Chief Venue Officer

Reports to:  President and CEO

Status:  Full-time, Salaried (Exempt)

Rate of Pay:  $200,000 - $210,000 DOQ

Posting Deadline:  Will remain open until filled with a Priority Deadline of September 30

About Hennepin Arts

Hennepin Arts powers a thriving arts community - rooted in Minneapolis, with impact across Minnesota - through unforgettable experiences, preserving history, expanding opportunity, and inspiring connection through the power of performance. We bring people together through powerful performances and educational programs. Our work preserving historic theatres and activating the District honors the past and shapes the future of Minnesota.

At Hennepin Arts, we believe identity should never be a barrier to belonging or success. Every person on our staff, on our stages, in our audiences, and in our communities deserves to feel seen, respected, and valued. Inclusion is core to who we are and how we lead. We affirm that diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) are daily practices that shape how we work, who we serve, and what we stand for.

Position Summary

The Chief Venue Officer (CVO) serves as an indispensable pillar within the executive team at Hennepin Arts. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, the CVO holds a strategic role that requires visionary leadership to drive the organization forward. This involves a holistic approach to managing and enhancing the efficiency and strategic alignment of operations to bolster the organization's mission. The CVO’s responsibilities are integral to propelling growth, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering collaboration across all functions. This ensures seamless coordination and that all organizational operations consistently meet the highest standards of performance. The CVO is not just a leader but a catalyst for innovation and progress, guiding the organization through challenges and opportunities with strategic insight and operational expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide executive leadership to Hennepin Arts and partner organizations, aligning them with the strategic vision set by the President/CEO
• Provide strategic direction through advisement and collaboration with the leaders of shared services to align organizational goals and strategic initiatives
• Key advisor to the President/CEO in evaluating opportunities and assessing the venue operational impact
• Leverage cross-organizational strengths to seize new opportunities and tackle organizational challenges

Operations & Leadership

• Direct all operational functions and lead execution of all organizational initiatives, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability 
• Oversee multiple projects aimed at improving venue operations through advancements in technology, processes, and staffing
• Ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget, maintaining a focus on venue efficiency and innovation
• Establish and enforce the implementation of venue policies and procedures to enhance process efficiency and organizational performance
• Champion integration of systems across the organization to ensure seamless venue operations and effective execution of company-wide activities

Resource Management & Optimization

• Oversee venue operation budgets and resource allocation to support the achievement of both short- and long-term venue goals
• Analyze venue performance to identify areas for cost reduction, program enhancement, or policy modification

Governance & Reporting

• Regularly report, focusing on the venue operation facets of the organization
• Build and reinforce accountability between departments to promote venue operation efficiency and effectiveness
• Direct adherence to compliance with governance standards and alignment with the strategic vision of the organization

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Lead a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring venue policies and processes, systems, and capabilities evolve to meet emerging needs 
• Drive venue innovation to optimize processes and achieve integrated, organization-wide efficiency. Promote data-driven, scalable solutions
• Create and facilitate a culture of continuous improvement that is committed to delivering the highest standards in venue operations

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in senior leadership roles, with at least 5 years of proven success in a COO or equivalent role, preferably within a non-profit or arts organization
• Advanced expertise in strategic planning, project management, and business development
• Extensive experience in venue management, including box office, front-of-house, production, and group sales
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams
• Demonstrated analytical proficiency, with a strong ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions that drive organizational success

Physical Requirements

• Due to the nature of our work, employees may be required to work some non-traditional business hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned and essential functions.  

Benefits and Perks

• This position is eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and other ancillary benefits)
• Parking stipend
• Vacation and Sick Time and other paid time off plans
• Retirement benefits

Hennepin Arts is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the Minnesota communities we serve. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. We are committed to recruiting and engaging individuals without regard to disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. We are committed to equity and are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of individuals.

• Reasonable accommodations provided upon request
• This document is available in alternative formats

Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment background check. Your written consent will be obtained prior to a background check being performed.

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