Managing Director

Managing Director Position with The Thirteen
Full Time, Exempt

About The Thirteen
“Exquisite in every way” (Gramophone), The Thirteen is a professional choir and orchestra that performs a wide variety of repertoire and is celebrated for reimagining the potential of vocal music. Led by founder and Artistic Director Matthew Robertson and praised for “transfiguring the listener” (The Washington Post), The Thirteen is in the vanguard of artistic innovation. The Thirteen’s five to six program season of fourteen to twenty concerts generally goes from late September to June each year with summer months dedicated to long-range planning, preparing for the upcoming season, and advancing organizational priorities. The Thirteen’s eight commercial recordings include music from the fifteenth through the twenty- first centuries, with plans to release a recording per year. Fiscally, The Thirteen has grown by 450% over the past five years and is well-positioned for the upcoming period of further growth. The organization has a Board with thirteen supportive and energized trustees, a current annual operating budget of over $600,000, and significant cash reserves.

Opening the Opportunity

At this time of growth, we seek a Managing Director (MD) who will serve as the primary grants and finance manager, manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the organization, accelerate the already-exceptional growth of the organization, and work for further growth of the organization in concert with the Artistic Director. This is a full-time position which is expected to take approximately 40 hours per week; it is expected to be the successful candidate’s full professional focus. The Managing Director works closely with and reports to The Thirteen’s founder and Artistic Director. The Thirteen’s staff includes the Artistic Director, the Managing Director, a full time Production & Communications Coordinator, and other hourly contractors. As the organization grows, the staff structure is likely to be revised. The Managing Director will be consulted about such decisions.
 
Job Responsibilities:

• Fundraising and Financial

  • Serve as primary grants officer: identify, solicit, and apply for prospective foundation and corporate giving opportunities; maintain and increase the number of grants and total grant revenue The Thirteen receives.

  • Manage patron database.

  • Serve as the primary financial manager: enter financial data, track budgets, track donations, generate reports, send donation letters, and work closely with the volunteer treasurer and Artistic Director.

  • Plan and coordinate fundraising events as authorized by the Board.

• Management Responsibilities

  • Secure contracts with presenting venues; increase touring appearances and associated revenue.

  • Supervise non-musical staff and contractors, which currently include a Production & Communications Coordinator, hourly production assistant, graphic designer, and web consultant as needed.

  • Take minutes at board meetings (six meetings per year) and report to the board as requested by the Artistic Director. Provide support and staffing to select Board committees as required.

• Production Responsibilities

  • Help lead the implementation of efficient box office procedures, advance, online and on-site ticket sales; serve as a presence at the front of house.

  • Assist with distribution and content of concert programs, marketing materials, email marketing campaigns, web site and social media content and expansion.

  • Assist with other production responsibilities, such as venue contracting, musician contracting, etc.

  • Coordinate The Thirteen’s educational outreach initiatives.

 
Candidate Profile:

• A proven track record of success working in the non-profit environment, ideally winning grants and substantially furthering organizational growth. Ideally has experience in a performing arts non-profit environment.

• A positive self-starter who is goal-oriented, kinetic, and leads with strong attention to detail and exceptional communication skills.

• Availability and willingness to work evenings and weekends for The Thirteen’s 15-20 yearly concerts and events.

• Experience and skill with the Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience with and/or aptitude to quickly learn Quickbooks, patron management software (The Thirteen now uses Bloomerang), Mailchimp, Tix, SquareSpace, Survey Monkey, and social media outlets is highly desired.

• Residence in the greater Washington Metropolitan, DC area is required. One day of in-person work each week is currently required; The Thirteen may need up to three in-person workdays per week in future seasons. This candidate will be able to perform most other work from home but must be able to be on-site for all fundraising events, performances, and periodic rehearsals. Ability to travel, as needed, with The Thirteen’s concert tours.

• An ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds (e.g. help set up for concerts or rehearsals).

• A passion for The Thirteen’s artistic output.

 
Education and Experience:

• Education: this position requires excellent critical thinking and communication skills; these types of skills are usually gained in a baccalaureate environment. An advanced degree or certification in business, arts management, or other relevant area is helpful.

• Experience: prior experience in a leadership capacity; experience in a leadership capacity of a performing arts organization would be ideal. Strong financial management skills are strongly desired.

 
Compensation:
$52,500-$57,500, commensurate with experience.
 
Paid monthly as a W2 employee. Employer-sponsored health insurance. Four weeks leave per year, most of which is expected to be taken in the summer. Generous sick leave and family leave. Opportunities for professional development.
 
Timeline:
While we hope for this position to begin in early October 2023, The Thirteen is open to other start dates for the right candidate.
 
Application:
This position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin immediately. To apply, please send the materials requested to [email protected]. Questions can also be directed to this email address. Please ensure that your name and “Managing Director Application” is in the subject line.

1. Letter of interest that demonstrates why the applicant is uniquely qualified for this position.

2. Resume demonstrating experience in a non-profit environment.

3. Three professional references.

4. An example of professional writing. Ideally this is a grant application (with confidential details redacted as necessary).

 
The Thirteen enthusiastically supports equal opportunity in employment and contracting. The Thirteen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. The Thirteen abides by its Harassment Prevention Policy, which all employees and contractors are required to sign. Applicants may be asked to undergo a background check, and employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Employment is contingent upon Covid-19 vaccination