscription base of 4500 patrons and a strong relationship with FSU, the theatre enjoys a sound financial base and unparalleled community support from a broad constituency. In addition to strong and increasing attention from audiences throughout the state of Florida, under Michael Donald Edwards’ artistic direction Asolo Rep has captured the growing interest of national media and is poised to move into regional leadership role.

Asolo Rep is located in Sarasota, a beautiful city on the Gulf Coast of Florida about 50 miles south of Tampa/St. Petersburg.  Known widely as the cultural center of Florida, Sarasota is home not only to Asolo Rep, but also to its own opera company, symphony, and ballet, as well as other professional theatres, the Sarasota Film Festival, and the world-renowned Ringling Museum of Art.  With over 878,000 residents, the Sarasota/Manatee/Charlotte area is one of the largest and most affluent communities in Florida, and is also renowned for the quality of its public school system.  Routinely cited by national publications as one of America’s “Best Places to Live,” thousands of new residents move to Sarasota County each year. By 2012, the county's population had grown to 386,000 residents. A high quality of life and a strengthening economy has brought steady growth to the area. The county's population is a mix of young families, a significant number of retirees, and a corps of experienced entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives.  The area is a prime setting for sports enthusiasts, offering myriad opportunities for tennis, golf, backcountry hiking, horseback riding, boating, rowing and a variety of water sports on the region’s beautiful beaches. 

Asolo Rep has a close relationship with Florida State University, which has grown significantly since its founding fifty-five years ago.   In 1973 the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training was established as a three-year graduate program culminating in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Florida State University.  Since 1995, this relationship has become the centerpiece of one of the few professional theatres that maintain a resident company and perform in rotating repertory.  Asolo Rep’s resident acting company is comprised of five professional actors and is augmented each season by guest artists from across the country as well as ten to twelve third-year students from the Conservatory.  This model has been enthusiastically embraced by audiences and patrons who celebrate the actor-artist and has proven to be a successful formula for producing the highest quality professional theatre, while providing first-rate training for America’s next generation of actors.  Additionally, the relationship between Asolo Rep and the Conservatory offers patrons a unique opportunity to be involved with the ongoing life of the students through an organized program that allows them to adopt individual students and provide them financial support by underwriting their three-year training residency at the Conservatory. The result of this partnership among the Asolo Rep, the University and patrons is a very successful collaboration that affords Asolo/FSU patrons with a singular opportunity to become deeply committed to the Asolo Rep and to support its significant role in developing new generations of talent for the American theatre. FSU Conservatory Director Greg Leaming serves as Asolo Rep’s Associate Artistic Director and, with Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards, engenders an ambitious and collaborative artistic approach benefiting both artists and audiences.

In 2013-14, Asolo Rep will produce a season of nine plays at The FSU Center for the Performing Arts, located on the campus of the Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts.  The Performing Arts Center houses an authentic restoration of the historic turn-of-the-century European theatre which was once one of Scotland’s premiere opera houses.   It was moved to Sarasota from Dunfermline, Scotland piece-by-piece and rebuilt on its present site as the Harold E. and Esther M. Mertz Theatre, becoming Asolo Rep’s mainstage theatre with a seating capacity of 485 - 503 on three levels.  In addition, the Performing Arts Center includes the 161-seat Jane B. Cook Theatre, which was created to house both Conservatory performances and smaller Asolo productions.  The Historic Asolo Theater, located in the Ringling Visitor’s Center, provides another 280 seat venue which the company is accessing and utilizing in its production planning. The FSU Center is an 85,000 square-foot building owned and operated by FSU.  

Mission 
Asolo Repertory Theatre’s mission is to entertain, engage and inspire its audience and the community through the highest quality professional theatre and superior educational programs.

Current Education and Outreach Programs
Asolo Rep currently operates extensive educational programs as a key component of its role in the community and state.  These programs include Student Matinees, New Stages Tour, Kaleidoscope, Documentary Theatre Residencies, Student Journalism, various discussion series, and public programs, descriptions of which can be found on the Asolo Rep website.

The Opportunity
Asolo Repertory Theatre will offer the successful candidate a unique opportunity to lead the educational programs for a theatre that has made significant advances in its artistic, local and national profile in the past few seasons.    The successful candidate will encounter a financially stable organization with a committed solid audience, a faithful patron base and a Board of Directors that is committed to its mission and ongoing success.  The new Education and Outreach Director will be an integral member of a management team at the intersection of a professional theatre and a conservatory for actor training offering the unique challenges and rewards of balancing the ongoing needs of both.

The Education and Outreach Director at Asolo Rep will be responsible for overseeing a staff comprised of one full-time annual Specialist, a seasonal apprentice and various project-based teaching artists. The Education and Outreach Director will work with an active and engaged Board of Directors that has successfully stewarded the theatre’s health for more than five decades, a distinguished artistic leader who is emerging as a new national force with a commitment to balanced season with classics, musicals and new work, and a highly regarded Managing Director with a long history of success with the Company.  Sarasota is an exceptionally arts-friendly environment with a strong interest in, and commitment to, the work of the Asolo Rep and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory.  It has been one of the fastest growing regions in Florida, due to its superb beaches, outdoor living, comfortable weather and cultural amenities.  As a winter destination for many of its residents, Asolo Rep’s community attracts well educated, affluent and discerning theatre goers.  In addition, there is a talented and experienced staff at the theatre, many of whom have served the Company for an extended tenure.  The Board of Directors and staff are fully prepared to respond to a new education partner with a clear vision for promoting and advancing the theatre and its educational components.

Qualifications and Qualities
Asolo Repertory Theatre is focused on identifying candidates whose talents as education professionals have been in evidence and who have demonstrable experience in program development and administration.

Candidates must demonstrate:

  • A track record of success in creating and executing successful educational programs;
  • Experience in managing, mentoring and motivating teams to meet their goals in a creative and collaborative environment;
  • A commitment to effective partnership with other heads of departments to realize mission-based goals and objectives designed to support artistic programs and expand audiences; 
  • A consistent ability to manage both the income and expense budgets and projections of the department which includes monthly budget conciliations and reports;
  • The ability to design and maintain a departmental structure that maximizes internal and institutional capabilities, and best serves artistic and organizational needs;
  • A professional approach to supporting artistic and educational programs by promoting a positive atmosphere of energy, creativity and focus.
  • A passion for institutional and entrepreneurial leadership;
  • A passion and demonstrated commitment for providing community leadership and engagement;
  • A commitment to supporting artistic ambition and fiscal responsibility. 

The Asolo Repertory Theatre is seeking candidates who are capable of and committed to developing a constructive partnership with the Producing Artistic Director, Managing Director, Board of Directors and staff to formulate and implement short- and long term strategies for growth.  The successful candidate will exhibit the ability to analyze Asolo Rep and its relationship to the community in order to develop strategies for sustaining and growing its programs.  Asolo Rep anticipates that the candidate will join colleagues in becoming an active participant in the larger community.

Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with the leadership role that this position has for the theatre and the community.  The range of benefits includes medical and dental insurance, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, and a retirement plan.  

To Apply
Asolo Repertory Theatre is an EOE. The consulting firm retained to assist in the search will welcome qualified applications.  Send letters of interest and resumes to: Asolo Rep, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243 ATTN: Education Search or Email: education@asolo.org

 

 

Title: Education & Outreach Specialist

Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida’s premiere professional theatre located in Sarasota, FL seeks a dynamic, experienced candidate for the position of Education & Outreach Specialist. The specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing Education & Outreach programs including student matinees, tours, residencies, discussions and more.  The Education & Outreach Specialist reports directly to the Education & Outreach Director.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Manages Access to the Arts program including, but not limited to, contact with schools, reservations and ticketing, for student matinees and touring performances, and development of collateral materials such as study guides
  • Teaching Artist for programs including devised theatre residencies, workshops, classes, and Kaleidoscope
  • Assists the Education Director in developing, implementing, and promoting programs
  • Facilitates assessment and evaluation of programs
  • Organize education program calendars and time lines
  • Build  and expand educator, student, and community partner relationships 
  • Assists the Education Director in developing, implementing, and promoting programs
  • Moderate pre – and post-show discussions as part of public programming
  • Represents Asolo Rep at community events and provides support for all education events
  • Collaborate and interact with various departments regarding marketing, fundraising, and public programming initiatives of Asolo Rep
  • Reserves and maintains space use for education programs and events within the FSU Center for the Performing Arts
  • Other associated duties as assigned by the Education & Outreach Director

Required Skills:

  • Teaching and directing experience 
  • Outstanding communication both verbal and written
  • Proficient in MS Office
  • Excellent community building skills

Minimum Education/Experience Required: 
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university or relevant work-related experience

Please send resume & cover letter to Brian Hersh, Education & Outreach Director at Brian_Hersh@asolo.org or mailed to 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL  34243

 

 

Title: Development Data Associate 

Reports to the Development Director, and coordinates with all development staff and finance department. Responsible for tracking financial and contact management aspects of the Annual Fund and Endowment Campaign. Ensures accuracy of the department’s contact management and financial data; oversees timely execution of annual fund campaign appeals; provides financial reports and data analysis on donor giving histories and trends; tracks donor pledges and monitors payment schedules; and reconciles development income and expenses with finance department. Ensures the department uses donor database to its fullest capacity.

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Maintains primary responsibility for the department’s donor database
  • Creates and maintains schedule of Annual Fund appeal activities including monthly renewals and daily acknowledgements
  • Manages the Development Assistant in processing donor appeals, pledges, contributions and acknowledgements, and inputting donor and prospect contact management and background information
  • Proofs renewal and acknowledgment materials for accuracy before review by Development Director
  • Manages Development Assistant in updating donor and prospect email addresses for e-communications 
  • Analyzes data to assist in strategies for fundraising for the Annual Fund and Endowment Campaign
  • Provides up-to–the minute accurate financial and prospect reports, mailing and prospect lists 
  • Manages monthly reconciliation between development and finance departments
  • Oversees database clean up initiatives including, but not limited to:  merging of duplicates, address correction, address and salutations, bio 2, relationships, and attributes category
  • Builds queries, exports and proof lists and supervises Development Assistant to do the same
  • Coordinates with telefund campaign consultants
  • Processes all checks and credit card transactions
  • Interacts with a spectrum of individuals including: internal staff, vendors, volunteers, prospects, donors, committee members, and Board Members
  • Any other duties as required by the Development Director

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with background in finance and data management
  • Ability to multi task, problem solve, and be self-disciplined
  • Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
  • Possesses a positive attitude with the ability to remain calm under pressure
  • A strong team player with an intense work ethic
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Raiser’s Edge
  • Must be flexible in working long hours, nights and occasional weekends
  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs

Please send resume,  salary requirements and references to Tricia Mire, Development Director, at Tricia_Mire@asolo.org or mailed to 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL  34243

 

 

Title: Development Associate, Foundation and Government Grants

Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida’s premiere professional theatre located in Sarasota, FL seeks a development professional with demonstrated success in institutional giving to provide management and coordination of foundation and government giving. Responsibilities include:

  • Create annual institutional giving plan, forecasting income from foundations, corporate foundations, and government, in support of Asolo Rep’s operations, programs and education initiatives in partnership with Development Director and Board
  • Write funding proposals, follow up correspondence and reports in collaboration with programmatic staff
  • Identify and pursue grants for Asolo Rep’s Capital and Endowment Campaign
  • Conduct prospect research to identify potential new funding sources
  • Manage annual grants calendar to ensure compliance with proposal and reporting deadlines
  • Maintain knowledge of a wide variety of foundation and government grant guidelines, and priority areas of elected officials and government agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and identify alignment with Asolo Rep’s mission, activities and special initiatives
  • Develop and nurture relationships with foundation and government representatives in partnership with Development Director and Board
  • Ensure proper donor recognition on promotional materials
  • Assist in preparation of proposal project budgets
  • Track funds received against annual budget income goals
  • Maintain contact information and donor and prospect histories in Asolo Rep databases
  • Assist with other departmental writing, including appeal and acknowledgement letters, donor e-newsletters and web content, corporate sponsorship proposals and reports
  • Participate as a member of a dynamic development team, and assist with development events and projects as needed

Qualifications: 

Candidates should have an undergraduate degree and at least 3 years experience in not-for-profit fundraising emphasizing institutional giving from foundations and government.  Experience in arts fundraising, and educational degrees in fundraising or arts management, are a plus. Requires excellent writing, organizational, communication, computer and database skills, and strong attention to detail. The successful candidate will thrive working in a fast-paced environment, with high levels of interaction as well as independent work. Must be flexible in working long hours, nights and occasional weekends. Salary commensurate with experience. 

Send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to: Tricia Mire, Development Director, at tricia_mire@asolo.org or mailed to 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL  34243.

 

 

Title: Major Gifts Officer

Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida’s premiere professional theatre located in Sarasota, FL, seeks a development professional with demonstrated success in major gifts and endowment programs to help secure new annual fund and endowment gifts. The Major Gifts Officer will be an essential member of the development team as we expand our Annual Fund goals, and continue in the lead gift phase of our Endowment and Capital Campaign - The Campaign for Excellence.

Responsibilities include:

  • Secure new major gifts and steward relationships with new donors and prospects for $3 million+ Annual Fund and $34 million Endowment Campaign in partnership with development team, board members, and senior management
  • Identify and pursue potential donors from assigned portfolio of current ticket buyers, newcomers to the Sarasota region, and self-identified prospects
  • Maintain working knowledge of tax law, estate and financial planning related to charitable giving
  • Foster close relations with attorneys, financial planners, accountants, and other professional advisors to obtain referrals for planned and legacy gifts
  • Structure potential gifts (outright gifts of cash/assets, planned and legacy) and make gift requests one-on-one and as part of a team
  • Project annual financial targets for new major gifts to the Annual Fund and lead gifts to the Endowment Campaign in collaboration with Development Director
  • Work closely with Annual Fund and Endowment board committees and guide board-led cultivation and stewardship
  • Maintain accurate prospect lists and call reports, and work with other development staff, senior management and select board members to coordinate “moves management” 
  • Work with members of development department and board to ensure prospects are included in annual season of cultivation events in and outside of the theatre
  • Assist in writing and editing donor communications and appeals 
  • Participate as a member of a dynamic development team, and attend and assist with development events and projects as needed
  • Represent Asolo Rep at theatre events and in the community

Qualifications: 
Candidates should have an undergraduate degree and at least 4 years experience in not-for-profit fundraising emphasizing major gifts and endowment.  Experience in arts fundraising, and educational degrees in fundraising or arts management, a plus. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about financial planning, wealth management, estate law and gift planning. 

Requires excellent social, verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail, facility with Microsoft Word and Excel, fundraising databases, and online research. The successful candidate will thrive working in a fast-paced environment with high levels of interaction as well as independent work.  Must have proven track record of managing budgets and meeting revenue goals.  Must be flexible in working long hours, nights and occasional weekends. Salary commensurate with experience. 

Send cover letter, resume, references and salary requirements to: Tricia Mire, Development Director, at tricia_mire@asolo.org or mailed to 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL  34243.

 


Title: Sales and Patron Services Associate

Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida’s premiere professional theatre located in Sarasota, FL seeks part time individuals to provide outstanding customer service to patrons in the Call Center/Box Office. 

This position handles inbound and outbound single ticket and subscription phone sales campaigns and assists current and potential subscribers with questions, comments, and sales. Responsibilities include:

  • Manage and develop patron relationships with single ticket buyers and subscribers both in person and over the phone.
  • Make outgoing phone calls in efforts to help patrons renew/buy new season subscriptions.
  • Answer incoming phone calls timely and accurately in order to sell single tickets to productions.
  • Upsell and recommend ticket and subscription packages and special promotions.
  • Assist customers with questions about productions, theatre layout, and seating.
  • Accurately handle sales with credit cards, checks and cash. 

Qualifications:
Candidates should have previous customer service, and preferably, telemarketing experience. Position requires professional etiquette and work ethic, great attention to detail, excellent social, verbal and written communication skills. All applicants must be able to work with others, be self-motivated and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The candidate must be able to meet weekly/monthly sales goals and have excellent computer skills. Typical workweek will be 28 hours: some evenings and weekends are required. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs.

Send cover letter, resume, and references to: Alex Suczewski, Call Center Supervisor, at Alex_Suczewski@asolo.org or mailed to 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243