Interim Director

Description

The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is seeking an experienced nonprofit Interim Director with strong leadership, organizational management, finance, and fundraising skills.

The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative was established in 2006 to bridge diverse communities through the arts.  The Bridge works to achieve this mission by  strengthening and enriching the community through the power of creative interaction and shared experience. We engage with a diverse and ever growing group of artists and citizens to foster a more deeply connected and robust community. We provide a space that supports an atmosphere of accessibility, intimacy, exploration, empowerment and risk for artists and audiences alike. We provide programming which engages the whole of our community, fostering connections, celebrating diversity and building lasting relationships.

With ten years of work behind us, The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative intends to build on the dedicated work of a decade of artists, volunteers, staff and board members to even better achieve our mission of building community through the arts. This is an exciting time for the organization and the right time for a new leader to step in to build on our strengths, grow our donor base, develop new creative strategies while following the strategies that have proven effective, and find new opportunities to work with our local community.

Skills Required

The Bridge seeks:

• A local person that possesses a deep knowledge of The Bridge, the diverse communities of Charlottesville and the major players in Charlottesville.
• A person that is “fired up” about the mission of The Bridge and its work from the past and that of the future.
• A person that is not only comfortable in an alternative arts environment, but can’t wait to get down into the middle of it.
• A person that works well developing deep relationships with people, those that set roots for many years to come. You truly want to know others and their stories.
• A person that has great communication skills, a necessary trait for our working board.
• A person that is deeply rooted in community organizing or the community arts.
• A person that believes that art plays a critical role in the development of individuals and the impact on communities.
• A person that sees opportunities in working with other individuals and organizations.
• A person that is a natural leader, someone that understands the priority of tasks and is willing to take the reigns to complete them.
• A person that works from the place of  mutual respect and integrity, actively seeking the input of others by using collaboration when best suited for a project.
• A person that understands fundraising and its role in programming. This person will be so passionate about the mission that fundraising seems easy. They inspire!
• 5+ years in arts administration and/or community organizing.

To apply, please send a CV and a minimum of 3 professional references and 2 personal references to info@thebridgepai.org. Please, no phone calls or mailed applications.
The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Additional Info

Leadership Duties Required:

• Participate with the Board of Directors in using existing strategies to deliver the mission, while also developing new strategies for the organization to deliver the mission.
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities
• Foster effective teamwork between the Board and any staff members or interns
• In addition to the members of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the organization
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile and advocacy

Oversight and Programming Duties Required:

• Develop, implement and evaluate  a programming plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization with the assistance of the Operations Manager
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
• Maintain an effective database of volunteers, staff, donors and participants with the assistance of the Operations Manager
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

• Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects such as our annual Revel fundraiser or our Public Artist residency.

Human resources planning and management duties required:

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
• Develop a thriving volunteer base with a volunteer coordinator
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations

• Recruit, interview and select paid and/or volunteer staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission
• Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
• Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance in an open and honest way.

Financial planning and management duties required:

• Work with staff and the Board (Finance Committee) to prepare a comprehensive budget
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization by direct fundraising grant writing or partnering with other organizations
• Research funding sources, oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization
• Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate
• Oversee expenditures
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed 
• Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization with the help of the Treasurer, as necessary.