Job Description

Executive Director for LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (Performing Arts Center Director)

POSITION DETAILS

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York. LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree and certificate programs, as well as dozens of workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 25,000 students. More than one-third of our degree-seeking students were born outside of the United States, coming to LaGuardia from 136 countries and speaking forty-three heritage languages. More than half are first-generation college students. Approximately two-thirds of our degree-seeking students receive financial aid. Please visit to learn more.

LaGuardia Community College seeks a creative, visionary, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Executive Director of the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC). Reporting to the President and Chief of Staff, the Executive Director will oversee LPAC?s programming and operations, lead fundraising, marketing, and audience development, and serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the organization.

Since its founding in 1978, LPAC has been a resource for the LaGuardia community and a hub for vibrant and engaging theatrical, musical, and dance productions reflecting the broad range of cultural, artistic, and creative voices that distinguish the dynamic borough of Queens.

A longtime, prominent performing arts organization in Long Island City, LPAC is at an inflection point in its history, following the retirement of its former Executive Director, and at a moment when the college, under new leadership, recently developed a new strategic plan. The college looks to LPAC?s new Executive Director to articulate an artistic vision that reflects LaGuardia?s mission and core values. The Executive Director will assess LPAC?s current operations, programs, and systems with a fresh perspective and develop a new operating model that enables programmatic and organizational growth through strategic fundraising, business development, and operational and facility improvements.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are not exhaustive but illustrate the general duties required of the position. The position reports to the College?s Chief of Staff, who may direct the Executive Director to perform duties in addition to those contained in this document.

Organizational Management and Oversight

• Serve as an inspiring leader, o¿ering support, direction and guidance to the LPAC staff.
• In collaboration with the SVP of Administration and Finance, manage LPAC's annual budget, ensuring operations remain within financial limits and all reporting and other administrative obligations are met.
• Manage revenues and expenses in accordance with LPAC's annual budget and the college's accounting systems and policies;
• Meet financial goals and maintain high standards of financial management and reporting.
• Direct LPAC's operations, including program production, audience development, facilities management and maintenance, events management, and financial and business management.
• Manage facility usage, venue scheduling, and space rentals with the college and external stakeholders. Oversee schedule coordination and establish procedures to accommodate performances and events.
• Evaluate systems and implement improvements to increase efficiency.
• Develop and implement organizational processes, policies, and procedures.
• Perform all other duties necessary to ensure a superior experience for all who engage with LPAC.

Contributed and Earned Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, securing philanthropic gifts, sponsorships, government grants, and strategic partnerships.
• Increase earned revenue from performances, venue rentals, and public programs.
• Identify and secure new earned and contributed revenue sources.
• Significantly reduce LPAC?s historic dependence on operating subsidies from the college.

Programming and Events

• Provide strategic direction, establish priorities, and clearly de¿ne goals for LPAC?s programming.
• Work closely with the Humanities Department, in particular with faculty from the Theatre, Film and Television, and Music Performance programs, to ensure that LPAC supports LaGuardia?s students? needs and their educational progress.
• Collaborate with the Office of Academic Affairs, Academic Departments, the Division of Student Affairs, and other college divisions, departments, and units to meet their diverse needs.
• Coordinate the performance contracting process for commercial and rental events; Review, amend, and approve contracts; Ensure requirements are satisfied as required.
• Collaborate with college faculty and leadership to maximize opportunities for student involvement in LPAC programs in order to promote experiential learning, mentorship, and professional development.

Marketing, Communications, and Outreach

• In coordination with the college?s Office of Communications and External Affairs, plan and promote public relations, marketing, and media relations activities to publicize LPAC and its programming.
• Serve as a con¿dent and knowledgeable public speaker on behalf of LPAC.
• Identify, establish, develop, and maintain relationships with business, political, and other community leaders to create partnerships and secure resources for LPAC.
• Work with the Artistic Director on strategies to expand LPAC?s subscriber base and increase box office revenue.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' related experience required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree with at least seven years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage people and lead teams.
• Passion for and dedication to the performing arts.
• Excellent ¿nancial management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven success in fundraising.
• Track record of working collaboratively with education, government, civic, and community stakeholders.
• Proven ability to execute on strategic objectives in positions of increasing scope and influence.
• Significant experience with and understanding of non-profit arts organization management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Plans, directs, and markets Performing Arts Center/Theatre programs and presentations at other venues throughout a College or Unit.

• Works with senior management to create a vision and strategy for performing arts
• Brings artistic vision to the organization by planning and presenting innovative and successful programming
• Develops and implements creative and cost-effective marketing plans to attract both program sponsors and audiences
• Manages revenue targets and financial plans, reporting on financial operations consistent with best practices in the not-for-profit/public sectors
• Provides programming to fulfill the community service mission of the College or Unit
• Manages relationships between the center and College academic and administrative departments
• Cultivates relationships with external customers
• Hires, trains, and manages Center staff
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Title Name: Performing Arts Center Director

CUNY TITLE

Higher Education Officer

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit access the employment page, log in or create a new user account, and search for this vacancy using the Job ID or Title. Select "Apply Now" and provide the requested information.

Candidates must attach a resume, cover letter, and three professional references (name, title, organization, and contact information).

CLOSING DATE

May 2nd, 2025

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID

Location

LaGuardia Community College

About CUNY La Guardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, educates more than 50,000 New Yorkers annually through degree, certificate, and continuing education programs. Our guiding principle, "Dare To Do More", reflects our belief in the transformative power of education—not just for individuals, but for our community and our country—creating pathways for achievement and safeguarding the middle class. LaGuardia is a national voice on behalf of community colleges, where half of all US college students study. Part of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his championing the underserved. Since our doors opened in 1971, our programs regularly become national models for pushing boundaries to give people of all backgrounds access to a high quality, affordable college education. We invite you to join us in imagining what our students, our community, and our country can become. Visit to learn more.

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