About the Organization 

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Prison Performing Arts involves incarcerated youth and adults in the performing arts to inspire intellectual curiosity and personal development. We nurture the discipline, teamwork, and communication skills necessary for successful re-entry into society. We encourage members of the larger community to connect personally with program participants, and we offer continuing programs for participants who have been released. 

 

About the Role 

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The Managing Director serves as the chief strategist for communications, development, finance, and operations at Prison Performing Arts (PPA). This position is responsible for designing, directing, and implementing all aspects of the organization’s development efforts, including corporate and foundation giving,  individual giving, annual appeals and campaigns, and special events. The Managing Director works collaboratively with the Artistic Director, Program Coordinator, Board of Directors, and Development Committee to oversee fiscal management, meet revenue goals, and execute the organization’s mission and strategic plan.  The Managing Director supervises the Production Coordinator (PTE), who is responsible for marketing,  communications, graphic design, and other production duties as assigned. 

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Core Responsibilities​

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Development & Finance 

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• Partner with the Development committee to develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan, including the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of new and existing funders. 

• Partner with the Development committee to plan and execute PPA’s Annual Bash, the organization’s signature fundraising event. 

• Lead grant research, proposal writing, application submissions, and grant reporting for institutional funders. 

• Partner with the Artistic Director, Program Coordinator, and Board Treasurer to lead fiscal management of the organization, including annual budgeting, budget management and oversight, and cash flow. 

• Manage office systems, including donor and audience management database(s), banking, payment,  event ticketing platforms, etc. 

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Board Engagement & Operations 

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• Partner with Board leadership to prepare, coordinate, and manage all meetings of the Board of  Directors, including six annual meetings and one annual retreat.  

• Partner with the Executive Committee to refine, maintain, and implement the current, multi-year strategic plan, while preparing for the organization’s next strategic plan.  

• Partner with the Governance Committee to recruit, onboard, and engage members of the Board of  Directors in key functions and strategic efforts. 

• Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. 

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the organization through general office administration, cash and check deposits, QuickBooks reporting, gift acknowledgement distribution, etc.

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Community Engagement & Partnerships  

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• Partner with the Artistic Director to establish and steward collaborative agreements with organizational partners, including those in the arts, reentry, and social justice spaces.  

• Partner with the Artistic Director to liaise with local media and press where appropriate. 

• Supervise and support the Production Coordinator in order to enhance PPA’s reach and visibility through digital storytelling across website, social media, and email communications. 

• Partner with Production Coordinator on review and maintenance of graphic design assets, social media posts, marketing materials, email communications, and website content. 

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Qualifications 

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The qualifications below are meant to serve as a guide rather than a checklist. Prison Performing Arts understands that skills and competencies are developed through a variety of pathways — paid, unpaid, formal,  or informal. We recognize that not all candidates will meet every qualification listed and are committed to considering each applicant’s unique background and potential contribution. 

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• Strategic Fundraiser: Ability to design and execute comprehensive annual and multi-          year fundraising plans, including funder identification, cultivation, solicitation, and            stewardship (typically gained through at least 5-7 years of experience in fundraising          or nonprofit development). 

• Adaptive Expert: Embraces innovation, flexibility, and continuous learning in a                    changing nonprofit landscape. 

• Collaborative Leader: Works effectively across teams in various environments to meet        the emerging  and unique needs of the organization. 

• Compelling Communicator: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with          a comfort and capacity to connect to diverse audiences, including through grant             applications.

• Relationship Builder: Skilled at connecting and engaging with key corporate,                        foundation and individual funders, as well as other stakeholders, including program        alumni, board members, carceral facility staff,  teaching artists, volunteers, and                  more. 

• Results Pro: Meets or exceeds goals with accountability and creativity. 

• Tech Specialist: Proficient in digital fundraising platforms (i.e., DonorSnap,                            Bloomerang, Blackbaud,  Salesforce, etc.), QuickBooks, form builders, and core                applications in the Microsoft Office Suite.  

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Preferred Attributes 

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• Knowledge of St. Louis’ arts, prison reentry, and philanthropic landscapes. 

• Demonstrated passion for leadership development and community impact. 

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events or donor meetings.

 

Compensation, Benefits, and Application Instructions 

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The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000. Prison Performing Arts offers a dynamic benefits package with health and dental insurance, flexible work schedules, hybrid work options, and robust sick leave and paid time off for full-time staff.  ​​

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To make inquiries or express interest about this position, please send a resume (and optional cover letter) to  Cassidy Flynn and Lisa Durkin, Co-Presidents of the Board of Directors, at board@prisonartsstl.org by  Wednesday, December 31. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential. Prison Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer. For more information about Prison Performing Arts, please explore our website at  prisonperformingarts.org. 

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