Organization

Since its opening in 1835, just a few blocks from the White House, The National Theatre (The National) has premiered landmark American musicals, including West Side Story in 1957; hosted presidential inaugural balls; and played a significant role in important national events, including the struggle for civil rights. Deeply steeped in the history of the United States, it was at The National that President Lincoln watched the Washington debut of John Wilkes Booth in the title role of Shakespeare’s Richard III. The original theater was reconstructed several times in the 19th century following a number of fires. The current building had its first performance in 1923 and in the early 1980s, the theater underwent a major renovation. The refurbished theater opened in 1984, with President and Mrs. Reagan attending a gala benefit performance of David Merrick’s 42nd Street. Simply put, few theaters in America have the history, prestige, and continuing vitality of The National Theatre.

Beloved actress Debbie Reynolds once said, “When a show plays at The National, it’s playing for America.” The National has welcomed almost every major theatrical star in United States history. It strives to be the “Stage for the Nation,” by presenting the highest caliber performing arts, ranging from Broadway productions to popular entertainment and award-winning educational programming. The National’s 2018-2019 season includes six Broadway productions along with a wide range of educational and community initiatives, such as Saturday Morning at The National, a series of free educational programs for children, and the Community Stage Connections, a free program that brings theatrical and musical performances to areas of the District of Columbia and surrounding communities that have limited access to the arts.

The National has two performance venues - the main theater, with a capacity of approximately 1,700, and the Helen Hayes Gallery, an intimate 125-seat performance space ideal for educational programming and smaller performances. The National also has an extensive collection of archival materials, including playbills, photographs, articles, and posters. Plans for proper storage, access, digitization, and display are currently under development.

While its name may suggest otherwise, The National does not receive government funding. The building is privately owned and leased to The National Theatre Corporation (NTC)—a nonprofit organization established in 1974 and governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. John B. Adams, Jr. serves as Chair. NTC’s fiscal year 2019 operating budget is more than $600,000, consisting of approximately 71 percent in contributed revenue and approximately 29 percent in earned revenue. This does not reflect capital improvement funds. Among other responsibilities, NTC’s three-person staff manages The National’s relationship with National Theatre Group (NTG). NTG is an affiliate of Jam Theatricals and is responsible for the “Broadway at The National” season each year. NTC also guides community engagement, oversees educational programs, and preserves The National and its archives.

NTC’s strategic planning is focused on establishing an even clearer identity, supporting NTG’s mainstage presentations, expanding its community engagement programs, and communicating The National’s rich history in order to distinguish it from its sister theaters and performance spaces. NTC’s corresponding strategic initiatives in the coming years include bringing The National’s archives and history to the public’s attention, increasing its organizational capacity, expanding its economic model, increasing its strategic partnerships, and formulating a communication plan that tells the compelling, inspiring story of The National.

Position

The Executive Director will be NTC’s chief operating officer with a core focus on achieving The National’s strategic objectives. This is a key leadership role not only at The National but also in the cultural life of Washington, DC. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of The National and report directly to the Board of Directors. This individual will tend to the overall financial well-being of the organization, paying special attention to fundraising initiatives and NTC’s important relationship with NTG.

Human, Financial, and Technological Management

• Hire, train, and supervise administrative staff, mobilize volunteers, and oversee the effective use of financial and technological resources needed to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Guide financial planning, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting; contract reviews and management; audit and investments; and other financial management areas as needed.
• Ensure that NTC’s technological infrastructure meets the needs of its internal and external constituents.

Vision, Strategy, and Leadership

• Oversee the implementation of the Five-Year Strategic Plan (2018-2023).
• Develop an organizational culture that supports cohesive, creative, and productive relationships with strategic partners.
• Refine organizational goals and objectives consistent with the mission and values of NTC.

Fundraising and Financial Support

• Direct NTC’s fundraising efforts and provide organizational leadership in all aspects of development.
• Supervise all fundraising activities, including maintenance of a robust fundraising calendar; research and submission of all grant proposals and appeals; management of donor recognition activities; and related reporting.

Partnership Management

• Maintain a strong, positive working relationship with NTG and its management and staff.
• Ensure that organizational policies, scheduling, systems, controls, and procedures are in place, adhered to, and regularly reviewed for effectiveness.
• Provide clear and consistent financial reporting to NTC Board regarding NTG activities.

Educational Programming, Community Engagement, and Archives

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive educational program strategy, including self-produced and/or collaborative offerings, to best serve the needs of a diverse community.
• Devise an overarching approach to The National’s archives and collection of historic materials so that they are accessible and available for research, public use, and enjoyment.
• Inspire external stakeholders - including District and federal governments, institutional funders, professional and business organizations, primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and area arts organizations - to engage in the wide array of activities at The National.

Board Development and Governance

• Communicate and establish a strong working relationship with the Board, encouraging all members to be active participants and organizational ambassadors throughout the community.
• Engage with Board members to implement best practices, structures, and systems.
• Partner with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health and effective governance.

Marketing and Audience Development

• Work with NTG to increase public awareness of The National’s brand and help guide all marketing, branding, and public relations initiatives.
• Develop partnership agreements with community organizations and key media organizations.

Traits and Characteristics

The Executive Director will be a results-oriented, energetic, resourceful, and inspiring leader with the ability to set, pursue, and reach goals in a timely manner. The Executive Director will excel in entrepreneurial and creative thinking, with the ability to see the big picture. Adept at multi-tasking, this individual must be willing to adapt to changing circumstances. The successful candidate will be a people-oriented leader who inspires excellence in colleagues, provides vision to the team, and mobilizes others to fulfill organizational goals and objectives. The selected individual will be resourceful and receptive, bringing energy, optimism, and a positive outlook. The Executive Director will be passionate for the arts, particularly Broadway offerings, and the historical archives of a national treasure. The Executive Director will have impeccable character and integrity, a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion, and strong self-awareness.

Other key competencies include:

• Problem Solving Ability and Resiliency – The dexterity to anticipate, identify, and overcome obstacles, including the identification of multiple components of challenging issues, relationships between people, and steps needed to achieve optimum solutions.
• Personal Accountability – The competence to prioritize and complete necessary tasks to meet or exceed the mutually agreed-upon expectations of the role and to assume accountability for leadership actions.
• Planning and Organizing – The capacity to utilize logical, systematic, and orderly procedures to meet objectives, prioritize tasks, and develop procedures, processes, and systems that address accuracy, efficiency, and productivity.
• Physical Plant Oversight – An understanding that maintenance of the theater and the ongoing capital improvements, as funding permits, are of significant importance.

Qualifications

Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) plus a minimum of five to seven years of related senior management experience in nonprofit arts administration, historical archives, or a related field. A successful track record in fundraising and leadership best practices is expected. Requirements include strong written and oral presentation skills and high-level financial management acumen. The successful candidate will have a passion for the performing arts and arts education as well as enthusiasm for The National’s distinct and historic role in the cultural life of the Washington, DC region and the nation.

Compensation and Benefits

NTC offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits package.

Applications and Inquiries

Please submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred) to:

Ms. Jenna Deja, Vice President

Arts Consulting Group

201 West Lake Street, Suite 133

Chicago, IL 60606-1803

Tel  (888) 234.4236 Ext. 227

Email  NTC@ArtsConsulting.com

The National Theatre Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse workforce that best serves the needs of its dynamic community.