08/01/1982 26910

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COUNCIL ON THE ARTS

DEFINITION: This is responsible administrative and professional work in the encouragement and development of the arts in the Commonwealth.

The employee in this class directs a professional, administrative, and clerical staff engaged in evaluating proposals for grants in aid, assisting potential grantees in developing acceptable proposals, providing technical assistance to arts organizations, advocating adoption of policy and action on grant proposals, providing technical assistance to arts organizations, advocating adoption of technical assistance to arts organizations, advocating adoption of policy and action on grant proposals before Council Members, monitoring the contractual compliance of grantees, evaluating the educational and cultural value and ability of agencies to deliver proposed programs, and internally administering the agency operations. Work involves reviewing activities and recommendations of professional specialists within the various arts disciplines to ensure attainment of overall priorities and objectives of the Council, including assignment of new program initiatives. An important aspect of the work is keeping informed of international developments occurring in the arts for use in formulating objectives. A significant aspect of the responsibilities is assuring that staff provide constructive criticisms and advice to arts organizations, without censoring or unduly influencing the content of artistic production in encouraging freedom of creativity and advancement of the arts. Work includes evaluating cost effectiveness of council activities and developing profession staff competence in techniques of managing, financing, audience development, volunteer resources, advertising, and other aspects of operating arts organizations. The employee is subject to broad policy and general management guidance and reviewed for the attainment of broad objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the activities of a professional staff performing technical assistance and program evaluation within the visual arts, crafts, theater, literature, music, dance, media arts, and other disciplines to insure the healthy growth and development of the arts in Pennsylvania.

Conceives and implements program initiatives to maximize Council's impact on the growth of the arts.

Conducts sensitive communications with arts organizations, legislative representatives, program staff of other governmental agencies, national foundations, and grants organizations to develop multi-faceted programs for the advancement of the arts.

Recommends policy regarding program initiatives and methods of encouraging development of the arts, and assures staff compliance with approve policies.

Evaluates staff work in the various disciplines to assure adequate professional review and advice on proposals and performance by arts organizations; and develops staff to accomplish objectives.

Develops budgets, staffing needs, and administrative procedures; establishes objectives and rates performance of staff; and otherwise administers council operations.

Directs the preparation of reports on the activities of the council, studies made, and the condition of the arts; and makes public speaking presentations about the programs and activities of the Council and status of the arts.

Monitors international and national events, trends, and programs in the various arts disciplines to develop policy and program recommendations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management of arts organizations.

Knowledge of the history and current developments within the arts disciplines.

Knowledge of the records of artists and arts organizations performing or inhibiting in Pennsylvania with regard to quality of presentations and audience or spectator acclaim.

Knowledge of the problems of the artists in presenting his or her art to the public.

Ability to directs the activities of a professional staff specializing in a variety of arts disciplines, develop their expertise through training and supervision, and evaluate the quality of program accomplishments.

Ability to evaluate the artistic product in relation to international, national, and statewide standards, and to evaluate the process of and potential for artistic development.

Ability to analyze the state of the art and take initiatives on behalf of the field resulting in substantive advancement of the art.

Ability to use diplomacy and tact in advising and negotiating with arts organizations to provide assistance in the development of financial management, resource utilization, educational methods, audience development, and other organizational aspects of arts organizations without providing censorship or undue influence on the artistic content.

Ability to perform objective evaluations of the artistic quality and management of non-profit arts organization programs.

Ability to plan and conduct work schedules effectively.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with arts organization managers, artists, Federal and state governmental officials, and foundations.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Master's degree in an arts or humanities field, and ten years of experience in the arts including five years in managing arts organizations involving multiple disciplines.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.