BACKGROUND: Los Angeles—the cultural hub of the country—is home to America’s most diverse population and more entertainment options and venue than anywhere else in the US. As one of the nation’s largest performing arts centers, and as a cultural anchor in Los Angeles County, The Music Center brings together artists, communities, and ideas with the goal of enriching the cultural lives of all Angelinos.
The Music Center has three divisions: TMC Arts, TMC Ops, and TMC Business Services. TMC Arts, The Music Center’s programming engine, provides year-round programming inside The Music Center’s four theatres, on Jerry Moss Plaza, outside Gloria Molina Grand Park, in schools and neighborhoods all over Los Angeles County, and on a variety of digital platforms. These programs include world-class dance experiences with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, free and low-cost public concerts and events, as well as live and digital K-12 arts learning programs, workshops, performances, interactive experiences, and special events. TMC Ops manages the theatres, the Plaza, and Gloria Molina Grand Park, which comprise $2 billion in county assets, on behalf of the County of Los Angeles. TMC Business Resources includes services provided by the organization’s Advancement, Finance, and Marketing and Communications teams.
The Music Center is also home to four renowned resident companies: Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Master Chorale, LA Opera, and LA Phil. To learn more about this Los Angeles cultural focal point, please visit musiccenter.org.
FUNDING: The Music Center operates as a public/private partnership and has a current annual operating budget of approximately $70 million, of which about half is provided by Los Angeles County. The remaining funding comes from earned income including ticket sales, rent and concession income, as well as contributed income comprised of major/institutional gifts, board support, membership/annual fund, and special events. The current annual fund raises approximately $15 million. The Music Center has an endowment with a current market value of $71 million and is preparing to launch an historic comprehensive campaign. The approaching 60th anniversary of The Music Center in 2024 serves as a platform for creating momentum and excitement around the vision of the campaign.
THE OPPORTUNITY: In recent years, The Music Center began a major transformation to become a more relevant, public-centered, inclusive, and dynamic performing arts center. The organization is now poised to realize its vision of deepening the cultural life of every resident of Los Angeles County and continue creating an increasingly relevant, multidisciplinary center for the arts.
The Senior Vice President, Advancement is a member of the leadership team reporting to the President & CEO, and works closely with the board, colleagues, constituent organizations, and other stakeholders to build upon The Music Center’s current philanthropy program and expand beyond its traditional donor base to engage new communities of supporters.
The successful candidate will also serve as an ambassador for the Music Center, both on the campus and to the Los Angeles community. The SVPA will lead a 22-person team. The individual in this role will collaborate with colleagues across the entire organization, including but not limited to finance, marketing and communications, TMC Arts, and TMC Ops.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Genuine interest in The Music Center’s mission and values; significant track record of advancement leadership success in a not-for-profit institution (cultural arts background and/or education-related experience is a plus).
- Demonstrated success as a front-line major and principal gift solicitor.
- Major capital campaign planning and leadership experience.
- Experience working effectively with board members and other volunteers.
- Knowledgeable about the Greater Los Angeles cultural, business, social, and philanthropic communities.
- Prior experience serving as a strategic advancement partner to a CEO.
- Reputation as an innovator, instituting best practices and emerging trends in advancement.
- Substantial management/mentoring experience.
- Comfortable embracing technology and exploring its potential.
- Demonstrated commitment to attracting and fostering a diverse, collaborative workplace and community.
- Warm, engaging personal style.
- Persuasive writing and presentation skills—able to articulate compelling cases for support to diverse audiences.
- Able to work diplomatically and effectively within a large, complex environment.
- Excellent organization and time-management skills.
- Willingness and ability to regularly participate in weekend and evening events and to travel as required.
- Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a relevant field is highly desirable.
The estimated annual base salary range is $350,000-$375,000 plus attractive benefits.
Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist The Music Center with this exciting search. Please email your resume and letter of interest to [email protected]
All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.
The Music Center fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Music Center’s commitment to inclusivity encompasses but is not limited to diversity in nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, and disability.