Very soon, Shopfront Theatre will say goodbye to Artistic Director/CEO TJ Eckleberg as he heads out to pursue a collage of exciting and interesting new projects both in Australia and Internationally. He’s been a fantastic visionary for Shopfront Theatre, a tireless visionary and a go get ’em facilitator to the development of many artists over his 7 year career. We have been very lucky to have a dynamo like TJ forging ahead into sometimes unknown territory – and we can only wish him the very best for the future which will be nothing but bright and exciting. But this means, that…

Shopfront is seeking an Artistic Director / CEO!

Shopfront Contemporary Arts & Performance is looking for an experienced Artistic Director / CEO with exceptional creative vision, and outstanding leadership and business skills to lead its dynamic and creative community. We are looking for someone with the ability to inspire as an artist and director; and who is passionate, innovative and supportive in their cultivation of individuals and the community.

Shopfront is a dynamic and exciting organisation. Using a process fusing different forms and disciplines, the company incorporates technology, contemporary arts practice and sustained skills development to foster long term engagement and empowerment of young people.

Please download the Job Information Pack www.shopfront.org.au

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Role Summary
The Artistic Director / CEO develops the artistic and business vision for Shopfront in collaboration with young people, the Board, staff and other stakeholders such as partners in response to the needs and interests of the community. The Artistic Director / CEO is then responsible for leading Shopfront towards this vision while creating and sustaining a culture that reflects our core philosophies and values. The Artistic Director / CEO ensures the ongoing success and sustainability of Shopfront through judicious planning and allocation of resources. Importantly, the Artistic Director / CEO actively participates as an artist in the day-to-day life of Shopfront.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Community, Arts, and Cultural Development: Create Sector Leadership & Advocacy
• As a Key Producer for the Australia Council, maintain and build on Shopfront’s reputation for leadership, excellence, and innovation in the sector.
• Pro-actively contribute to sector advocacy and development in Australia by building relationships and partnerships, fostering / mentoring other organisations, and exploiting opportunities to advocate and influence on behalf of the sector.
• Attend interstate meetings, symposiums etc as required. Artistic Program: Create an Outstanding Artistic Organisation
• Devise, resource, implement, and evaluate an outstanding annual Artistic Program in collaboration with: young people, staff, professional artists, community stakeholders & partners, and the Board. The annual Artistic Program weaves together major theatre and arts works, outreach activities, skills development (workshop program), and mentoring initiatives.
• Devise multi-disciplinary theatre / arts projects with and for young people aged 8 – 25 years old that maximise their opportunities to work with professional artists and express themselves in performance.
• Direct selected theatre and arts projects in collaboration with young people and professional artists.
• Oversee a high quality, diverse workshop program in collaboration with Shopfront’s management and staff. Provide supervision, support, and mentoring to the workshop tutors, participants, and families.

Leadership: Create an Inspirational Culture
• Create and maintain an organisational culture that inspires and supports every person that comes into contact with Shopfront.
• Lead the management team and staff to achieve Shopfront’s artistic and business goals. Set annual objectives, conduct feedback reviews, and ensure a program of professional and personal development opportunities.
• In consultation with the Board, the General Manager, and Members (when appropriate) recruit management team and key staff..
• Recruit, lead, and direct professional artists to support the delivery of the Artistic Program and projects. Oversee the employment and management of additional artistic and support staff across the breadth of the Artistic Program. Shopfront engages approximately 50 casual contracted positions throughout the year.
Stakeholders: Create Sustainable & Diverse Relationships
• Ensure that diverse, effective, and sustainable relationships / partnerships are built and maintained with: funding bodies at the local, state, and national level; philanthropic organisations; business sponsors; and donors. These relationships underpin the financial viability of Shopfront’s activities.
• Oversee the optimisation of levels of earned income from the Workshop Program, ticket sales, and merchandise to balance financial goals with an inclusive and community philosophy.
• Consult regularly with all Shopfront stakeholders – members (including parents/caregivers), participants, tutors, sponsors, patrons, staff, Board, schools, local Government, community and cultural organisations, funding, philanthropic and community partners, and the media.
• Advocate Shopfront in the wider community and cultural sector to enhance Shopfront’s profile and generate support for Shopfront’s Artistic Program and organisational goals. Oversee strategic initiatives for the marketing and promotion of the organisation.
• Maintain relationships with industry peers and organisations. Business: Create Transparent & Effective Governance
• In consultation with Members and the community and in close collaboration with the General Manager and Board, develop and revise annually a three-year rolling business plan for approval by the Board.
• In partnership with the General Manager, manage the operations, people, assets, and resources of Shopfront to deliver on the business plan and mitigate potential and actual risks.

Deliver annual operating budgets for approval by the Board and ensure the organisation fulfils all of its financial obligations.
Provide regular organisational reports to the Board and attend Board meetings. Ensure all reporting requirements for funding organisations are fulfilled.
REPORTS TO:
The Board of Directors
DIRECT REPORTS:
This position has 3 full-time direct reports: General Manager, Producer/Marketing Coordinator and the Outreach Director. There are also two key Artistic Associates in part- time roles.
WORKING HOURS:
37.5 hours per week. Weekend and evening work will be necessary in accordance with program requirements.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Essential
1. Demonstrated experience and /or qualifications in working with young people collaboratively in arts and performance plus an understanding of, and interest in, youth culture
2. Demonstrated experience in the strategic artistic programming & business management of a theatre company or arts organisation.
3. Proven track record in building diverse funding sources (including peak government bodies) and managing those stakeholder relationships.
4. Demonstrated leadership qualities, including the ability to inspire through a vision, and build effective teams.
5. A commitment to a culture of inclusivity and cultural diversity
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders
7. Ability to prioritise workloads and meet competing deadlines whilst working in a small team environment.

Desirable
1. Skills and experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and community cultural development
2. Demonstrated experience in devising and directing large scale productions / arts projects. Preferably including emerging artforms and technologies
3. Awareness of social and youth work practices
4. Current drivers licence

Additional Information About the position:
Shopfront Contemporary Arts and Performance is funded by the Australia Council for the Arts, Arts NSW, and the NSW Department of Community Services. Working with children checks are required of all employees.
www.shopfront.org.au