| The City of Bloomington is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with a demonstrated history of success in the entertainment and/or performing arts industries to serve as its first Director of Arts & Entertainment. Under the direction of the City Manager, the Director is responsible for leading Bloomington’s arena, the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and driving city entertainment initiatives often in concert with community partners in Downtown Bloomington. The ideal candidate will serve as a general manager for both facilities and be skilled in large scale Operations Management, Facility Management, Event Management, Marketing, all aspects of Event Planning and has Talent Buying experience. This position provides and oversees subject matter expertise in live music entertainment, sporting events, performance in the cultural arts and downtown entertainment events in conjunction with city departments and community partners. Success in this position requires a highly motivated, creative self-starter with the ability to deliver first-class service to entertainers and guests. This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned. - Sets the strategic plan and vision for the city’s entertainment division, curating a schedule of events, activities and other initiatives positioning Bloomington as a regional entertainment hub.
- Plans, coordinates and oversees daily operations and activities for the city owned 7,000 seat arena and the recently restored city owned Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) which includes a 1,200-seat auditorium, an 11,000 square foot ballroom and is located within the Downtown Bloomington Cultural District.
- Works with talent buying agencies to bring in entertainment to the region.
Establishes customer service and revenue goals, policies and operating procedures and directs the preparation of short- and long-term plans and budgets consistent with the City Manager’s direction.
Cultivates partnerships with existing long-standing venues, new locations, and the arts community to elevate the City’s entertainment offerings. - Studies local conditions and develops immediate and long-range plans to meet entertainment needs of all age groups and establishes program objectives and policies.
- Builds and maintains a top-notch management team. Leads, supervises, advises and coaches managers monitoring and evaluating their performance against both operational and developmental goals.
- Develops and implements procedures and controls to promote communication and adequate information flow within the department and amongst other departments.
- Oversees collection of revenues and spending for annual operating budget and capital budget and communicates to City Manager any variances from projected revenue and budget. Responsible for obtaining and overseeing sponsorships, risk management and financial controls, pursuant to City policies. Responsible for oversight of cash handling procedures, payroll and accounts payable as designated by the City.
- Contracts with entities wishing to rent, utilize, or perform at Bloomington Arena, Bloomington Center for Performing Arts, and other City entertainment facilities in consultation with the Legal department. Monitors contractual obligations between the Department and other agencies or businesses, including collective bargaining agreements. Works collaboratively with representatives of bargaining units to maintain positive working relationships between City and staff.
- Creates and maintains a brand image standard for each venue including brand identity, website, social media and advertising. Ensures a calendar of events is maintained and shared with all marketing personnel, the Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau, and all event staff.
- Oversees maintenance, repair, and renovation of the following in coordination with other City departments: sound/light, bathroom facilities, bar facilities, kitchens, dressing rooms, lawn/landscaping management, high speed internet connection, phones, and any other renovations necessary to facilitate a successful event.
- Acts as media representative for all venues as needed in coordination with the Communications Manager; speaks publicly to community groups and other organizations on related issues, events, and operations for all venues. Develops and implements the introduction of all venues into the community at all levels as requested by the City Manager.
- Selects department personnel, evaluates direct reports and disciplines staff in consultation with Human Resources and Legal departments. Oversees staff and coordinates with subcontractors to ensure safe and successful events in conjunction with the consultant, vendors and rental clients; determines resources necessary and available, such as equipment or labor, and compares with event requirements; coordinates obtainment of additional resources as needed (e.g. rental equipment, etc); develops and implements a recruiting, training, and/or internship program for seasonal, permanent, and volunteer staff.
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