VenuWorks of Ashland, LLC., an employee-owned private management company, operates and manages the historic 1,400 seat Paramount Arts Center, located in the heart of Ashland, KY.  

VenuWorks seeks an Executive Director that embraces an employee-owner model of leadership including the following qualities:  (a) a servant LEADER that sets the pace and values leading a group of professionals and encourages growth, learning and development;  (b) a COMMUNITY leader that builds relationships and engages with the contract administrator(s); City leaders, and community stakeholders in a positive and uplifting manner; (c) a COMMUNICATOR with strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task and with strong organizational ability; (d) and a BUSINESS leader that can perform effectively under pressure .

SUMMARY 
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the Paramount Arts Center, providing leadership and direction to all departments and staff.  This position serves as the primary liaison between VenuWorks, our client, and the City of Ashland, KY. This position also oversees the various in-house community theater productions in addition to booking and promotion of larger ticketed events of various genres. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1.    Provide cohesive and positive leadership and direction to all departments and VenuWorks staff.
2.    Aggressively promote the use of the center with agents, promoters and the community. 
3.    Serve as fiscal oversight officer for all managed business units including budget development, overview of financial and accounting systems, financial projections and controls, and personnel management.
4.    Ensure proper communication between staff, VenuWorks and Client, Promoters and City officials of Ashland through ongoing verbal and written reports.
5.    Provide oversite and administration for each of the operating units, ensuring a safe, clean and properly maintained operation. Including financial management, sales & marketing, operations, programming, and community relations. 
6.    Provide oversite and compliance with all elements of the management contract and operating agreement. 
7.    Complete performance review for direct reports and make salary recommendations.
8.    Initiate and oversee programming for facility, including contracting for entertainment events, fine arts events, and family attractions. 
9.    Research, develop, and maintain relationships with artist agents, artist management as well as local, regional and national promoters.
10.  Execute sponsorship sales and grant opportunities. Provide guidance and direction for maximizing community programming through sponsorships, grants, and donations.   
11.  Ensure efficient and effective operation, including capital maintenance and improvement projects.
12.  Represent the facility in a positive manner to the community, entertainment industries, colleges and universities, and other agencies.
13.  Plan, organize, coordinate and direct all activities and staff engaged in maintaining and operating the center.
14.  Conduct continuous performance, leadership and staff meetings on a consistent basis.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
Direct reports include FT department managers.  Indirectly supervises all personnel.  

QUALIFICATIONS 
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.    A demonstrated ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks with a minimum of instruction and supervision is essential. 

 
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 
1.    Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in applicable discipline. 
2.    At least five years (5) in the management of a similar facility or upward career progression in similar entertainment venues
3.    Advanced knowledge of current management and leadership principles
4.    Advanced knowledge of the management of fine arts, entertainment and other events
5.    Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of public assembly facility management operations, including fiscal control, policy development, marketing, and event management

 
CERTIFICATES / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS 
1.    Certified Venue Executive (CVE) or other similar professional designation is preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
1.    Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations 
2.    Ability to speak in public, both in person and via various media outlets
3.    Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals
4.    Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public

5.    Ability to speak and understand English

 
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 
1.    Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals

2.    Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions and percentages and apply them to practical situations

REASONING ABILITY 
1.    Ability to solve complex problems with sensitivity and diplomacy, while displaying decisive executive leadership
2.    Ability to define problems, evaluate data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions   
3.    Ability to maintain a calm, composed presence in an often fast-paced environment where multiple tasks, events and stimulus may occur simultaneously
4.    Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms; stand; walk; use fingers to finger, handle or feel; and climb or balance.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
2.    The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3.    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; and outside weather conditions.
2.    The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

CONCLUSION
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position.  This is not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

VenuWorks is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.