THEATRE DIRECTOR

The Drexel: Following our stunning multi-million dollar restoration in 2017 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bexley’s iconic Drexel Theatre is one of America’s artistic jewels showcasing the best of independent film and, through its educational outreach, stimulating dialogue on film art and important issues of the day.

Position Summary: Friends of the Drexel (Friends) now seeks an energetic, creative and business-savvy leader to oversee the Theatre’s strategic programming and operations. While responsible for all aspects of operations, the position’s focus will be on creative programming and community cultivation that raises the profile of the Drexel, educates our audiences, and attracts movie lovers from all throughout Central Ohio.

The Theatre Director works with CAPA to determine artistic content, book and promote films, program theatre activities and special events, supervise staff, oversee theatre safety, cleanliness and maintenance, manage all business operations, and serve as community ambassador for the Drexel. The Theatre Director will report directly to the Columbus Association for Performing Arts (CAPA), who manages the Theatre for Friends.

Responsibilities:
Programming, Promotion, and Community Relations

• Working with CAPA and the Drexel’s outside “booking agent” to determine the primary programming schedule.
• Planning and executing special events and activities that complement the arts cinema nature of the Drexel and broaden our community engagement.
• Promoting the Drexel and its activities to broaden awareness of the Drexel and to drive revenue growth, coordinating with CAPA’s marketing department on marketing and promotional efforts.

Theatre and Operations:

• Oversight of general day-to-day operations of the Drexel Theatre.
• Management of the staff through hiring, training, scheduling, and maintaining positive employee relations.
• Promoting the highest level of customer service and guest relations.
• Ensuring safety and security for all Drexel patrons and Drexel staff.
• Ensuring that the building and grounds are spotlessly maintained.

Sales and Financials

• Build the book of business and earned revenue for the Theatre in accordance with the goals set forth by CAPA and the Board of Friends.
• Oversight of daily sales activity and nightly reporting; maintaining proper cash fund and administering petty cash fund.
• Monitoring and reporting of daily revenue and expense to support the goal of profitable operations.
• Work closely with the Board and CAPA to support fundraising and membership efforts with the goal of expanding # of donors while increasing overall contributed $’s raised.
• Take responsibility for financial performance of the FODI; identify opportunities for revenue growth in earned and unearned revenue.

Governance and Community Responsibilities

• Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Drexel board.
• Communicate effectively with CAPA and the Board and provide information and analysis necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
• Serve as the “face of the Drexel” within the theatre and externally with the City of Bexley, the school system, Capital University and other important community stakeholders across Central Ohio.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create unique programming opportunities for the Drexel and then execute the programs through completion.
• Ability to problem-solve, including diplomatic resolution of situations that sometimes arise for the public users of the Theatre.
• Knowledge of motion pictures, especially film art.
• Exceptionally strong customer service skills and dedication to fostering a “uniquely-Drexel” movie-goer experience.

Credentials and Experience

• 5-10 years of experience working with the public in an operational capacity, preferably in a theatre setting.
• 3-5 years of theatre management experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Majors encouraged in arts administration, business, communications, or related field.

Special Requirements

• Enthusiasm for serving our patrons with unparallelled hospitality daytime, evening and weekend hours, as theatre activity requires.
• Weekend evenings are the peak volume times for Drexel films and activity. This position must have the ability to be present at the Theatre on a regular (at least 50% of the time) basis during peak times.

Intangible Attributes

• Love of film and the arts.
• A passion for promoting the Drexel’s “brand” and its strong connections with Bexley and Central Ohio.