Non-profit film & animation org seeking Executive Director

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Project Twenty1

Job Profile - Executive Director

Background: Project Twenty1 was founded by Stephanie Yuhas (author, American Goulash) and Matt Conant (writer, Mystery Science Theater 3000.) Both were recent graduates with film-related degrees. Soon after graduating, the pair realized that most of their friends and colleagues had shelved their creative pursuits in favor of "real jobs" that would pay the bills. Unfortunately, an advanced degree had not prepared them for the realities of the industry and many simply found no good vehicle for pursuing their passion. Instead of giving into this reality, Stephanie and Matt decided to do something about it, and Project Twenty1 was born.

Project Twenty1 launched multiple programs to help emerging filmmakers and others in the industry. Their flagship program is the 21-day Filmmaking Competition which challenges filmmakers to create a short film in three weeks and provides inspiration, contacts, and screenings for the finished projects. The first year, hundreds of actors, writers, producers, editors and musicians attended the "launch event" where they formed teams and began work. This program culminated in a three-day screening and awards ceremony attended by nearly 1,000 people.

Project Twenty1 now runs the largest filmmaking competition in Philadelphia as well as the largest animation festival on the East Coast. These programs have resulted in the exhibition of over 1,000 films and animations to over 15,000 attendees, witnessing several films sold to major distributors,and even a few alumni garnering Academy Awards. For more information on Project Twenty1, see the "Organization History."

The Future: With this success, the founders of Project Twenty1 realized that to continue and expand their programs, they would need to enhance their Board of Directors, expand their fundraising efforts and begin to hire key staff. The Executive Director is the Organization’s first and most important hire. Reporting directly to the Board, the Executive Director will be the key leader of Project Twenty1, overseeing all operational aspects of the Organization. This critical hire will be instrumental in setting the Organization’s strategy and ensuring the effective execution of that strategy.

Specifically, the Executive Director will lead or assist in the following:

Operational Planning, Execution and Board Governance

• Develop an operational plan to ensure the successful execution of the strategic plan. Assess and inform the Board of issues and opportunities that impact the execution of the plan.
• Present a written Executive Director report to the Board prior to all Board meetings.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board and the Organization as appropriate.
• Draft policies for Board approval and draft procedures to implement these policies.
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained.

Program Planning and Management

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Organization's programs.
• Monitor the day-to-day delivery of programs and services to maintain or improve quality.
• Oversee marketing and other communications efforts involved in all programs.

Human Resources Planning and Management

• Determine staffing requirements; recruit, select and orient staff that have the right skills and abilities to further the Organization’s mission.
• Oversee the implementation of policies and procedures including the development of job description for all staff.
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment and ensure compliance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance. If and when necessary, exit any team member who is not supporting the Organization’s mission.

Financial Planning, Management, and Viability

• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the Organization. Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans, and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the Organization. Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate.
• Prepare an annual budget and present that budget to the Board for approval.
• Effectively manage the Organization’s day to day expenditures.
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed and maximize the Organization’s resources. Update the Board regularly on the Organization’s financial status.

Community Relations/Advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the Organization’s work and to identify changes in the community served by the Organization.
• Establish good working relationships with community groups, funders, politicians and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the Organization.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Organization, conveying the Organization’s mission to staff, Board, volunteers, donors, clients and community members.

Risk Management

• Identify and minimize any risks to the Organization (including risks to its people, property, finances and brand).
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and the Organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; a business, marketing or social services degree is preferred.
• 5 or more years of progressive management experience in a not-for-profit organization
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles and practices.
• Experience with federal and local legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations
• Some experience with financial management, fundraising strategies and donor relations.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to speak publically
• REQUIRED: Knowledge of technology including: Windows 10; Gmail; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) or Google Docs & Google Sheets; Adobe Acrobat; WordPress
• PREFERRED: Knowledge of Apple OSX, Final Cut Pro (6/7 and X); Google Voice; Adobe Creative Cloud CC (Premiere, Audition, After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign); Final Draft 10. If you know nothing about the Preferred skills, NO PROBLEM - excellent volunteer coordination skills can replace all of the "preferred" technical requirements.

The successful candidate should also demonstrate competence in these areas:

• Integrity; positive leadership skills; effective communication; creative problem solving; timely and competent decision making; planning and execution.
• Most importantly, the successful candidate must be passionate about Project Twenty1 and be genuinely excited to contribute to the success of the Organization and its clients.

Working Conditions

• The Executive Director will usually work in an office environment, but must also be able to work in a variety of other workplaces. All of our events take place in Philadelphia, PA, but we are currently borrowing office space in Norristown, PA.
• Although this has been a volunteer position for over a decade (Project Twenty1 was an all-volunteer org,) we hope to turn this into a fully salaried position with the right match.
• The Executive Director will be a part-time position to start. Much of the work will take place during business hours but the ED will also sometimes work during nonstandard times including evenings and weekends.