BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION Founded in 1991, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ (PA&L) strives to stimulate an interest in reading and to encourage appreciation for the written word and the free exchange of ideas by presenting intellectually stimulating programming in non-academic settings. One of only a handful of organizations of its kind in the US, Pittsburgh joins Seattle, New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco as cities that are able to successfully support literature-based public programming. PA&L currently accomplishes its mission through three programs:

• The Drue Heinz Lectures: In its sixteenth season, this 12-program series features prominent authors of award-winning fiction and non-fiction, who address a variety of issues and topics. A successful and well-branded program, it generates a significant amount of PA&L’s operating revenue. These lectures are presented between fall and spring at Carnegie Music Hall in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, and attract nearly 1,500 people for each lecture.
• The American Shorts Reading Series: Started in 2003, this monthly series of four to six programs features readings of contemporary and classic short fiction – this year in a new venue: The New Hazlett Theater. This program typically attracts an audience looking for a more casual literary experience than the Drue Heinz Lectures, and is presented in the spring and summer months.
• Black, White and Read All Over: Developed in 2001, this Saturday morning series runs from fall to spring and features six programs with leading children’s authors and illustrators. Presented at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, these programs are designed for family audiences in order to promote family literacy and to encourage a love of reading and books.

PA&L has experienced significant growth since its founding, successfully transitioning from its founding Executive Director (ED) to a full-time ED with a larger staff, a new office and growth of new programs to extend the organization’s reach. More information on PA&L can be found by visiting www.pittsburghlectures.org. ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW PA&L is a healthy organization. PA&L has expanded its programming, has an annual budget of $650K, four experienced staff (three FTE, one PTE), offices on Craig Street in Oakland near Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, and a reputation for excellent programming across a broad age spectrum. The Board completed a strategic planning process two years ago and has made efforts to expand and diversify its membership. More than $700K in surplus funds is board-restricted, giving the organization the ability to weather a storm or unexpected event. This is a great opportunity for the right individual to both support a love of reading and books and help a growing organization on its path of excellence. This position is becoming available because the ED’s family is relocating outside of the region. POSITION DESCRIPTION The ED is the Chief Executive Officer of PA&L, reporting to the Board of Directors. The position is responsible for day-to-day management of the corporation, achievement of its mission, and meeting its financial objectives. Additionally, the ED is responsible for the following:

• Program Development and Administration
  • Developing the season of programs through research, building relationships with agents, publishers, booksellers, and the audience in making artistic choices
  • Overseeing all details including guest travel, handling, hospitality, PR, media relations, booksales, and logistics
  • Negotiating honorarium and other pertinent details
  • Developing and monitoring the production budget for all three programs
• Development, Fundraising and Patron Relations
  • Managing all revenue development strategies including ticket sales, patron relations, grant writing, donor cultivation, and other development methods
  • Developing grant requests and representing the organization at meetings with funders
  • Working to ensure that patrons have a pleasant experience and that their concerns are addressed prior to and during performances
• External and Media Relations
  • Developing strategies and tactics to insure strong attendance, awareness, and support for PA&L’s programs
  • Working with staff to develop all marketing materials, build relationships with local media outlets, and oversee media buys, as well as other related marketing expenses
  • Building and managing relationships with strategic partners including the Carnegie Library, Carnegie Museums, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Filmmakers, National Arts Marketing Project/Americans for the Arts, schools and institutions of higher education, bookstores, and other program-presenting partners
• Day-to-Day Operations
  • Working collaboratively with staff, delegating the appropriate tasks, building the team, and developing the capacities/capabilities of all team members
  • Overseeing the administration of the office, including financial reporting and accountability, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, human resources, and any other systems issues that must be addressed
  • Developing the budget, managing revenue and expense, and working with the Board to make sure that the organization is healthy and accomplishing its goals and objectives
  • Conducting official correspondence of the organization and executing legal documents with designated officers
• Board Relations
  • Preparing for Board meetings, supporting the work of the Governance, Finance & Audit, Resource Development, Audience Development, and Ad Hoc committees, building relationships with current and potential Board members
  • Working with the Board and staff to develop long-range and strategic plans in order to support the organization’s mission
  • Implementing Board-approved plans and reporting progress of execution

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The ideal candidate for this position has a combination of the following:

• Deep passion for PA&L’s mission and programs
• Creativity, coupled with the implementation experience and organizational skills to give impact to ideas
• Literary/publishing background or arts management experience a plus, experience with successful arts marketing initiatives desired
• Experience managing and leading an organization of similar scope, size, and mission, with a keen awareness for creating efficiencies that streamline operations
• Experience working with a board of directors
• Revenue generation and/or development responsibility for an organization similar in scope, mission or size to PA&L
• Ability to manage in a team-oriented small-office environment, develop employees, be supportive, cooperative, and responsive
• Ability to develop effective relationships, including media partners, community partners, funders, publishers, authors and audience members
• Prior experience with strategic planning and the ability to manage vision, while at the same time keeping an eye on day-to-day operations
• External relations, marketing or PR experience
• Impeccable communication skills whether in front of an audience of 2,000 or during a one-on-one meeting with a potential donor
• Ability to write and speak in a cohesive, cogent, and persuasive manner
• Business acumen, with experience managing profit and loss
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, master’s degree preferred, and at least five years of management experience