Executive Director

Overview:

The Duluth Armory and Music Center (AAMC) is currently undergoing a $52MM renovation and implementing a Capital Campaign in support of this project. The AAMC’s strategic partner is Sherman Associates, a nationally recognized leader in the renovation of historic buildings. The AAMC is seeking an Executive who can demonstrate strong leadership qualities and has relevant experience, including substantial and ongoing fundraising with multiple audiences - specifically major donors, community-based contributors, and NGO’s, including foundations. The Executive Director must have the business moxie and experience to run a successful and multifaceted enterprise. This person needs to ensure that the facility is completed according to plan and on budget. In addition, this individual will need to ensure the facility is well-maintained and be able to attract and manage an effective staff. The person must be able to work with multiple vendors and subcontractors, oversee entertainment venues and events, negotiate leases and contracts, and manage a budget for a multi-million-dollar enterprise. This person must be a solid strategic thinker/planner, set priorities, relate well to a wide variety of audiences, build community, and do it all with a high degree of professionalism. The Executive Director is expected to have substantial experience partnering/working with diverse people, of all ethnic, cultural and racial backgrounds and organizations. Most importantly, this person must be a superb communicator while being a solid leader. 

Position Title: Executive Director

Reporting: The Board of Directors 

Coordinates with:

• The President and members of the Executive Committee

·      The Management Team, consisting of the Marketing Director, Facilities Manager, Financial Controller and other staff members including the Music Resource Center manager.

Primary Position Purpose:  

The Executive Director works with the senior staff, manages the overall operations and strategic direction of the AAMC. The Executive Director implements the organization’s vision and mission, and ensures that resources are deployed for maximum impact. The Executive Director facilitates financial support from multiple sources and ensures that all relationships are developed authentically and well maintained. The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the AAMC’s revenues meet expectations. In addition, the Director will need to work effectively with the Board and Financial Controller while holding overall responsibility for the organization’s financial performance. The Executive Director ensures that results meet expectations. 

The Executive Director shall develop and manage the staff, including development of departmental work plans and conducting personnel reviews of each member of the management team. The Executive Director shall lead long-term planning efforts and develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that the operations are efficient and profitable. The Executive Director will work closely with the AAMC’s developer, its bank and other financial and professional resources. 

The Executive Director shall work to build and maintain the brand and image of the AAMC. The Executive Director shall engage in community activities when appropriate and support those organizations aligned with the AAMC’s vision and mission. 

Major Roles and Responsibilities:

• Focus on plans and strategies that drive funding for current and future capital campaigns
• Develop and implement the short- and long-term strategic plans consistent with vision/mission as an important community venue for arts, music, and entertainment
• Manage the staff and total AAMC resources for optimum effect
• Improve organizational effectiveness through strong leadership, staff development, and maintaining metrics for tracking results and staff accountability
• Build productive relationships with key donors, community leaders, and organizations, sponsors, event and promotional managers, wedding planners, and other users of the AAMC
• Oversee the financial resources of the total enterprise, thereby ensuring ongoing profitability of the AAMC 
• Ensure that the quality of all programs meets high expectations
• Work and support staff while holding staff accountable for expected results 
• Build and protect the AAMC brand

Qualifications:

The Executive Director will have the following qualifications for this position:

• Critical and strategic thinker with strong entrepreneurial drive
• Exceptional leader, able to build a cohesive, motivated team of professionals
• Able to build scale and critical mass for the AAMC within 12 to 15 months of being retained as the Executive Director
• Direct P&L responsibility. Must have a strong financial background, including negotiating skills
• Experience in analyzing and developing capital for growth and future expansion   
• Client focused and able to quickly build relationships and interact with multiple constituencies on a regular basis 
• Understands multiple disciplines, including fundraising, community organizations, NGO’s, political bodies, and the private sector 
• Strong analytical skills and able to absorb data and “connect-the-dots” in strategy and development 
• Excellent communication skills, along with the ability to delegate tasks and trust subordinates while also holding people accountable for results
• Must be a visionary, passionate, and a motivator who is able to inspire people.
• Must have strong values as well as a finely tuned sense of humor
• Demonstrate the highest levels of integrity and must be ethical in every way.  

Position Requirements:

·       Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, MBA a plus

·       Experience Required:

·       Worked for a successful non-profit (For-profit may be considered if there is relevant fundraising experience) 

·       Direct experience with fundraising with sources including high net-worth donors, community-based giving, foundations, and other financial sources such as grants  

·       At least three years of leadership in a senior position, preferably with a non-profit with P&L responsibility. 

·       Direct experience in recruiting, motivating, and managing high-octane people

·       Strong organizational skills

·       Experience as a strategic planner/thinker

·       Excellent communicator – both written and verbal skills required

·       Thorough knowledge of marketing and management 

Support Skill Areas:

·      Detail-oriented with the ability to absorb information quickly

• Self-directed and able to take initiative while keeping staff and board well informed
• Well organized with exceptional follow-through skills
• Ability to lead teams or be a strong team player as various situations dictate
• Can identify critical issues, set priorities, and implement action plans quickly
• Excellent social skills and presence

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $150,000, pending experience and the negotiation for an employment contract. Other opportunities regarding compensation may be considered. Benefits include health insurance, car allowance, and 401(k). If interested, please email your resume to laura@aimclear.com or mail it to: 

           Armory Arts and Music Center                                

 C/O Ms. Laura Weintraub - Aimclear

           9 West Superior Street, Suite 200

           Duluth, MN 55802