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Director of Finance
McCarter Theatre
Center for the Performing Arts
Princeton, New Jersey
Background
McCarter Theatre is a remarkable institution, and the only organization in this country that is both a professional producing theatre and a major presenter of the performing arts. With this identity comes a mission-level, unique commitment to creating, developing and producing new work for the stage, reinvestigating the classical theatrical repertoire, and bringing the best of the world's performing artists to Princeton; Central New Jersey; and the greater New York City/Philadelphia metropolitan area. Through these productions and presentations, McCarter pursues its unwavering commitment to engaging, educating and cultivating a broad range of audiences. It makes the arts accessible to all people and presents an unparalleled variety of bold, stimulating, diverse and provocative programs across a variety of disciplines.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Emily Mann since 1990, joined by Managing Director Tim Shields in 2009, the theatre series has had a particular focus upon work of political and social significance, and innovation has been a driving force in choosing the seasons. McCarter has commissioned a large number of new plays and has produced 80% of them, a very impressive rate. In the past ten years, 14 plays developed by McCarter have been among the most performed plays in the country according to TCG. The performing arts presenting series has been under the guidance of one of the country’s great curators for the past 50 years, Special Programming Director Bill Lockwood, and continues to highlight already established masters as well as the very best artists of the current generation.
The education program is robust with programs both in the schools and at McCarter. One of the many successful and unusual such programs is Youth Ink, a high school playwrighting program in which significant professional writers teach playwrighting for a year in selected high schools across the State, culminating in a professionally produced showcase. In addition there is an education department produced annual touring show that tours area schools to great acclaim.
Desired initiatives include creating a strong research and development arm for new plays and musicals, plus commissioning important work for the presenting series. Moreover, through collaborations with New York City and regional theatres, as well as theatres overseas such as the Abbey, Young Vic, and Royal Court, McCarter intends to strengthen its national and international profile. There are already a total of some 300 events a year at the McCarter.
McCarter like most theatres, has seen a decline in subscription sales, and from contributions from governmental, foundation and corporate sources. On the other hand, single ticket sales have grown, and contributions from individuals in the last three years have continued to increase. Over the past few years, there have been slight operating deficits that have adhered to the levels called for in the Board approved strategic plan. These deficits, although bothersome, do not prevent the organization from pursuing its mission with full zeal.
McCarter operates on a budget of about $12.5 million annually, inclusive of both the performing arts and theatre series. It operates two theatres, the 1072 seat Matthews, and the 365 seat Berlind (the latter built in 2004 in partnership with Princeton University). Recently, McCarter has from time to time transformed its rehearsal room into a black box for workshops of new plays. The full time staff includes 75 professionals. The Board of Trustees is composed of 40 committed advocates, which includes a number of seats designated for Princeton University representatives.
More information about the McCarter can be found at its website
www.mccarter.org
Position and Responsibilities
The Director of Finance is a new position and will lead a restructured finance department composed of a Full Charge Bookkeeper, an Assistant Controller, and a Business Office Intern. The Director of Finance is part of the theatre’s senior leadership team. The position reports to the General Manager and also works closely with the Managing Director, relevant Board committees, and other theater staff. The Director of Finance:
1. Supervises all aspects of the theatre’s financial operations, including the establishment of accounting controls, and enforcing procedures to ensure compliance.
2. Ensures accurate and timely recording of daily, monthly and annual financial activity.
3. Manages the preparation of the annual audit.
4. Fulfills government and grant source reporting requirements.
5. Manages operational and grant project budget planning, reporting, and forecasting.
6. Manages and reports organizational cash flow.
7. Provides financial advice and trend analysis to the Managing Director and Board of Directors.
8. Works collaboratively with the other departments in the theatre.
9. Trains, mentors, and supervises an effective, professional staff and recruits and replaces as necessary, in consultation with the theater’s senior leadership.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will:
1. Be a forward-thinking leader and administrator, with the ability to ensure and maintain integrity in the theatre’s financial operations.
2. Have extensive knowledge and use of computerized accounting applications and spreadsheet software. Experience with the Great Plains accounting program a plus.
3. Possess the ability and perspective to evaluate and implement opportunities for improvements and efficiencies in financial administration, reporting, and analysis,
4. Have a genuine understanding of the “story behind the numbers”, and the judgment to interpret and analyze them in context of the theatre’s entire operations.
5. Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Be very well-organized, able to plan and manage strategically, set priorities and focus on details while not losing sight of the big picture, with the flexibility to welcome and embrace change, and the ability to balance the many challenges inherent in a dynamic, fast-paced theatre environment.
7. Have solid experience in managing, mentoring and motivating staff, and the ability to inspire those working with him/her toward accomplishing common objectives.
8. Be someone with initiative, creativity, energy, and a sense of humor, who enjoys working as a team player but also has the capability to work independently and as a self-starter.
9. Have a genuine interest in McCarter Theatre, and understand and support the theatre’s mission.
10. Have, at minimum, a Baccalaureate degree in accounting or a related field, and at least seven to 10 years of professional experience gained in progressively senior positions, preferably in an arts or other nonprofit environment.
Compensation
Salary will be commensurate with the level of experience required for this position. The range of benefits includes a 100% paid health insurance plan (single coverage), dental insurance, an employer contributory pension plan, employer paid life insurance, employer paid long term and short term disability plan, as well as sick, personal and vacation leave.
Start
Date
This is a new position that will be filled as soon as possible.
Procedure for Application
Interested and qualified candidates, and recommendations of same, are encouraged to apply to the consulting firm retained for the search:
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