Description

Chief Operating Officer

YoungArts

    Miami, Florida   

The National YoungArts Foundation, (YoungArts), based in Miami, Florida, was established in 1981 by Lin and Ted Arison.  The organization’s goals are to identify and support the next generation of artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts, to assist them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development, and to raise appreciation for the arts in American society.

Each year, YoungArts receives more than 11,000 applications from the nation’s most talented young artists (15-18 year old or grades 10-12) from around the country. From this pool, approximately 800 Winners are selected through a blind adjudication process and are recognized for their outstanding work and accomplishments in the literary, visual, design and performing arts fields. Winners are designated into three categories –Finalist, Honorable Mention and Merit – and are eligible to participate in YoungArts programs in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

The organization’s week-long signature program, which takes place in January in Miami each year, provides approximately 170 YoungArts Finalists with life-changing artistic enrichment experiences; master classes with distinguished teachers and mentors such as Placido Domingo, Neil Patrick Harris, James Rosenquist, Joan Morgan, Carrie Mae Weams and Sarah Lamb; workshops; interdisciplinary activities; performances; and exhibitions. Throughout the week, their work is further adjudicated to determine additional award levels, including a monetary award of up to $10,000. Finalists also share their talents with the public through performances in classical, jazz, voice, dance and theater, as well as film screenings at New World Center; an art, design and photography exhibition in the YoungArts Gallery; and writers’ readings in the YoungArts Jewel Box.

In an effort to provide all Winners with the National YoungArts Week experience, YoungArts began offering regional programs in 2012. Currently, programs are offered in Miami, New York and Los Angeles and are produced in close partnership with institutions in each region includingBaryshnikov Art Center (NY) and The Los Angeles Theatre Center (LA). Like National YoungArts Week, these programs offer participants the opportunity to work one-on-one with renowned

master teachers in interdisciplinary sessions, master classes and workshops; and perform or exhibit work at leading venues.

U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts is another important program of YoungArts.  After a rigorous adjudication process, YoungArts nominates 60 candidates for an invitation to apply to the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Finally, the Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 20 U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts each year. Scholars are selected annually by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, whose members are appointed by the President, based on academic success, artistic excellence, essays, school evaluations and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals. The award, presented on behalf of the President of the United States, is one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students and symbolically honors all graduating high school seniors of high potential.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars are invited to Washington, D.C. for several days of recognition activities. They meet with government officials, educators, authors, musicians, scientists and other leaders and also visit museums and monuments in our nation’s capital and attend recitals, receptions and ceremonies held in their honor.   In addition to these activities, the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts have the opportunity to display their artwork in an exhibition and perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

YoungArts provides emerging artists with life-changing experiences and validation by renowned mentors, access to significant scholarships, national recognition and other opportunities at critical junctures throughout their careers to help ensure that the nation’s most outstanding emerging artists are encouraged to pursue careers in the arts. To date, YoungArts has honored more than 20,000 alumni, including Doug Aitken, Viola Davis, Josh Groban, Jenji Kohan, Desmond Richardson and Kerry Washington with over $12 million in monetary awards; and enabled its participants to work with master teachers who are among the most distinguished artists in the world, such as Marina Abramovi?, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Renee Fleming, Zaha Hadid, Jeff Koons, Robert Redford and Bruce Weber.

YoungArts has a full time staff of 43 and a 20-member Board of Trustees. The 2015-16 operating budget is approximately  $13 million.  To learn more about YoungArts please visit www.youngarts.org.

Requirements

Position and Responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the president and serves as an integral member of the senior management team. The COO responsible for finance, information technology, human resources, facilities, external rentals, and administrative operations of YoungArts. This position provides leadership, day-to-day management and oversight of the organization’s administrative operations.  The COO will be responsible for the development of financial management strategy and contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization.  In addition to the strategic components, the COO will be charged with developing and implementing policies and procedures both in the finance and general operational realms. Direct Staff reports include the Director of Finance, Information Technology Director, Office Manager, and Chief Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Manages approximately ten employees
• Oversees, directs, and organizes the work of the finance and information technology departments
• Oversees administrative and operational accounting services such as investment management, 403(b) plan, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, monthly financial statement and the annual audit.
• Advises the president and other key members of senior management on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, and policy matters.
• Serves as the management liaison to the board finance and audit committees; effectively communicates and presents financial and administrative matters at select board of trustees and committee meetings.
• Represents the organization externally, as necessary, particularly in banking and facilities negotiations.
• Reviews and implements an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and procedures.
• Plans, coordinates, and executes the annual budget process.
• Provides analytical support to the management team including development of internal reporting capabilities.
• Oversees all human resources functions, including employee hiring and on-boarding process, benefit administration, employee relations, time off tracking, review and implementation of HR policies and procedures, and compliance, and serves as primary liaison between the organization and outsourced HR consultant.
• Establishes and monitors staff performance and development goals, assigns accountabilities, sets objectives, establishes priorities, conducts annual performance appraisals, and administers salary adjustments.
• Oversees the maintenance of all hardware and software needs for the organization and ensures compliance for all technology elements, including websites and privacy regulations.
• Oversees the building and campus operations, maintenance, and security, ensuring the property is clean, safe, and in good repair, and meets the programmatic needs of the organization.
• Oversees the food concessionaire contract and relationship, to provide food service for all on-campus activities, including catering for events and external rentals; ensuring high quality of food and service.
• Supervises Office Manager; provides guidance, direction, leadership, and support necessary to ensure accomplishment of goals.
• Oversees the rental of the facilities for external events to maximize revenue potential and ensuring appropriate resource support.
• Resolves problems related to utilization of the facilities.
• Provides leadership and management of the planning, development and implementation of all construction/renovation projects, interfacing with external consultants and contractors to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated process that meets the organization’s goals.
• Participates in the development of long-range strategic plans and objectives for the organization

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; a master’s in business administration or similar advanced degree is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible administration experience in a management role in a nonprofit organization, preferably in an arts or education organization
• General management experience with a thorough understanding of finance, systems, and HR; broad experience with the full range of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, analysis, finance, information systems, human resources and facilities management.
• Demonstrated ability in project management and skill to move organizational projects forward in an inclusive and streamlined manner
• Proven track record of success facilitating organizational change and development within a growing organization
• Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Self- reliant, good problem solver, results oriented
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance, operations and administration initiatives.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, trustees, and staff