globalFEST Executive Director

Full-time position starts in April 2020

globalFEST (gF) is looking for a visionary Executive Director who is ready to embark on an exciting opportunity to join an industry leading cultural organization which serves both the performing arts sector and the general public, who will ensure the continuity, sustainability and growth of its programs.

gF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is looking for staff members that represent the diversity of the artists and industry we work with.

Background

Founded in 2003, globalFEST (gF) believes that music can be a driving force toward a society that values cultural diversity as a source of unity rather than division. By moving international music to the center of the performing arts field, gF fosters a robust and sustainable ecosystem for world music in the U.S. with programs that catalyze creative and artistic networks which break down cultural and social boundaries to support and share the world’s music.

globalFEST’s mission is cultural, social and political. It aims to bring down boundaries between countries and create cultural opportunities for individual artists and for governments, sponsors, scholars, and critics to collaborate. Tours and cultural exchanges that result from globalFEST¹s showcases have helped to build an ever-widening audience for world music and, by extension, an increase in international cooperation and collaboration.

 

Responsibilities

A new position, the Executive Director will be responsible for continuing globalFEST’s growth and managing its programs. This position is forward-facing and will be responsible for representing the vision of globalFEST’s co-directors to funders, the field, and the audience while executing this vision through all activities.

Primary responsibilities include fundraising, development and expansion of the board of directors, developing and renewing relationships with prospective funders and sponsors, managing the flagship festival and participation in the Association of Performing Arts Professionals and other conferences, business development, and guiding a strategic planning process to guide the organization toward long-term sustainability. The ED will report to the organization’s three co-directors who form its current board.

Fundraising  Renew relationships with prospective funders and sponsors and seek grants from private foundations as well as individual gifts; write grants and funder reports, and research and develop new funding sources; maintain a portfolio of funders and communication with those funders; maintain a calendar of grants; administer gF grassroots and crowdfunding campaigns.

Board Development  In partnership with co-directors, develop and execute a plan for expanding the board of directors for the organization. Schedule and facilitate quarterly board meetings with artistic directors.

Strategic Planning  Drive and facilitate a process that produces a 3-5 year strategic plan for the organization that lays out a roadmap for long-term sustainability.

Earned Revenue  Explore new opportunities for mission-based business development.

Management + Producing  Manage flagship festival strategy and production, including Wavelengths Conference and other events. Serve as primary contact for artists/agents/managers. Manage vendor relationships including PR, immigration, production staff etc, designers, etc.

General  Manage annual budget, payroll, taxes, accounts payable and receivable using Quick Books; Provide regular reports to co-directors and board; maintain a database of alumni artists, managers, agents, labels etc.; represent the organization in the performing arts field at conferences, panels, and other opportunities.

Compensation

Salary in mid $70,000s range, commensurate with experience

 

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in a Director position at a fast-paced performing arts organization. Knowledge of a broad range of global music traditions a plus.
• Successful grant writing and fundraising accomplishments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Google suite, Social media platforms, Dropbox and QuickBooks
• Cultural competency, social intelligence, and desire to work with diverse people from around the world
• Demonstrated ability to implement organizational systems
• Strong knowledge of budgets
• Ability to devise strategic responses to organizational issues
• Ability to function effectively when under pressure
• Ability to set communications strategy
• Multilingual a plus
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience