Employment

POSITION DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Announced May 15th, 2021

Opening Statement: PLAYA, a center for the intersection of art and science, seeks an experienced, passionate, and inspiring leader to carry forward the direction and vision set forth over the last ten-years.

 Organizational Overview: Founded more than a decade ago as a residency program for artists and scientists, PLAYA is maturing into an interdisciplinary, multi-programmatic organization that is working to increase its earned and donated revenue. 2020 allowed for a re-visioning of its programs and identity which is documented in a three year strategic plan. Today, PLAYA is a center for the intersection of art and science with a dynamic array of programs that represent a spectrum of engagement at the nexus of art and science. Overall programming includes a residency program, workshops and themed weekends along with special events both on campus and in communities where PLAYA’s partners and alumni exist. This spring, a Science Council has been established to help with science programming and to assist PLAYA in its long-term goal of becoming a field station. At the same time, PLAYA is working to be a resource for arts and science for the local area community. One element of increasing community engagement is the plan for a new building on campus. In 2021, PLAYA launched a capital campaign for The Open Space, a multi-use building and office at the core of its campus. 

 The successful candidate will be an interdisciplinary, creative problem solver who has strong fundraising, networking and facilitation skills and actively honors and continually strengthens equity, diversity and inclusion. Building a major donor base and focusing on individual giving will be the first priority for this position. Candidates should have strong business and financial acumen, significant experience working in a non-profit with skills to work effectively with a diversity of artists, scientists, instructors, patrons and donors, and excellent skills in cultivating long-term relationships for PLAYA’s benefit. The Executive Director is responsible for maintaining the financial health and operational management of PLAYA, oversees programming, facilitates two Boards of Directors (PLAYA and Playa Foundation) and manages an experienced staff. 

 The Executive Director is currently supported by two full time positions including a Program Manager and Site Manager. The Executive Director is also supported by two part-time positions: Lodging and Site Manager, and an Office Coordinator and by consultants and contractors.

 This position offers housing as part of its salary package if the Executive Director lives in Lake County. Alternatively, the position can be fulfilled remotely with frequent visits to PLAYA and extended stays on campus. 

The below job description represents a prioritized list of focus areas with percentages of time to be spent on each area. 

  1. (50%) The Executive Director is responsible for achieving, maintaining, and improving PLAYA’s long-term financial health.

  • Works with the Treasurer of the Board to prepare an annual budget that is realistic and balanced and forecasts earned and donated revenue with transparency and monitors expenses and revenues throughout the year.

  • Plans for adequate cash flow to cover operational needs.

  • Works strategically with the Board and Staff to meet fundraising and earned revenue goals.

  • Cultivates relationships with individual donors, grantors and sponsors with an initial focus on Lake County and central Oregon.

  • Works with a grant writer to identify and execute grants and final reports to city and state government as well private and public foundations.

  1. The Executive Director is charged with expanding the visibility and partnerships of PLAYA in the local area including Lake County and central Oregon as well as more broadly in Oregon, California, Nevada, Washington, and nationally.

  • Identifies opportunities for marketing and increasing community awareness and appreciation of the intersection of art and science through a variety of media and networks.

  • Conceives and oversees all published materials PSA’s, press releases, email blasts and advertisements, with the support of other staff and contractors.

  • Cultivates strategic relationships and partnerships with other community, state, regional and national organizations, institutions, artists and scientists.

  1. Staff and Board Management is a key function of the Executive Director.

  • Work with the President of the Board to plan meeting agendas and calendar of meetings. 

  • The Executive Director will prepare and present to the board an annual Strategic Action Plan for achieving each of the above responsibilities and goals. The ED will report progress on the plan at each scheduled board meeting. 

  • Communicate consistently with the Board virtually between quarterly Board meetings in order to connect, share updates and enlist assistance and ideas for PLAYA activities.

  • Hires, supervises, and evaluates PLAYA’s staff.

  • Evaluates staff compensation annually and staff development on an ongoing basis.

  • The Executive Director works with the Board of the Playa Foundation to set policies and benchmarks for the site and facility and with the staff to provide the maintenance and protection of the grounds, facilities and equipment toward the mission and goals of the organization.

  • Oversees improvements to the campus and office infrastructure.

   4. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing quality programming at the intersection of art and science including residencies, workshops, themed weekends, special events and PLAYA Presents to fulfill the mission of the organization and the goals and policies as established by the board.

  • The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing quality programming at the intersection of art and science including residencies, workshops, themed weekends, special events and PLAYA Presents to fulfill the mission of the organization and the goals and policies as established by the board.

  • Supports the Program Manager to strategize a dynamic annual calendar of workshops, themed weekends, special events, virtual programming, programming for its soon to be constructed multi-use space, and outreach into key communities.

  • Oversees and co-creates with the Program Manager new initiatives and opportunities with a responsible sense of risk management and staff capacity.

Salary and benefits: $68,000 – $72,000 + $400 a month health insurance stipend, without housing provided. $56,000 – $60,000 + $400 a month health insurance stipend + with housing provided. Start date: September 1st, 2021. 

Please apply no later than June 25 by sending a cover letter and resume to: equinn@playasummerlake.org or 47531 Hwy 31, Summer Lake, OR 97640