Director, Event Management & Planning, Management

The City of Sturgis, Michigan is seeking a Director to manage the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts (SYCA). The facility was constructed in 1955 as a multi-purpose community center with a 969-seat proscenium theatre featuring a 30’x35’ stage with support areas. The building serves a local population of around 11,000, and is situated in downtown Sturgis, Michigan, located halfway between Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI.

The SYCA is City-owned and operated and features a conference center which hosts meetings, special events, and community activities.

This position includes overall responsibility for areas including programming, marketing, event space rental, performance and event logistics and technical coordination, facility maintenance, and administrative services. The primary focus of this position is programming, with live entertainment, events, and film. Experience and connections in the industry are crucial to the success of this position. The Director will be working with City staff to develop and implement improvements of the facility along with staffing and strategic planning moving forward.

• Coordinates short and long range plans for the facility including a strategic plan, marketing plans, financial forecasts, capital and maintenance plans, and fundraising plans for sponsor/patron programs.
• Monitors and tracks all financial income and expenses of the facility, including development of rates and packages for outside facility use, maintaining box office management system and preparation of the annual budget. Approves invoices for payment, manages the preparation of invoice and accounts receivables, and reviews profit and loss statements from events.
• Research, schedules and contracts for live entertaining, film screenings, and other programming as well as solicits to secure traveling shows. Coordinates, reviews, and negotiates for events and performer contracts.
• Calculates all costs associated with potential performances and authorizes contracts based on a thorough pro forma budget.
• Represents the facility to the larger performing arts community and actively solicits partnerships and collaborative events to grow audiences at the facility.
• Supervises all staff and responsible for interviewing, training, scheduling, performance reviews, and employee relations.
• Manages and oversees sound, lighting, performer relations, etc.
• Serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors and its committees working collaboratively to achieve the SYCA mission and goals.
• Works with SYCA Board members and volunteers to engage stakeholders, businesses, and grant resources to solicit funding for SYCA activities including performances, programs, capital improvements, etc.
• Coordinates with the Facilities Manager for any building repairs, maintenance, technology upgrades, or other facility and grounds improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related area with coursework in accounting, communications, management and public relations.
• Five years’ experience in the management of a performance or event venue, public assembly facility, or event center including experience with concessions operations.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Experience with non-profit arts organizations or municipal government.
• International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Facility management school graduate.
• Membership in related professional organizations (APAP, LHAT, IAVM, etc)