Director of Communications

About the Opportunity
These are exciting times in Sarasota as the Foundation is currently leading the vision to build a new world-class Sarasota Performing Arts Center in a public-private partnership with the city of Sarasota and in collaboration with the Bay Park Conservancy and Van Wezel Hall. The Foundation is seeking an experienced Director of Communications to lead all messaging, public relations, communications for this transformational new project.

The next Director of Communications will become an essential team member at this pivotal time in the cultural life of Sarasota, providing leadership in engaging the public – from civic leaders to elected officials, arts patrons to business leaders – in support of this exciting new community treasure. Internationally renowned architect Renzo Piano Building Workshop has been tapped to design this new Florida cultural icon along Sarasota’s unforgettable waterfront. More information on the project and design documents are available at https://tinyurl.com/yz4k8jbn.

About Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation emerged from the community’s long-standing commitment to cultural excellence and performing arts in the Gulf Coast region. Building upon Sarasota’s rich artistic heritage, which has included decades of renowned performances at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Foundation was established to help shepherd the next generation of performing arts in the region. Working in close partnership with the Van Wezel Foundation and the City of Sarasota, the organization is advancing the vision and planning for a new performing arts center designed by Renzo Piano Workshop as part of The Bay Park project. The Foundation’s mission extends beyond just creating a new venue – it encompasses fostering educational opportunities, expanding access to the arts, creating accessible community arts spaces, and ensuring Sarasota continues to be a premier destination for world-class performances and cultural experiences.

To learn more about Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation visit: https://tinyurl.com/3yanwhy8 and https://tinyurl.com/yeyvjw3r.

Job Description
- The Director of Communications will take the lead, in collaboration with the Foundation team, in creating and executing communication plans that amplify the organization’s mission and boost local and national support in the form of philanthropy, community building, brand recognition, and patron and participant growth. This role partners regularly with the CEO, as well as the Development and Community Engagement teams.
- Working closely with the Communications Team, this position will lead the strategy and execution of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center communications plan and initiatives. The Communications Team includes the CEO, Chief Development Officer, key members of the Foundation’s Board, the City of Sarasota, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and communications and PR consultants.
- This leader is a compelling, strategic, and diplomatic communicator and collaborator who enjoys wearing multiple hats and thrives in a changing environment. They think creatively, are consistently proactive, and eager to be a key part of a project that will greatly enhance the cultural landscape of Sarasota and the surrounding communities.

For a detailed description of job responsibilities, visit https://www.tomocgroup.com/jobs-listing/sarasota-performing-arts-foundation-dir-communications.

Key qualities of the successful candidate include:
- Diplomacy – The capacity to listen to and understand different perspectives, handle political issues with sensitivity and respect, and communicate effectively with people across constituencies with sometimes conflicting priorities.
- Optimism - A belief in a big vision to serve a region, during a multi-year project that has a variety of stakeholders and points of view.
- Flexibility - The ability to respond promptly to shifts in priorities and tasks, as well as agility in accepting new ideas and approaches in response to the realities of a long term project.

Compensation
The Foundation offers competitive compensation for this position, with a salary range expected between $120-130K, and a generous benefits package that includes fully covered medical and dental insurance, 403b, generous PTO and more.

Requirements

• 5+ years working in communications or marketing, with 2+ years leading a department or team
• Love of the arts and arts education
• 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. *Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Application Instructions

• The search for the Director of Communications is being conducted on behalf of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation by Tom O'Connor Consulting Group, a New York-based executive search and consulting firm specializing in the arts and culture industries. Cynthia Fuhrman, Vice President/Executive Search, and Tomi Douglas, Search Consultant, are leading the search process in support of Executive leadership at the Foundation.
• Please use your cover letter to tell them about what you hope to bring to this role, and how your background and experience responds to the desired skills and qualities.
• To apply, visit the online application (https://tinyurl.com/y3wzmepa) and submit your materials. Your cover letter should include relevant experience, including any direct experience you’ve had with similar roles and institutions. For best consideration, please apply by November 22, 2024. No phone calls, please.