OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY: PRESIDENT IRVINE BARCLAY THEATER
Since opening its doors in 1990, Irvine Barclay Theatre (the Barclay) has emerged as one of California’s most imaginative performing arts showcases. A unique collaborative venture of the City of Irvine, the University of California, Irvine, and the private sector, it is an independent, 501(c)(3) organization with a budget of approximately $4.0 million. It has a reputation for wide-ranging programming in the fields of contemporary dance, music, and theater arts. The Barclay is known for featuring the work of both established and up-and-coming artist, and is often described by artists as one of their favorite venues. Performances take place in the intimate 750-seat Cheng Hall located on the campus of the University of California, Irvine. The Barclay is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics.
The partners created Irvine Barclay Theatre to showcase top quality artists, to provide a superior facility for local and regional arts groups, and to enhance UCI’s educational mission, particularly the programs generated by its School of the Arts. The theatre auditorium is named for Dr. George and Arlene Cheng, visionary leaders in Orange County arts philanthropy.
Past seasons have included a broad range of performances presented by the Barclay featuring artists as diverse as Mummenschanz, Hubbard Street Dance, Yo-Yo Ma, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Elvis Costello and Forever Tango. The International Contemporary Dance Series is one of the strongest in the country, drawing faithful audiences since 1992. The New World Flamenco Festival was launched in 2001, Hawaiian Music Masters Series began in 2010 and broadcasts from the National Theatre Live in London began in 2012. The Barclay is a haven for local area arts organizations and welcomes community groups who rent the venue for their performances. The School of the Arts at the University also uses the facility for performances and special events.
The new President will inspire the staff and board, and will build strong relationships within the University and the City administration. In addition, the selected candidate will have three major responsibilities:
1.) To continue to promote and curate programs of excellence marketed to Irvine and surrounding communities and reach both students and the diverse population in the area.
2.)To provide leadership to the Theatre in managing the operation which is both a presenting organization and a facility serving both the University and greater Irvine community. This includes approximately 44 unique programs curated by the organization, a projected 50 days of University usage, and about 180 days available for community events.
3.) To lead the Board in fundraising and in board development activities in support of ongoing programs, the renovation of the facility, and growing the endowment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with the Board and public partners to conduct comprehensive planning, both long and short
term, ensuring effective fulfillment of the Theatre’s vision, including providing the artistic leadership
in engaging artists and programs of the highest quality. This includes collaborating with presenting
organizations in other parts of California.
• Serve as chief fundraiser for the Barclay, helping to generate the philanthropy to support the annual
programs, the endowment, and funds necessary for the renovations of the physical plant.
• Responsibly manage the Theatre’s finances: reporting and analysis, budget preparation and management, and ensure the reliability of longer term financial and institutional planning consistent
with the long lead times for festival planning. Provide timely reports to the Board on revenues and
spending.
• Provide visionary leadership and administrative support to the Board of Directors, reporting at all
Board meetings and as necessary all Board Committee meetings. This includes assisting the board in recruiting new members.
• Develop plans to assess the local market, address audience development and identify the needs of the
community while ensuring the quality and delivery of all presentations and programs.
• Maintain the best possible relationships with the UC Irvine and the City of Irvine, and engage the
students at the University and the citizens of Irvine and surrounding areas.
• Strengthen the Barclay brand locally and nationally.
• Hold primary responsibility for personnel management, including the hiring, supervision,
development and retention of staff.
DESIRED CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES:
• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in the arts and/or arts management and a minimum of five years
increasing management experience in an arts setting. Previous experience as an executive director,
presenter or other senior general manager in the arts strongly preferred.
• Enthusiasm for the arts and intellectual offerings.
• Eyes wide open, politically astute and capable leader who is sensitive to a variety of constituents.
• High energy, skilled planner with superb organizational skills and ability to operate at a high level
both tactically and strategically.
• Stellar interpersonal skills, including a sense of humor, and proven success as a relationship builder
and fundraiser.
• Ability to be a big picture guide for the future while monitoring and executing the day-to-day tasks
and responsibilities.
• Natural leader who can attract, develop, and motivate a team and engage current and future board
leadership.
• Strong financial manager with solid budgeting, reporting, and analytic skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of comfort and believability addressing a wide variety of constituents and audiences.
• Sophisticated, seasoned professional who is curious, innovative and entrepreneurial.
COMPENSATION: Competitive salary and benefits package, including a 401(k) pension plan.
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED: Applicants and sources should call or send credentials to:
Rebecca Ruben Smith and H C SMITH LTD
24000 Mercantile Road, Suite 7
Beachwood, OH 44122
E-mail: rrsmith@hcsmith.com Phone: (216) 752-9966 /
(800) 442-7583 www.hcsmith.com
Our client is an equal opportunity employer.
