Executive Director

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE BOTTOM LINE:
CO/LAB Theater Group seeks an Executive Director to steer the organization through its next phase of growth. This role focuses on financial and fundraising strategy, management of the administrative team, operations, and public presence. In addition, the Executive Director works alongside our CO/LAB community members to increase the inclusion and visibility of individuals with developmental disabilities in the performing arts. The person in this role must prioritize the interests and wishes of CO/LAB’s actors with developmental disabilities.

This team member is expected to be onboard with CO/LAB no later than mid-January 2024.

CO/LAB Theater Group is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our organizational values state “All Are Welcome” at CO/LAB—applicants of all races, religions, gender identities or expressions, familial statuses, sexual orientations, ages, or disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. We are committed to continually diversifying our team and we aim to include new voices and experiences to our work. Neurodivergent and/or disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN JUMP ON BOARD AND:

Develop and Execute Organizational Strategy and Management
● Define and uphold the mission, vision, and values of the company
● Plan alongside the Board to ensure organizational and fiscal sustainability
● Spearhead production & documentation of Strategic Planning Process (next one to occur in 2026)
● Measure success of strategic plan and impact measures, report to staff & Board
● Ensure organization compliance with federal and state laws/regulations
● Seek, create, and cultivate relationships with prospective individual, institutional and government donors, and organizational partners

Fundraise
● In partnership with Director of Communications and Development, create an annual fundraising plan for the organization; align with organizational and strategic plan goals, Board, and Associate Board activities
● Seek, create, and cultivate relationships with prospective individual, institutional and government donors
● Diversify and develop funding streams
● Oversee submission of grant reports and applications
● Contribute to special event organization as needed by Development Manager & team
 

Board
● Partner with Board to accomplish strategic vision
● Plan and execute quarterly Board meetings, recruitment and nomination process
● Liaison between staff and Board
● Create, update, and track agreements, pledge forms, and signed paperwork.
● Seek Professional Development opportunities
● Support committees/task forces as needed

Associate Board
● Act as liaison between Associate Board and staff
● Work alongside chairs to develop group’s annual work plan
● Spearhead nomination efforts & recruitment process

Finance
● Run finance committee meetings
● Propose changes in budget to finance committee
● Prepare financial reports for staff meetings, board meetings, and grants
● Oversee annual budget, including budget changes throughout the year
● Maintain and/or outsource current & accurate bookkeeping
● Run and manage payroll for administrative staff and TAs, including developing payroll systems and processes

Compliance
● Manage all insurance policies and update as needed
● Review any new internal legal documents and external contracts, solicit approval from Board if necessary.
● Liaise with legal team to create and revise necessary documents

Staff
● Preside over staff meetings
● Final decision regarding hiring and firing employees
● Directly manage Director of Communications and Development, and Director of Programs
● Oversee performance management process
● Support creation of fundraising plan

Human Resources
● Oversee Professional Development opportunities (full staff engagements)
● Oversee productivity tools
● Update and maintain employee handbook
● Track Signed Paperwork from employees inclusive of:
○ background checks
○ waivers / liability
● Liaise with PEO: JustWorks
● Execute performance management process execution (alongside GPM committee)
● Manage Hiring and Onboarding process; manage off-boarding strategy & processes

 
WE’RE HOPING YOU CAN SAY YES TO ALL OR MOST OF THE FOLLOWING:
● I have relevant education, work, or volunteer experience that apply to this position. This includes a combination of the following: executive leadership, nonprofit management, arts accessibility and disability advocacy, management of a growing team, fundraising, board development, and/or working with individuals with developmental disabilities or neurodiversities.
● I have experience growing an organization in an intentional and inclusive way
● I have operations experience and can manage financial and HR systems
● I am a great community builder, people trust me, and I love connecting with folks over their passion for disability, theater, and the intersection of the two.
● Flexibility is one of my greatest strengths. I am a great pinch-hitter and can often jump in as needed and rearrange my schedule and/or workflow.
● I have exceptional communication skills and can adjust my approach and communication method for various audiences.
● I am a transparent and decisive leader and problem solver; I let people know about current issues, include them in building solutions, and share information widely as appropriate.
● I am comfortable managing a team of independent individuals with various strengths and work styles
● I am skilled at providing thoughtful individual supervision by giving timely feedback, celebrating successes, and encouraging colleagues to take risks and grow.
● I am organized and have the ability to work on several projects at once, prioritize tasks, and delegate assignments.
● I love to collaborate and welcome creative ideas.
● I am self-driven, solution-oriented, and an analytical and critical thinker.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS JOB:
● The position reports to the Board of Directors.

Work Environment
● This job may be performed remotely and in a professional office environment in Manhattan. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, online communication software, and databases.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
● This position is full-time, exempt. The Executive Director must be available for phone and email contact Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend work will be required to observe programs, participate in meetings, attend events, performances, and classes.
● The position requires the individual to live in/around NYC.
● This position will receive health benefits with partial employer contribution.
● CO/LAB requires all staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
● Work environment: Hybrid job, in person, at the office and at venues throughout NYC.
● CO/LAB is proud to offer a generous vacation policy for our administrative staff.
● CO/LAB will provide access to the appropriate technology needed to carry out the responsibilities of this position.
● CO/LAB believes in creating a work environment where employees are nurtured and supported. We provide an annual professional development stipend, take extreme care in our performance management systems, and have multiple full-team outings and office closures per year.