Project Director/Administrative Assistant

Rhodessa Jones Productions

Job Summary:

Rhodessa Jones Productions (RJP) is a pioneering arts and performance organization based in San Francisco with extensive national and international reach. For over 60 years, Ms. Jones has been at the forefront of innovative performance, integrating art with social justice from San Francisco’s Fillmore district to Philadelphia, South Africa and many places in between. The Medea Project, specifically focused on theater for incarcerated women, is a vital part of this legacy, using performance as a tool for personal transformation and social change.

Position Overview

This is a part-time role for a Project Director/Administrative Assistant at Rhodessa Jones Productions. The Project Director/Administrative Assistant will be responsible for overseeing the overall direction of the company’s administrative and fundraising efforts, working closely with Rhodessa Jones to develop and execute strategic plans for fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. Additionally, the Project Director/Administrative Assistant will work with the Advisory Board to create new programs and initiatives and to engage with stakeholders in the wider community.

This is a new organization and the candidate will have a founding role with many opportunities to be a crucial member of a dynamic team. The right candidate has a passion for the arts, particularly African American arts and performance with an ability to work remotely and vary work hours.

RJP is a new, more ambitious vehicle for Ms. Jones’ and the Medea Project’s work and legacy. As such, this position requires a self-starter, excited by the opportunity to nurture and grow the work and able to roll up their sleeves and manage the day-to-day administrative and funding efforts. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing the overall direction of the company’s administrative and funding efforts, working closely with Ms. Jones to develop and execute strategic plans for fiscal development, marketing, and community outreach. Additionally, the candidate works with the Advisory Board, engaging stakeholders in the wider community.

The right candidate has a passion for the arts, particularly African American arts and performance, with the ability to spend a critical mass of time in the San Francisco Bay Area and varying hours.

Key Responsibilities and Scope of Work:

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to support the organization's programs and initiatives.
• Research, identify, and apply for grants, including writing proposals and managing grant reporting.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding organizations.
• Organize and execute fundraising events and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Manage and update donor databases and records.
• Assist in the creation of promotional materials and communication strategies to enhance donor engagement.
• Answer and respond to phone calls, communicate messages and information for Rhodessa
• Prioritize emails and respond as necessary
• Coordinate travel arrangements
• Assist with financial tracking and budgeting
• Track and manage grant requirements and reporting

Qualifications:

• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Ability to raise funds through grants and other means.
• Proficiency in office and fundraising software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and community engagement.
• Experience in budget management and financial analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Interest in social change through the arts, support for incarcerated women and women with HIV/AIDS.
• A passion for the arts and a commitment to social justice.
• Knowledge of the San Francisco arts scene and Cultural Odyssey’s history is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is a plus.
• Research, identify, and apply for grants, including writing proposals and managing grant reporting.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding organizations.
• Organize and execute fundraising events and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Manage and update donor databases and records.
• Assist in the creation of promotional materials and communication strategies to enhance donor engagement.
• Answer and respond to phone calls, communicate messages and information for Rhodessa
• Prioritize emails and respond as necessary
• Coordinate travel arrangements
• Assist with financial tracking and budgeting
• Track and manage grant requirements and reporting

About Rhodessa Jones Productions and The Medea Project:

Rhodessa Jones Productions was founded in 2023 by actor, director, writer and educator Rhodessa Jones. Rhodessa has taught at leading universities including Dartmouth, Yale and USC and holds an honorary doctorate from California College of the Arts. She has completed successful fellowships at The Getty and Pew Foundations.

Rhodessa is the founder of Cultural Odyssey and the Medea Project. For over 40 years, Cultural Odyssey has been at the forefront of innovative performance, integrating art and social justice. The Medea Project, focusing specifically on theater for incarcerated women, is a vital part of Rhodessa's legacy, using performance as a tool for personal transformation and social change. The Medea Project, as part of Rhodessa Jones Productions, works in close partnership with teachers, healthcare providers, social service, and other organizations dedicated to social justice, and working with women who are adversely impacted by trauma. The company is well respected and enjoys an active performance schedule in the Bay Area, nationally and internationally.

Compensation:

The base compensation is hourly and commensurate with experience and ability to innovate and develop funds. There is a significant opportunity to increase compensation based on the growth of the organization and the role.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 – 15 per week

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Remote