Time for a long break

Friends,

After some thinking and a lot of falling behind, I have decided to put this blog on indefinite hiatus. As you may know, I moved to New York six months ago, and while I still have great affection for and interest in the DC arts scene (I will definitely be back down for Rough Magic in a few weeks!) the truth is that I no longer really have my ear to this particular patch of ground.

I am going to leave the site up, mostly so you can still have access to the long list of links on the right. And I continue to encourage you to keep your eyes on the other job sites, particularly Philanthropy Careers and Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington. Remember that the largest institutions, particularly Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center and the National Gallery of Art, typically don't post anywhere but their own websites, so check those out too.

It never hurts to look.

Christina

NEWS: Major Leadership Transitions Afoot

Kevin Moore, Managing Director of Woolly Mammoth will leave Washington in March to become Managing Director of the Cleveland Play House. Read about it in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Jeremy Skidmore has announced his departure from Theater Alliance to pursue other, independent projects. Paul-Douglas Michnewicz will take over as Director in the interim. Read about it in the Washington Post. And speaking of Managing Directors, I'm told that Melissa-Leigh Douglass, who Theater Alliance brought on as Managing Director in March, has also left.

Development Officer, Washington Shakespeare Company

The Washington Shakespeare Company, based in Arlington, VA, is looking for a Development Officer, which is a new position for them. "This is a part-time, year-round position - available immediately. Prefer a local candidate with a strong nonprofit arts fundraising/
development background. Must be computer literate with particular emphasis on writing and grant writing skills. Strong organizational skills required. Candidate will be encouraged to expand current funding levels from existing sources as well as seek out and access new avenues of funding. Reports directly to the Director of Business and Finance. Will be a key player, intimately involved in the inner workings of the organization, and will be expected to be the point person for all fundraising activity within the organization.

Primary Responsibilities:
· Develop and maintain grants calendar, including proposal deadlines and reporting schedules;
· Develop grant proposals to solicit funding from public and private foundation, government ,and other funding resources; write interim and final
· Research new funding prospects from a wide variety of foundation, government, corporate and individual sources;
· Assist WSC in the development of annual fundraising goals and objectives; monitor and prepare reports of fundraising progress;
· Strategize with management team on WSC programs, visibility and funding.

Requirements are two or more years of active fundraising experience. Ideally, the candidate has an established and recent track record of researching and securing grants. The candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and be a strong, creative writer with the ability to write to specs. The candidate must also possess excellent organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail, prioritize work and meet deadlines, the willingness to work a flexible schedule, and the availability to participate in periodic meetings via phone, email, or in person. The ideal candidate will have outstanding financial management and analytical skills.

Please send cover letter, resume and writing sample to H. Lee Gable, Managing Director, Washington Shakespeare Company, 601 South Clark Street, Arlington, VA 22202 or email
wsc@washingtonshakespeare.org. No phone calls, please. EEO.

Production Manager, Capital Fringe Festival

Capital Fringe Festival, located primarily in the downtown Penn Quarter neighborhood of Washington, DC is looking for an individual experienced in Production Management to serve as PM for the festival.

Key Responsibilities:

• Main contact with all productions regarding technical specifications
• Acquire production equipment as necessary - working to budget at all times
• Schedule technical rehearsals with TD (production calendar)
• With the TD, employ venue production staff for each venue
• Manage all production issues within the venue for the duration of the Festival
• Ensure feedback from all performers is received and included in final festival report.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience in multiple venue production management
• Planning, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Quick, creative thinking and problem solving; independent decision making
• Excellent follow through
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree
• 2-4 years experience in production management or special events
• Love of the performing arts
• Disciplined and resourceful with a tight budget

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a contract position. Pay is based on experience
• The contract will run from February 07 to the completion of the event and its wrap-up in early August 07.
• The Production Manager may work from the Fringe office, and is free to organize their own working hours in line with management and delivery of the final event We look for full time commitment July 1 - early August, 2007
  

Letter and resume with references to Julianne Brienza, Festival Director, and Capital Fringe Festival, 1419 Meridian Place, NW, Washington, DC 20010 Via facsimile to 202.667.5793 or email to julianne@capfringe.org

No calls please. No later than FEBUARY 7, 2007
Information about the Capital Fringe Festival can be found at www.capfringe.org.

Public Affairs Specialist, National Zoo

The National Zoo, a division of the Smithsonian Institution, is looking for a Public Affairs Specialist. Incumbent "speaks with reporters on-the-record regarding zoo events and exhibits; writes and disseminates to local, regional and national print and broadcast media representatives such items as news releases, media advisories, and information covering such topics as animal acquisitions, special achievements, exhibitions, lectures, seminars, special ceremonies and other significant zoo activities; organizes and coordinates print and broadcast media interviews with staff members."

See the complete job post on the Smithsonian website.

Must have public relations experience. Master's degree may also qualify. Bonus points for experience with national media and knowledge of biology as it pertains to zoos. Hiring at GS-9 with promotion potential to GS-11. Apply by January 9, and since I haven't plugged it in a while, see my government-affliated job application tips page.

Administrative Assistant, American Association of Museums

The American Association of Museums is looking for an Administrative Assistant for Accreditation program. Primary responsibilities include: "Managing departmental phones, e-mail, mail; generating standard and original correspondence; and handling logistics for 3 small local/off site meetings per year."

See the job post on their website.

Looking for 2-3 years experience and knowledge of Microsoft Access. Salary is low $30k.

Web and Print Designer, Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap is looking for a full time Web and Print Designer for a temporary 6 month position. "Duties include but are not limited to: Work closely with Creative Team in the design and production of newspaper ads, program magazine inserts, promotional displays, metro advertisements, marketing postcards, posters, banners, trade show displays, invitations and other projects. Work closely with the Web Manager to design and build web pages, weekly Email Updates, E-postcards as needed, as well as completing daily updates for wolftrap.org. Create graphics and prepare images for the web site and marketing emails. Other duties as assigned by Communications/Creative Director and Web Manager."

See the complete job post on their website.

Looking for a degree in graphic design and 1 year of experience. "Must be proficient in Quark, Adobe Creative Suite, and HTML. Knowledge of print buying and pre-press." Position starts January 20.

Director of the Division of Research Programs, National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities is looking for a Director in the Division of Reasearch Programs, which "makes grants in the humanities that support individual fellowships to conduct original research; collaborative research projects; the preparation of scholarly editions and translations; research conferences; and research fellowships administered by independent research institutions. The Director is responsible for ensuring that all grant applications are thoroughly and fairly evaluated in accordance with agency procedures."

See the complete job post on USA Jobs.

Master's degree in a humanities field required, PhD preferred. Hiring at GS-15 ($107k). Apply by December 29.

Spring Internship, National Press Club Archives

The National Press Club Archives is looking for an intern for the spring semester. Here's the info from Global Museum Jobs:

The National Press Club Archives is looking for energetic, enthusiastic, and well organized undergraduate and graduate students seeking an opportunity to work in a small archives located in downtown Washington, DC. Students will gain practical experience working on a variety of projects.This is an unpaid internship, with a minimum 6 hour-per-week commitment (8 hours preferred). The intern will have access to the employee cafeteria, the Club fitness center, and NPC-sponsored events. The intern will work closely with the Archivist.

The National Press Club Archives is located one block from the White House in downtown Washington, DC and is located two blocks from Metro Center. The archives contain the collections of the National Press Club, Women’s National Press Club/Washington Press Club, Society of American Travel Writers, American Women in Radio and Television, and several smaller collections.If any interested students have specific requirements in order to complete a class assignment, the Archives will do its best to accommodate those needs. For a list of potential projects please send an email to czamon@press.org

Interested candidates should email or fax a resume and cover letter to:
Christina J. Zamon, Archivist
czamon@press.org
Phone: 202-662-7598
Fax: 202-662-7554

Director of Development, Young Audiences of Maryland

Young Audiences of Maryland is looking for a Director of Development. As part of an 8 member staff, the Director of Development is responsible for all fundraising activities and performs a wide range of duties, from strategic planning to grant writing.

See the job post on PND - Jobs.

They're looking for at least 3 years senior management experience and knowledge of donor database systems (Donor Perfect preferred). Include salary requirements with your application.

Support Services Specialist, National Endowment for the Arts

The Management and Budget office at the National Endowment for the Arts is looking for a Support Services Specialist who "serves as the Assistant to the Director of the Administrative Services Division. The Administrative Services Division is responsible for providing logistical and support services for the Agency, including records management, travel, forms and document control; telecommunications; printing, faxing and photocopying services; space management, repairs and alterations; non-IT equipment and property inventory and control; room reservations; security, safety, and general facility management."

See the complete job post on the NEA website. Be sure to read application requirements carefully.

Hiring at GS-13 ($77k) or GS-14 ($91k) depending on experience. Apply by January 11.

Executive Director, Cultural Tourism DC

Cultural Tourism DC is looking for an Executive Director to lead the organization and manage growth. "In particular, the executive director will be responsible for working with the board and staff to create a new strategic plan that will guide the organization’s work over the next several years."

They have retained Slesinger Management for the recruitment process. See the job post on their website. Applications will be accepted until filled. They are looking for experience in economic development, tourism or cultural institutions, as well as knowledge of the Washington community, especially in the realm of fundraising.

Marketing Coordinator, Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap is looking for a Marketing Coordinator. They maintain one of the most extensive marketing programs of any Washington performing arts organization--it even includes television. Although the title is Coordinator, this looks like an assistant position with mostly multimedia advertising-related duties.

See the job post on Craigslist.

Looking for a little bit of experience with knowledge of media buying and HTML. Include salary requirements in your cover letter.

Development Coordinator - Corporate, Washington National Opera

Washington National Opera is looking for a Development Coordinator for Corporate Relations. Supports the Director of Institutional Giving "through planning, research, proposal writing, reporting, recognition, and sponsor servicing."

See the complete job post on the Opera's website.

Looking for a year or two of experience. Direct your application to Eileen Kennedy, Director of Institutional Relations.

NEWS: WETA Could Return to Classical Programming

With the recent announcement that Bonneville-owned classical music station WGMS may switch to a sports-talk format, Arlington-based NPR affiliate WETA has announced they may return to broadcasting classical music. WETA's cancellation of classical music programming in favor of an all-talk format caused uproar last year. The station's audience share since the switch has reportedly been flat.

Read the Washington Post story here.

Director of Development, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is looking for a Director of Development. Responsible for a $5 million annual fundraising goal, "The incumbent reports to the Director of External Affairs and leads the creation and implementation of overall Development strategy and specific fund raising plans, as well as the creation of collateral materials to support such efforts. Incumbent has full supervisory responsibility over the Development staff of four to five employees (including development officers for Individual Giving and Corporate/Foundation Giving, operations, donor relations and a departmental assistant)."

See the offical job listing here.

They are looking for 10 years development experience. Apply by January 31, 2007.

Professor of Arts Adiministration, American University

The Department of Performing Arts at American University is looking for a Professor of Arts Administration, to begin in the fall semester. "Applicants should be prepared to teach graduate courses in marketing and public relations, arts programming, and related undergraduate level courses including General Education, advise and mentor both graduate and undergraduate students in arts management and related fields, and have demonstrated excellence in teaching and scholarship in arts management and/or a related field." This is a tenure track position.

See the job post on CAGW.

Masters degree required, PhD preferred. Include CV, three references and letter of interest with your application. Apply by January 20, 2007. For more information, email streeks@american.edu.

Web positions, WAMU 88.5

Two positions are currently available on the web team for WAMU 88.5 FM, the NPR affiliate at American University.

The link for both positions is http://www.american.edu/hr/hire.html, where interested candidates can view complete descriptions and salary/benefits information.

Web Content Developer is position #3791 (click on Full-time staff and scroll down to position listing).

The Web Content Developer creates and maintains the systems used by WAMU 88.5 to deliver sophisticated multimedia content and online services. The position is supervised by the Senior Web Producer and functions as part of the team responsible for developing station’s online properties. The Web Content Developer is a key position, specializing in the creation and maintenance of critical systems for Programming and Development. The position ensures the station’s ability to plan for growth in the short and long terms. Additionally, the position ensures the ability to react within a reasonable amount of time to erupting trends on the Internet.

Web Producer is position #3525-0001 (click on Part-Time staff and scroll down to position listing).

WAMU 88.5 is seeking a part-time web producer (approximately 20 hours/week). This position is responsible for producing programming and promotional web content as well as migrating archived content. Applicants must have strong working knowledge of XHTML and CSS, and familiarity with a variety of design and development tools, including Adobe and Macromedia Suites;audio production tools a plus.

Direct your application to Kay Summers, Director of Public Information.

NEWS: Meads Make Major Capital Campaign Gift to Arena Stage

If you haven't heard by now, Arena Stage has just announced a gift of $35 million for their capital campaign from Washington performing arts philanthropists Gilbert and Jaylee Mead. The new complex will now be called Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. According to Playbill, "The Meads' gift is the largest ever made to an American regional theatre and one of the top 10 largest gifts to a non-profit arts organization in the U.S."

Wow.

Read the lovely profile of the Meads on the Arena website here.

Manager of Prospect Research, Corcoran Gallery of Art

The Corcoran Gallery of Art is looking for a Manager of Prospect Research. Conducts research, develops prospect profiles, manages prospect tracking systems, maintains compliance with confidentiality policies.

See the job post on Idealist.org.

Two years experience required. "Knowledge of Internet resources and research databases such as Lexis-Nexis, Prospect Information Network (P!N), CDA InvestNet, and Dow Jones desired." Include a writing sample with your application.

Other positions at the Corcoran include:

Manager of Marketing
Manager of Communications
Annual Giving Officer
Director of Individual Giving
Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

UPDATE 12/7/06: All of these except the communications position are still open. See the Corcoran website.

NEWS: Group Interview Techniques

There's a very interesting post over on Butts in the Seats about a technique being used for group interviews to ensure the process is "fair." It involves the common technique of asking the interviewers to submit their questions to HR in advance for approval, but with an additional twist: "What the Human Resource office is having us do is not only submit questions for them to review but also the answers we expect. For each question we have to suggest a five point answer, a three point answer and a one point answer."

Read all of it here.

Director of Development, WPAS

The Washington Performing Arts Society is looking for a Director of Development. Incumbent supervises a staff of 7, working on both individual and institutional giving campaigns, as well as board management and senior leadership of the company. Reports to the President.

See the complete job post on their website.

Looking for 5-7 years experience, knowledge of performing arts and "Experience in securing private and corporate foundation support and event management."

UPDATE 11/17/06: This position has been reposted in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Communications & Marketing Interns, Wolf Trap

According to Mike Holden, Manager of Media Relations, Wolf Trap is looking for interns in the Communications & Marketing Department, as well as other departments, for the spring semester. The intern program at Wolf Trap has a great reputation.

You can read Mike's message on the Wolf Trap blog, here.

You can see the complete list of openings in Communications & Marketing here. For Development, go here.

For the complete scoop on being an intern at Wolf Trap, see the main intern page on their website.

Development Events Manager, National Building Museum

The National Building Museum is looking for a Development Events Manager, who is responsible for their $1 million annual Gala and other donor events, including exhibition openings.

See the complete job post on PND Job Corner.

Looking for about 3 years experience.

Company Administrator, Step Afrika!

Step Afrika! is looking for a Company Administrator "who would provide administrative and logistical support to all aspects of Step Afrika!’s operations and will play a pivotal role on the management team." Includes both tour management and office operations.

See the job post on CAGW.

Administrative experience essential, knowledge of DC arts funding community preferred. Production experience also preferred. Direct your application to Ms. D. Meyers.