CEO

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for the operations and will implement a vision that will move The Ensemble Theatre into its next chapter of growth. The Ensemble Theatre is seeking an experienced, self-driven person to lead the organization towards favorable growth and sustainability, and to develop and direct strategies that support and enhance the institution. The ideal candidate must possess a strong entrepreneurial drive, proven operational success, outstanding communication skills and strong leadership qualities to develop and manage the budget of the organization. The candidate must also demonstrate a personal commitment to a collaborative work environment and form effective partnerships with The Ensemble Theatre’s Board of Directors, Artistic Director, staff, and other stakeholders.

Role and Responsibilities

 Strategic Leadership and Board Governance

• Share The Ensemble’s vision by developing relationships and engaging with a wide variety of constituents, including business owners, corporations/foundations, schools, colleges/universities, elected city officials, and the media, while enhancing the organization’s brand and reputation.
• Serve as a change agent and committed visionary leader, guiding The Ensemble into the future and clarifying strategic needs that support future expansion, program development partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
• Partner with the board and Artistic Director to implement the organization’s strategic vision, collaborating effectively to ensure that all operational, artistic, and financial decisions are mission-aligned to advance short-and long-range institutional goals.
• Maintain transparent and frequent communication with the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director, the staff, organizational partners, and artists, establishing a clear delineation between board and staff responsibilities focused on the growth and survival of the theatre.
• Manage board relations through regular and effective communication to ensure that boardmembers are engaged according to their skills and interests.

Operational Management and Staff Development, Leadership, and Supervision

• Plan and develop the business functions, policies, and organizational infrastructure of the company to ensure that earned revenue, fundraising, human resources, finance, marketing, and overall operations are guided by best practices and adhere to board guidelines and procedures.
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, and mentoring of key staff positions and fellows, providing professional development and growth that attracts, retains, and empowers engaged highly qualified staff members and volunteers.
• Lead conversations and encourage open and consistent communication by defining clear lines of responsibilities between the staff and board and empowering those at all levels of the organization.
• Foster a positive company culture by providing leadership to, and managing efforts of, the staff, establishing accountability measures of success while ensuring an environment where all staff, fellows, and artists feel safe, supported, valued, and respected.
• Supervise the development of operations-based financial modeling, using effective communication strategies for the marketing and development management teams to expand and diversify audiences, subscribers, and donors.
• Determine recommendations for maintenance needs of an aging facility and upgrades to equipment to the board, implementing and integrating new technology that will sustain The Ensemble effectively and efficiently.

Financial Stewardship and Earned Revenue Enhancement

• Oversee the budget, control expenditures, create forecasting models, and develop timely financial analysis with the Finance Committee to support recommendations on general operations and the real estate portfolio.
• Develop and implement consistent controls and accounting policies, procedures, and periodic monthly operational reporting/metrics to ensure the highest levels of financial accountability and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations with the Finance Committee.
• Develop reports, in collaboration with the Artistic Director to the Board of Directors, of the organization’s budget and results, prepare and scheduling monthly reports and interim updates to the Board in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with various committees on banking, payroll administration and grants, coordinating annual budget reviews, monthly and quarterly financial reviews, and forecasting based on sound financial guidelines and fiscal integrity with the operational staff.
• Re-envision new and innovative approaches to earned revenue models, ensuring that patron services and funding relationships meet or exceed strategic financial goals and objectives while maintaining the quality, mission, and reputation of The Ensemble.

Fundraising and Community Engagement

• In conjunction with Fund Development Committee, develop an overall fundraising and/or fund development plan and calendar while also preparing accurate and timely analyses that capture and communicate fundraising results, variances, as well as performance trends.
• Seek out new and renewed sources of contributed income, particularly focused on the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, corporations, and foundations while also motivating board members to leverage their skills and networks.
• Sustain and grow partnerships and alliances with mission-compatible arts and cultural organizations locally, regionally, and nationally, to expand programs and access, retain relevance, and build community to draw people back to the theater.
• Maintain a consistent presence as a highly engaged member of the Houston community focused on increasing the visibility and reputation of The Ensemble in the arts, culture, public, corporate, government, and philanthropic communities.
• Expand The Ensemble’s presence in the broader theater field, interfacing with the community by representing the organization at national convenings, participating in collective lobbying efforts, and fostering relationships with local or national peer organizations. 

Traits and Characteristics

The CEO will be a decisive, dynamic, and inspirational leader who communicates effectively with all stakeholders and solves problems with a calm and innovative approach. The candidate must have the ability to hit the ground running, have strong interpersonal skills, be self-aware, be goal oriented, honest, accountable, and direct. The CEO will be a strategic visionary who is resourceful and can resolve conflict, handle difficult situations, and make tough decisions with compassion and grace. With a transparent, and collaborative approach, the CEO will be a thoughtful, patient individual and a hands- on team-builder capable of uniting collective energy and resources to build upon the Ensemble’s legacy and secure a path toward its future.

Key competencies include:

• Energizing the Organization: The facility to inspire key stakeholders by communicating a compelling view of the organization's purpose and future direction.
• Customer Focus and Diplomacy: The dexterity to anticipate, meet and/or exceed customer needs, wants, and expectations and effectively and tactfully handle difficult or sensitive issues.
• Time and Priority Management: The capacity to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Leadership and Personal Accountability: The ability to organize and influence people to believe in a vision creates a sense of purpose and direction while also being answerable for personal actions.
• Teamwork and Project Management: The capability to cooperate with others to meet objectives by identifying and overseeing all resources, tasks, systems, and people to obtain results.
• Establishing Strategic Direction: Establishing and committing to a long-term business direction based on an analysis of systemic information and consideration of resources, market drivers, organizational values, and emerging economic, technological, and regulatory conditions.

Qualifications

The Ensemble Theatre requires a degree in business, human resources, finance, fine arts management or relevant field (MBA preferable) with 5 or more years of management experience with budgets/operations, preferably with an arts nonprofit organization. Qualified candidates will have proven success working with a Board of Director/Executive management team and demonstrate a successful track record of leadership and managerial experience within complex and dynamic organizations, as well as skills in financial management, fundraising, and relationship building.  The CEO will have experience in developing and executing strong public relations in addition to consumer development and marketing.  Candidates need not come from within the performing arts sector, although a passion for theater and knowledge of the field are expected. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) and exceptional communication skills are required.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Ensemble Theater is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the position is between $120k - $150k per year. The Ensemble Theatre offers medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401K savings plan with employer match up to 3% after 90 days of employment, paid time off and 10 paid holidays. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Please submit a cover letter and résumé by email to: ensemble_resumes@ensemblehouston.com. Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.