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Job Postings

ADMINISTRATION

Interim Executive Director

Porchlight seeks a motivated and experienced individual to serve in an interim capacity and who will be expected to initiate and lead a transformation to significantly improve the organization’s overall business performance, including product offering(s) and profitability. This will allow PMT to invest in further growing the organization for years to come. This leader will also oversee the general operations of PMT, ensuring the consistent achievement of the mission and objectives, providing leadership in overall season programming, financial and human resource management, fundraising, delivery of artistic, education and outreach programs, strategic planning and board relations, all in alignment with the transformation. This is a full-time interim position, with an estimated term of 12 to 18 months, and will be located in Chicago.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management (60%) 

Ensure a successful business transformation while continuing to deliver on ongoing programmatic excellence and evaluation, consistent quality of finance and administration, fundraising, communications and systems, and maintain a work environment that champions diversity and motivates high performance and successful outcomes.

• Define and execute on an organizational and funding structure that meets current and short-term needs for mission delivery while setting the organization up for long-term success and viability.
• Lead the planning and coordination of season programming in collaboration with the artistic director, production director and other departmental leads in a manner that is both sustainable and consistent with Porchlight’s mission.
• Work with board treasurer, finance team and external accountants to oversee payables and receivables, payroll processing and above all, to monitor cash flow and ensure all departments are operating on budget. 
• Lead, coach, develop and retain senior management team.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion and access at all levels of the organization, providing leadership in implementing and maintaining successful practices.
• Maintain an organizational culture that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse, top-performing team.
• With Artistic Director, represent PMT in all union matters including contract negotiations. 
• Negotiate and manage major contracts involving office/production facility, performance venues, lead artists and production rights/royalties.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state & local regulations and PMT policies, procedures and bylaws.

Fundraising & Relationship Building (20%)

Collaborate with development team to create and execute the annual development plan encompassing individual giving, major gifts, board giving and engagement, corporate sponsorships, government and foundation funding and special events, ensuring objectives and activities are consistently communicated to stakeholders (including staff and board) and goals are met.  

• With Development Director, manage relationships with the organization’s top donors.
• Energize volunteers, board members, patrons, donors, funders and other stakeholders.
• With Development Director, develop, maintain and support a strong and engaged board of directors and committee structure.
• Actively network in the theater industry, government, foundation and business communities.

Strategic Oversight & Financial Planning (20%)

Provide leadership in continuing the applicable strategic objectives of the organization, while helping (in collaboration with the Board of Directors) to define and then execute on those new strategic initiatives required to transform the Porchlight organization into a world-class theatre business with both strong product offering(s) and a growth organization with strong financial planning and the ability to profit enough to continue to reinvest in the growth of the business and its people. 

• Oversee maintenance of the theater’s long-range strategic and financial plans.
• Work closely with key stakeholders (board and staff) to shepherd the organization through this transition with a focus on managerial stability and financial rigor.
• Regularly review and report on progress related to strategic and financial plans, recommending updates and adjustments as needed.

• Recommend plans, timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic and financial goals.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS    

• Minimum 7 years of non-profit leadership at the senior/executive level, preferably in the performing arts, with experience having successfully turned around organizational performance, both with product offerings as well as financials, in order to deliver viability for years to come. 
• Demonstrated experience in managing people and budgets, with the confidence to lead, motivate, engage and inspire others, sometimes through a difficult and unpredictable process. This includes communicating and liaising with various constituencies including permanent staff, temporary/production team, board members, funders, community leaders, etc.
• Proven track record as a results-oriented leader with a strong working knowledge of non-profit management, including financials, human resource management and strategic oversight.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills, time management and superb interpersonal skills.
• Strong change mindset and the ability to make difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions to ensure the strength and viability of the organization as part of the transformation.
• Detail oriented with demonstrated ability balancing and successfully delivering on multiple tasks and priorities.
• Demonstrated success in securing philanthropic gifts of $100K+ from foundations, corporations and/or individuals.
• Demonstrated success in budget oversight and management, including forecasting and goal setting/achievement, especially related to annual funding goals, productions and overall operations.
• Ability to work evening and weekend performances, events or meetings as necessary.
• Displays integrity, credibility and dedication to the mission of Porchlight Music Theatre.

COMPENSATION

• $100,000 – $125,000 annually, dependent upon experience and qualifications.
• Optional individual PPO health insurance with at least 80% employer contribution for individual coverage; optional dental/vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Flexible hybrid work setting.
• No relocation expenses will be provided.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to boardchair@porchlightmusictheatre.org. No phone calls, please. Applications will be reviewed, with preference given to materials received by May 30, 2024. Initial screening calls will be scheduled in early June 2024, with virtual and live interviews for finalists starting June 21, 2024. Anticipated approximate start date: August 1, 2024.

Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

DEVELOPMENT

Development Director

Porchlight seeks a motivated and experienced individual to create and implement the annual strategic development plan, refining a structure for effective fundraising to meet the organization’s current and future financial needs in a sustainable and consistent way. With a specific focus on individual and major gifts, the Development Director fosters relationships with existing and potential individual donors, foundation funders, corporate sponsors/funders, and other public/private organizations in an effort to advance the organization’s mission. The Development Director directly supervises two full-time associates and grant writing consultant(s). 

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Annual Planning (25%)

• Create and oversee execution of annual development planning, encompassing measurable objectives for major gifts, individual support, planned giving, private/government funding, corporate sponsorships/partnerships, and events, with strategies for identification/prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and recognition.
• Oversee Development staff in data management, accurate record keeping, gift processing, fulfillment of donor benefits, gift recognition, strategies for moves management, and donor correspondence.
• Create and maintain tracking reports to reflect and assure progress toward goals; share results with staff, Development Committee and Board on an ongoing basis.
• Conceptualize and support creation of effective and compelling communications, solicitations, and proposals for funding/fundraising opportunities.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Porchlight’s work and effectively communicate the organization’s accomplishments, goals, and strategies to prospective donors.

Major Donors (25%)

• Support and expand a major gifts program that emphasizes identifying, cultivating, securing, and retaining major gifts that includes donor recognition, multi-year pledges, and a system for moving donor commitments forward.
• Aggressively initiate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings with donors and prospects.
• In conjunction with Board leadership and ED, create and execute an annual Board campaign to ensure 100% Board giving at consistently increasing levels.
• Oversee portfolios of donors and assist relationship owners with managing their portfolios.

Events (20%)

• Oversee, with Development staff, a portfolio of events, including opening night celebrations, ICONS Gala, Chicago Sings fundraising concert, and smaller donor events, as well as fundraising/engagement at performances, community events and education programs.
• Manage logistics to ensure smooth-running events, achievement of goals, and exceptional donor experiences, collaborating with departments, vendors, venues and volunteers.
• Implement strategies for converting event/performance attendees to donors and/or engage them in other meaningful ways post-event (e.g. committees, performances, board, etc.).
• Serve as a knowledgeable and enthusiastic representative at performances and events.

Institutional Funding & Sponsorships (20%)

• Manage outsourced grant writer(s) in writing and submitting letters of inquiry, applications, and reports by established deadlines. 
• Ensure up-to-date grant calendar, case for support and other key data.
• Collaborate with program areas to identify new funding opportunities. 
• Aggressively initiate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship meetings with existing and prospective funders/sponsors.

Other (10%)

• Work with Development team/ED to create and manage the annual Development budget, reconciling with Finance department monthly.
• Hire, manage and mentor development staff, prioritizing work and offering direction and support that ensures both effective results and engaged employees.
• Provide support for the Porchlight Young Professionals associate board, helping to drive recruitment and maximizing PYP fundraising success. 
• Provide fundraising support to staff, committees and board as needed. 
• Serve as staff liaison to the Development Committee, consistently communicating with Chair(s), inspiring and supporting members, and ensuring committee work proceeds according to the annual plan and timeline.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 7 years experience in development/fundraising 
• Proven track record in setting and executing development strategy, establishing and developing solid donor relationships, and meeting fundraising goals
• Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, and presentation skills; ability to make a strong, effective case for support
• Basic level of experience and comfort with donor databases (PatronManager experience preferred but not required)
• Strong organizational and planning skills with ability to focus on strategic vision as well as day-to-day plans
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and to handle multiple tasks and priorities
• Team player with high level of initiative and professionalism 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as performances, events or meetings require
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and dedication to the mission of Porchlight Music Theatre

COMPENSATION

• $100,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Optional individual PPO health insurance with at least 80% employer contribution for individual coverage; optional dental/vision coverage
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually
• Flexible hybrid work setting

CLOSING & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please send a cover letter and resume via email to employment-intern@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Closing instructions in job postings. No phone calls, please. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply.

EDUCATION

Teaching Artist

Porchlight is hiring Teaching Artists for all youth programs – specifically for in-school residencies and after-school programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Work with Education Director and teaching team to plan, prepare, and execute classes upon agreed schedule 
• Attend teachers’ meeting prior to the start of the teaching session and agreed upon number of continuing training and professional development sessions 
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class and be ready to receive students at class time 
• Not miss more than two classes per session 
• Communicate the need for a sub as soon as possible to Education Director 
• Participate in self evaluation and provide feedback on teaching team and class experience
• Restore the classroom space after class each day 
• Communicate the need for all printing and supplies as soon as possible, or purchase and submit reimbursement
• Adhere to all deadlines for class communications including newsletters and programs 

How to Apply:

Please send your teaching resume to Education Director, Rebeccah Singer, at rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre – especially residents of Chicago’s south and west side and Spanish speaking teaching artists – are strongly encouraged to apply.

INTERNSHIPS

Join the Team. Be a Porchlight Intern.

Porchlight Music Theatre’s Internship program is an opportunity for qualified college students, graduates and young professionals to learn in a hands-on environment as part of the staff of a non-profit theater. Porchlight offers internships in different categories: Artistic Administration, Education & Outreach, Development & Special Events, Marketing & PR/Publicity, and Artistic/Casting.

Porchlight Interns work closely with their departments on special projects and ongoing work. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Porchlight Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. You can find more information about each internship in “more info”.

Questions? Email rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org

Porchlight is NOT accepting applications for internships at this time. Thank you for your interest.

MORE INFO

Be a Part of Our Team As a Volunteer*

Porchlight Music Theatre welcomes volunteers to assist our staff on a variety of projects and events.

• Volunteer benefits include complimentary tickets to Porchlight Music Theatre productions and events, as available.
• Volunteers must complete and submit an application, and an interview will be conducted either in person or via phone.

For more information, please email info@porchlightmusictheatre.org, subject: Volunteer.

*Please note that theatre ushers are provided by The Saints, Volunteers for the Performing Arts. For information on how you can become a Saint, call (773) 529-5510.

I Want to Volunteer!

Script Submissions

Porchlight Music Theatre accepts full length scripts year-round from literary agents and theatre professionals with whom we have an existing professional relationship. We invite unrepresented writers to submit a brief bio, short synopsis, and ten pages of sample dialogue and music on CD or sent electronically.

More Info