General Manager

About the Opportunity

Sundog Theatre seeks a highly organized and experienced General Manager (GM) to join its leadership team. Following the strategic direction set by the Executive Director, The GM is responsible for leading and executing smooth day-to-day operations of programmatic, administrative, and financial procedures across the organization.

As the company is in a significant period of exciting growth, this position will play an integral role in Sundog’s continued success and progression. We are a collaborative group with the mission to create positive change through the power of live performance and the arts. We seek qualified, hard-working candidates who can join our dedicated, growing team.

The General Manager will report to and work closely with the Executive Director, work in partnership with our Programs Manager, and supervise the Business Manager, Bookkeeper, and office staff.

About Sundog Theatre

Founded in 2002, Sundog Theatre is a Staten Island-based not-for-profit performing arts organization that is unique on the Island in its combination of offerings. It has an excellent reputation for the following:

--Delivering comprehensive arts education programs in over 50 schools and organizations. This component encompasses 75% of our activities;

--Offering original and contemporary theatre in Staten Island;

--Touring theatrical productions for young people to the NY tristate area; and

--Providing acting classes for children.

Among Sundog’s many initiatives in the arts education arena are theatre, dance, art, and music programs, as well as cultural heritage, anti-gun violence, and journey through history reenactment. Additionally, Sundog is piloting a literacy-based arts integration program in Staten Island elementary schools. This program, unique to NYC, is poised to be a model for additional schools that wish to use theatre and the arts to increase literacy scores and make learning more interactive and engaging. With the support of the Dept. of Education, funders, and political officials, Sundog’s program is on track to be at the forefront of improving literacy in NYC.

Sundog also commissions and presents original theatre, much of which is Island-centric--highlighting iconic people and institutions. We also tour educational shows to the NY tristate area on educational and social issues geared to young people. One of our core beliefs is that, through arts education and live theatre, people have the opportunity to expand the way they see themselves and the world.

Educators value their partnerships with us and our teaching artists. Two principals say: "Sundog's programs contribute to academic growth, a more highly motivated student body, a drop in absenteeism, and the development of a genuine sense of community among students, teachers, and administration. This partnership has contributed to our school earning an 'A' on its Report Card for three consecutive years." and “Out of all the arts in education programs I have worked with, Sundog Theater is by far one of the best. They value talent, expertise, and professionalism. Every artist has something unique to offer, and they all achieve great results with the students.”

We are looking for a GM who has the qualifications, enthusiasm, and investment in an organization that helps change lives through transformational programming. www.SundogTheatre.org

Areas of Accountability and Key Responsibilities

· Oversee day-to-day operations for arts education, productions, and classes; assign and ensure  

  staff job completion and goal attainment

· Review organizational effectiveness and implement needed changes

· Supervise office staff and provide guidance/feedback to help them strengthen skills, gain

  knowledge, and collaborate

· Help explore funding opportunities, supervise grant writer & assist in drafting grants/reports

· Assist the Executive Director in developing and managing an annual operating budget; provide

  input in the annual budgeting process: planning, forecasting, reporting

· With Executive Director and Program Manager, develop and manage education, production,

  and tour budgets to ensure fiscally responsible shows

· Negotiate/review fees and contract terms for artists

· Recruit, onboard, and train staff when necessary and fulfill basic human resource functions

· Update/maintain company information on government portals

· Oversee the organization of our annual benefit with Board/staff

· Attend meetings for funding and business/arts education opportunities

· Coordinate marketing and PR functions

· Maintain and build upon Sundog’s reputation in the Staten Island community

Arts-in-Education (AIE) (Sundog’s school programs: theatre, dance, music, visual arts)

· Work with AIE Manager to ensure smoothly running functions

· Seek new opportunities for Sundog in the arts education field

· Promote AIE programs and classes to schools

· Help find new teaching artists, working with AIE Manager

Theatre Production

· Supervise the coordination of theatre projects, including mainstage and touring productions, including working with the Programs Manager on planning/coordination, contracts, relationships, budgets, scheduling, and venue acquisition

Acting Classes

· Help find new class instructors when necessary

· Secure new class venues if necessary

· Make sure children’s acting classes are operating well: venue/teachers/technical/final show

There may be other/modified duties in any of the above areas.

Required skills and qualifications

· Proven success in a managerial role

· Strong leadership and decision-making abilities

· Excellent verbal/written communication skills as well as collaboration and delegation strength

· Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business management or related field

· Proven ability to develop and achieve programmatic and financial plans

· Ability to motivate/lead employees and hold them accountable

· Strong working knowledge of operational procedures

Preferred skills/qualifications

· Experience conducting performance evaluations

· Basic knowledge of human resources processes

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is $70,000, commensurate with experience. Sundog offers a benefits package, including:

● Paid time off and paid sick leave; comp and flex days

● Medical insurance

● Opportunities for professional development support

● Access to all Sundog performances

● Access to events and performances of partner organizations (when available)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Sundog Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The company prohibits discrimination and harassment based on gender, race, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or marital/partnership status.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please provide a resume, at least three references, and answers to the following questions (in lieu of a cover letter):

● What interests you about working for Sundog Theatre?

● What are three reasons you believe you are an ideal candidate for this position?

• All applications and expressed interest in this position will be handled confidentially and references will not be contacted without the candidate's permission. Although we appreciate your interest, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.