Help wanted: SJCC Executive Director

Applicants will have a two-week window in which to make their application if they want to be considered for the newly created position of Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism Development Director for the St. Johns County Cultural Council, according to an announcement received from President Tommy Bledsoe by Historic City News today.

The announcement was posted on the Cultural Council website on Monday, July 11, 2011, and is in furtherance of one of the requirements defined in a recent contract with the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners to provide arts, culture, and heritage tourism development and marketing.

“We are seeking a qualified professional with experience in tourism marketing, arts and culture administration, and development,” Bledsoe told Historic City News. “After the Executive Director is hired, additional administrative staff will be brought on board to support the work of the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism manager.”

Bledsoe said that the Cultural Council has launched a national search for an Executive Director to oversee Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism development.

“We are pleased that, after almost three years of soliciting input from the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism industry, reviewing options, and evaluating proposals, the Board of County Commissioners chose the St. Johns County Cultural Council to manage the program,” said Cultural Council board member and contract negotiator, Bill Coleman. “It is a big responsibility with great potential for the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Tourism industry. The stakeholders are excited about having an arts professional in charge of the program.”

The scope of work will include (i) recommending Arts and Culture grant application guidelines, (ii) providing a 5-year strategic plan, (iii) marketing St. Johns County’s arts, cultural and heritage assets as a visitor demand generator, and (iv) preparing detailed annual budgets for approval by the Board of County Commissioners.

By August 1st, qualified applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references by email to the St. Johns County Cultural Council, P. O. Box 840145, St. Augustine, FL 32080.

“Salary competitive and commensurate with experience,” according to the website.

The Executive Director will supervise a staff of two and an annual budget of $1.1 million.

The position reports directly to the President of the Cultural Council and works closely with the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners.

The Executive Director will be responsible for:

• Overall management of all day-to-day operations of the Cultural Council.
• Developing a five year Strategic Plan for the development of arts, culture and heritage related initiatives, programs and events designated to attract visitors to St. Johns County.
• Developing and recommending the annual marketing plan and budget for approval by the Cultural Council Board and the Board of County Commissioners for arts, cultural and heritage programs.
• Designing and managing the cultural grant program through a process utilizing the County’s arts, culture and heritage Funding Panel, for the cultural development of St. Johns County. Programs will be designed to attract and serve tourists.
• Developing and implementing measurement tools to track the results of all grant and marketing programs.
• Collaborating with County staff and the St. Johns County Visitors and Convention Bureau, to market, advertise and promote arts, culture and heritage related activities in St. Johns County throughout the state, nation and world for the purpose of attracting visitors to the county.
• Ultimately, the successful candidate will also oversee the development efforts for the Council and other cultural development activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will possess excellent written and oral communication skills, in-depth knowledge of planning and budgeting, strong interpersonal and management skills, experience in working with non-profit boards in a leadership capacity, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer programs.

Marketing and grant management experience is preferred. A four year degree is required, advanced degree is a plus, and at least five years of work experience in arts and cultural administration.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph