Managing Director at 2nd Story - ALJP Consulting

2nd Story, an iconic live storytelling institution in Chicago, seeks an inspired and collaborative Managing Director to lead the strategic growth and business  management of the arts organization.

About 2nd Story 

Founded in 1999, 2nd Story exists to fulfill its vision of living in a world driven by empathy. We believe that sharing our true stories with each other binds us to one another. Our mission is to create spaces where people can share and deeply listen to one another’s stories.

Our work is anchored by 2nd Story’s core values of Craft, Courage, and Inclusion. We maintain a deeply held belief that stories can build a bolder and kinder world and this is seen in every story that we produce, every class we teach, and every workshop we facilitate.

For more information about 2nd Story, please visit 2ndstory.com.

The Role

The Managing Director is responsible for the overall business and operational leadership of 2nd Story. This includes driving fundraising, budgeting, financial management, HR, institutional marketing, and board relations. In addition to general and administrative responsibilities, the Managing Director oversees and executes individual giving, marketing and sales, and foundation and corporate support, in partnership with other members of the 2nd Story team. 

For more information about this role, please visit  2ndstory.com/workwithus.

What Will You Do?

2nd Story is seeking an ambitious and empathic leader to collaborate with a dedicated staff, board of directors, and company of artists committed to the art of storytelling. In partnership with the Artistic Director and with support and guidance from the 2nd Story Board of Directors, the Managing Director maintains and executes 2nd Story’s Mission, Vision, and Values with a specific focus on finance, administration, development, operations, and marketing. 

The Managing Director will supervise a full time Manager of Relationships, and a variety of independent contractors including a Digital Media Coordinator, Accountant, Grants Manager, freelance photographers, and graphic designers.

The Managing Director shares executive leadership with the Artistic Director, and reports directly to the Board of Directors. 

Areas of Accountability

Fundraising

• Collaborate the Grants Manager to identify new funding opportunities with foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 
• Co-create and submit grant proposals and reports, including narrative and financial information.
• Identify new (or increased) funding opportunities by prospecting and stewarding individual donors.
• Create and manage an annual individual giving plan, including donor materials and communications. 
• Lead the fundraising strategy for special events to meet contributed income goals, including silent auction packages, sponsorship materials, and host committee activities.
• In partnership with the Artistic Director, support the development of the 2nd Story Board of Directors including recruitment, engagement, reports and agendas, and facilitating governance and fundraising activities.  

Finance

• Manage the overall financial functions of the organization.
• Manage the creation of an annual operating budget, in partnership with the Board’s HR & Finance Committee and the Artistic Director.
• Create and communicate financial reporting systems to ensure staff have the information they need to manage their individual budgets and internal and external stakeholders understand financial progress and budget tracking. 
• Process payroll and maintain ongoing correspondence and manage staff insurance coverage in partnership with Employco, a human resources consulting firm.
• Collaborate with 2nd Story’s accountant to reconcile monthly financial statements.
• In conjunction with the Board Treasurer, provide financial analysis and recommendations to guide the organization’s strategic financial decisions. 
• Supervise the filing of annual 990 reports and audits.

Marketing and Ambassadorship

• Increase 2nd Story’s earned revenue capacity via   sales and marketing strategies. This includes 2nd Story’s performances, classes and workshops for the public, as well as CultureBuilds, 2nd Story’s story-based professional development program for local and national businesses, schools, and not-for-profits. 
• Co-create and manage marketing assets consistent with 2nd Story’s brand and in support of strategic initiatives, in collaboration with 2nd Story staff, including freelance photographers and a graphic designer. 
• Represent the organization in the public sphere, including press releases and interviews and at community events.
• Ensure timely and professional maintenance of correspondence and connections with community stakeholders.

Operations

• Ensure internal policies (HR manual, finance policy, etc.) reflect the 2nd Story priority of being human-centered.  
• In partnership with the Manager of Strategy and Operations, ensure general office maintenance and manage studio rentals.
• Liaison with the property manager of 2nd Story’s office and rehearsal space.

Who Are We Looking For?

The Managing Director is a core leader of the 2nd Story team. We are seeking someone who: 

• Will foster a workplace environment that emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, clear communication, and mutual support.
• Centers gratitude in their approach to shared executive leadership.
• Engages in their work through an anti-racist framework and human-centered approach.
• Believes in the power of stories and storytelling as a way to open hearts and minds, and wants to share that power with others through 2nd Story’s performances, classes/workshops, and for hire offerings.
• Is excited about all the aspects of  fundraising, from high-level strategy, building relationships, and planning events to the tiniest details of choosing venues and food.

How much are we paying and what are the perks?

Annual Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000, Full time and exempt, flexible work hours, with some evenings and weekends required.

Location: Primarily remote, with occasional on-site work at 2nd Story’s office and rehearsal space (3001 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL) in the Albany Park neighborhood, and other locations around Chicago. Keys to the 2nd Story space are issued to all employees, who may use the facilities at any time, as useful (and not in conflict with other activities.) 

Residency in the Chicagoland area is required. Relocation assistance will be provided, if necessary.

Benefits & Perks: 2nd Story’s Board of Directors offers a comprehensive assortment of benefits to all employees. This includes:

• 80% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited paid time off (PTO), including all federal holidays and 4 weeks annually when 2nd Story closes its offices (2 weeks each in the winter and summer)
• Annual guaranteed minimum salary increase of 4% cost of living adjustment.
• Board-directed recognition bonuses and other “We See You” gifts (past examples include: $200 gift card of choice, $50 to a favorite restaurant)
• 3% non-elective employer contribution to 401(k) plan (“non-elective” means that the employee gets this contribution whether or not they make their own contribution) 
• Flexible work hours and remote options
• Short-and long-term disability insurance
• 100% employer-covered life insurance policy
• Dedicated professional development resources.
• Snacks in the office! (and a bunch of excellent cooks and people who like to cook and eat)
• 24/7/365 availability of office space and kitchen for personal and professional use, with prior scheduling 
• Access to the 2nd Story network of artistic and professional resources (including legal, publishing, PR & marketing, finance professionals, etc)

Start Date: Spring 2024

How do I apply?

Visit aljpconsulting.com/apply-for-jobs to submit your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications received by February 1st will receive first consideration. 

We know there are great candidates who may not have all of the qualifications and experience listed above but possess intuitive knowledge or other fully transferable skills. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Working artists are especially encouraged to apply. 

2nd Story provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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