Job Opportunities

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Newark School of the Arts seeks an individual to serve as Executive Director upon the retirement of Stephan Shiman at the end of June 2010 (see Board Announcement later in this posting).

Incorporated in 1968, the Newark School of the Arts (NSA) provides after-school, evening and Saturday classes in music, dance, drama and the visual arts for about 500 students of all ages and abilities from Newark and a nine-county area in northern New Jersey. Nearly a quarter of the student body is comprised of adults. NSA sponsors over 50 performances, exhibitions and events each year at the school and in the community.

There are two divisions of NSA: a community division for children and adults with no requirements for admission, and a professional division for students who qualify for intensive training. NSA has a joint program with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, known as the Carollo Scholarship Program, which has attracted some of the best talent in the area.

The school is housed in a 100-year old four-story structure facing Lincoln Park which was originally a private home and then medical headquarters. The first floor of the 36-room building has been extensively renovated in the past year to add dance and visual arts training space, an art gallery and performing space. There is ample parking from two adjacent lots.

To ensure access to its programs, the school’s tuition rates are modest, and there is an extensive financial aid program based on documented need. Scholarships are available for students who demonstrate talent. Using City Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds, there is currently a special introductory program at very low tuition rates for Newark residents.

The Newark School of the Arts has an international faculty with degrees and advanced degrees from leading conservatories. Many are performers and artists of note in their own right, who occasionally perform for students, parents and others within the community.

NSA has been financially responsible with a balanced budget or surplus in most of the 42 year history and is in sound financial condition.  It is supported by a combination of foundation, business, individual, and government funds.  It has been widely recognized for its work, including two Challenge Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1982 and 1988, a "Citation of Excellence"  (2003 to 2006) and designated as a "Major Presenting" and/or "Service Organization" by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (2003 to present).

The Newark School of the Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status or sexual orientation.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DUTIES, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

The Executive Director carries out a number of duties which are well described in the Bylaws: The Executive Director shall manage the operation of the School. With approval of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director shall execute contracts and other instruments for the School, shall employ the personnel of the School, shall make available to each employee of the personnel manual of the School, shall have general charge of all of the School’s operations and activities, and shall perform all duties incident to the position and other authorized duties. The Executive Director will control receipts and disbursements of monies and submit necessary financial reports and other data that is required by the Treasurer and/or the President. The Director shall attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees and shall attend meetings of other committees when requested by the President.

Qualifications:

The Executive Director position is a business position that relates to the arts. Because it is essential that the candidate be able to relate well to artists, an artistic background is an important consideration. The person must have a solid understanding of school administration, educational programming, and forward planning. Above all, the candidate should have extensive experience running a nonprofit arts organization. That experience should demonstrate an ability to delegate duties, serve as a spokesperson and advocate, act as an effective fundraiser and financial manager, and be an effective communicator. The candidate must be able to work well with multiple constituencies, including patrons, Board members, artists, faculty members and staff.

Key Functions:

1. ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Provide collaborative leadership to the faculty and staff to enhance the operations of the School and its mission; be an inclusive and sensitive leader with respect to students, parents, the community and supporters.

2. FUNDRAISING

Oversee the establishment and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that increases fundraising activities for the annual operating budget and for long term capital needs; develop and nurture specific corporate, foundation, and individual donor relationships.

3. BOARD RELATIONS

Develop a strong working relationship and partnership with the Chairman of the Board, the Board and the Board’s committees; assist in efforts to recruit Board members; work with Board on strategic planning and execution of activities to support the vision and mission of the NSA.

4. EXTERNAL OUTREACH

Build productive relationships with relevant constituencies representing a variety of ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds – parents, students, funders, elected officials and other policy makers, the press, community leaders, the Board, employees and other interest groups.

BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT OF RETIREMENT OF STEPHEN SHIMAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

At the end of June 2010, the close of our fiscal year, the Newark School of the Arts will say farewell to Stephen Shiman as its Executive Director. After 22 years of service and leadership Stephen will retire from his position at the school to pursue other interests in the arts and education.

We all know Stephen as a skilled and talented educator and administrator. He has guided not just the institution that is the Newark School of the Arts, but also all of the many students who have come through our doors during his tenure. He has brought to the school and shared with the staff and faculty his passion for the arts. He instilled in us all the desire to nurture the artistic talents of our youth, and to prepare them to share their talents as professionals.

Stephen conducted the business of the school with the same efficiency and attention to detail that he brought to his performances as an oboist. The continued growth and success of the school is in large part due to Stephen’s demand for excellence.

The Trustees of the Newark School of the Arts will now work in collaboration with Stephen to recruit a new Executive Director. Stephen will continue in his role until a new Executive Director is announced, and he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition.

We thank Stephen for laying the groundwork for the future management of the school. He leaves us with a vibrant and well-run institution, and that legacy will make the job of finding a successor easier.

We wish Stephen joy and fulfillment in his future endeavors.


COMPENSATION

Salary will be commensurate with experience. A benefit package is included.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email resumes to hr@newarkschoolofthearts.org. No telephone calls, please.