ABOUT TRUSTY SIDEKICK THEATER COMPANY

Based in New York City, Trusty Sidekick Theater Company (TSTC) creates bold, original productions for young people and their families. Since our founding in 2011, we have devised and produced more than 15 original works for young audiences, including two productions specifically created for children on the autism spectrum and their families. Rooted firmly in the belief that kids deserve theater that ignites their imaginations and makes them think about the world in a new way, we combine immersive staging and inventive theatricality to challenge perceptions of live performance and introduce theater to a new generation. We believe that the artists are in service to the audience; a sidekick as we embark on a journey together. And we believe in magic: that which is inspired by the stage but generated long before the audience comes through the door and continues after the performance has finished. The magic of creation, courage, and connection.

As we move into our second decade of operations in the context of the current cultural and societal shifts, our reimagined leadership team and recently expanded board will center justice, equity, diversity, and accessibility in all decisions as we seek to decolonize practices and create spaces of authentic belonging for our artists & audiences.

Reports to: Board of Directors
Direct Reports: Creative Producers, Development Consultant, Finance Consultant
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (remote/work-from-home)

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

You will thrive in this role if you have some of the following qualifications and/or comparable experiences:

• Willingness to learn, collaborate and grow.

• Strong sense of play and experimentation.

• Skilled at seeking out and synthesizing input from a variety of stakeholders

• Confident and encouraging leader with effective operational and strategic management skills, demonstrated experience managing, mentoring, and motivating staff, and the ability to inspire those working with them toward accomplishing common objectives

• Significant experience in theatre production and/or not-for-profit administration with a focus on New York City.

• A passion for theatre young audiences, centering young people in decision making processes, and community engagement

• Commitment to centering accessibility, equity, diversity, inclusion and justice work in company operations and artistic processes

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with partners, funders and other stakeholders

• Ability to independently prioritize, track and manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively delegate tasks

• Ability and enthusiasm to work occasional evenings, nights and weekends as performance, rehearsal, and event schedule demands.

• Strong computer skills including GSuite, Adobe Creative Suite, database, and finance software

As Trusty Sidekick Theater Company interacts with minors remotely and in person, an independent background check is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure operational success of all Trusty Sidekick programs. (20%)

• Steward the artistic vision of the Company and the Company’s mission statement while continuing to evolve the work that supports it.

• In collaboration with the Creative Producers, program the annual season of new projects to develop that further the mission of the Company. In collaboration with Creative Producers, make all final selection decisions regarding work to be produced.

• Supervise the creative producing efforts for Trusty Sidekick productions.

• Collaborate with production staff on scheduling, contracting, and securing human, artistic and technical resources required to realize production objectives.

• Provide leadership and support for annual artistic and program planning efforts in conjunction with the artistic team.

• Remain active in the greater field of Theater for Young Audiences, representing the company at conferences and other field gatherings.

Lead Company communication and outreach efforts. (15%)

• Act as spokesperson for the Company, communicating regularly about the mission, vision and accomplishments of the Company.

• Work with staff to oversee the planning and implementation of an annual communications plan, including marketing, social media, promotional and public relations, in order to communicate with supporters, fans, and prospective audiences.

• Ensure that message strategies work toward achieving short- and long-term objectives and tone reinforces the Company brand.

• Actively cultivate relationships with community leaders, advocacy groups, local organizations and businesses, including arts organizations.

Maintain the financial health of the Company. (15%)

• Oversee organizational budget planning and management, monthly financial reporting, payroll, and cash flow projections.

• Ensure that annual financial statements are properly vetted and filed as necessary.

• Present a general operating budget to the Board of Directors for approval on an annual basis.

• Collaborate with the General Manager on the creation and adoption of production budgets.

• Report regularly to the Board and any appropriate Board committee on the financial health of the organization.

• Assess opportunities for new sources of business income with rigor and thoughtful planning in order to provide a broader financial base of support for the Company mission and operations.

Secure resources to meet the strategic and financial objectives of the Company. (20%)

• Collaborate with the Development Consultant in developing annual plans and mission-centric content for securing philanthropic resources.

• Supervise the implementation of all fundraising activities.

• Cultivate and deepen relationships with current funders, and seek new sources of contributed income.

Steward and nurture the human resources of the Company. (15%)

• Ensure that the Company is adhering to appropriate Federal, State and local employment laws and adopting positive practices in personnel management whenever appropriate.

• Manage the efforts of direct reports

• Conduct annual performance reviews rooted in the both Company objectives and mutually-agreed-upon annual goals.

• Oversee the hiring and review of future management personnel.

Staff and support the work of the Board of Directors. (15%)

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board.

• Actively provide information on the status of the Company on a regular basis.

• Stay abreast of Board management positive practices and operational regulations.

• Provide avenues for Board participation in the outreach efforts and operations of the Company.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit a resume and a statement that speaks to what excites you about taking on this role, your approach to collaborative leadership, and your demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and accessibility. While we ask that resumes be submitted in written form, we invite applicants to submit their statement via a written statement, audio or video recording – whatever form best supports your self-expression.

Please submit a resume and statement with the subject line “ECP” to jobs@trustysidekick.org