City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA)

Job Announcement
Performing Arts Director
(2449)
Division/Section: Administrative
Job Location: Downtown LA, near Civic Center
Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday and frequent
evening and weekend hours)
Annual Salary: The classification has x pay steps, selected candidates
salary starting step is commensurate with qualifications.
Eligibility/ Qualifying Education and Experience:
The successful candidate should have:

A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university; and

prior working knowledge in a non-profit organization including at least
five years of experience leading booking, producing and/or
presenting.

Experience with a municipal government and visitor industry.

A solid track record of shaping, implementing, and leading large-scale

programs and/or initiatives.

Prior experience in budgeting, resource development, sponsorship,

and fundraising.

A track record of shaping, implementing, and leading significant

programs that have increased support from donors/members,
partners, corporations, and foundations.

Familiarity with the local, regional, and national performing arts

community and sector.

Background:
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Originally formed in 1925 as the Municipal Arts Department to provide cultural
services in neighborhoods, the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural
Affairs (DCA) was reorganized by an act of the City Council in July 1980.
Since then, the Department has undergone a variety of programmatic and
organizational changes in response to community needs, fluctuating funding
resources, and various directives from the Office of the Mayor and the
Los Angeles City Council.
DCAs mission is to strengthen the quality of life in the City of Los Angeles by
stimulating and supporting cultural services and ensuring access to such
activities for residents and visitors to the City. DCA advances the social and
economic impact of the arts and ensures access to diverse cultural activities
through: grant making, marketing and development, public art, community
arts, and youth arts education.
POSITITION DESCRIPTION
DCA is seeking a uniquely qualified and highly motivated candidate to
reinstitute its Performing Arts Division (music, dance, theatre, and festivals).
This senior level position will develop and implement plans to meet the Citys
community and cultural needs through the performing arts.
The Performing Arts Director will oversee the Citys municipal theatres
including managing partnerships with nonprofit operators and establishing
pre-approved vendor lists of professional artists reflective of the citys cultural,
ethnic, and geographic diversity. In addition, the Performing Arts Director will
work with the General Manager to develop new policies and services geared
toward increasing cultural festival production in the city, including launching
LA Stage Advance, a program for performing arts groups to animate cityowned and operated theaters through short-term residencies. To achieve this
goal, the successful candidate will be charged with developing a technical
assistance program for community groups to build organizational capacity to
produce cultural events in our citys parks, along our Great Streets, and in
public spaces.
A key component of the position includes maintaining positive working
relationships with professional performing artists, performing arts
organizations, business improvement districts, performing arts union locals
and local universities. This individual will also represent the DCA before
various civic groups, service clubs, fraternal organizations, arts, and faithbased groups to connect the Citys participation in the performing arts.

The successful candidate will have at least five years experience presenting,
producing, and/or curating a wide range of (indoor and outdoor) events,
productions, and festivals; a proven track record developing strategies that
build community cohesion through the performing arts; and solid leadership
and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to create and sustain strong
collaborative working relationships with prospective partners, community
members, city council members, and their staff members.
This is a senior level position with DCA reporting directly to the Assistant
General Manager.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

Solid leadership and interpersonal skills and ability to work

collaboratively with Directors of each of DCAs core Divisions:
Community Arts, Grants Administration, Public Art and Marketing and
Development.

The ability to create and sustain strong collaborative working

relationships with prospective partners, community members, and
staff.

Stellar organizational and project management skills; strong writing

skills.

Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently, to

participate, and foster a team environment in a complex setting.

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Impeccable follow-through and accountability.

Charismatic public speaking and presenting skills.

Ability to create and implement a comprehensive strategic plan.

Ability to lead and supervise personnel.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Proficient computer skills including MS Word, Excel, databases, and

Google Business Applications.

The successful candidate must also possess adaptive leadership

skills with a keen emphasis on fostering agency talent and
accountability at all levels.

An understanding of, and an appreciation for, the role arts, culture,

and creativity play in fueling our local economy, fostering vibrant
communities, and building a competitive 21st century workforce.

Must embrace the role of public service to support a well-run

department as defined by Mayor Garcettis Back To Basics Priority
Outcomes.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in public

policy, municipal finance, and project management.

The ideal person will be a creative, diplomatic, and agile problem

solver who will thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing
demands and limited resources.

Knowledge of Los Angeles, its neighborhoods, communities, and

cultures.

TO APPLY
Interested applicants should immediately submit a letter of interest, resume,
salary history, and three work-related references (include names, titles,
affiliations, and telephone numbers) to:
Tony Castro
City of Los Angeles
anthony.castro@lacity.org
(Electronic submissions only)
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The filing period may close at any time before or after November 30,
2015, or when sufficient applications have been received.
Please direct questions to Tony Castro at (213) 482-7400.
Note: Only the most qualified individuals will be invited to participate in the
next phase of the selection process, which may include personal interviews.