Interim Executive Director's Report
December 19, 2016
Reported by Jocelyn Hale on December 15, 2016
Major Artistic Contracts:
Romeo and Juliet
We are still trying to come to resolution with the details around Romeo and Juliet. We’ve not signed the Music Accord agreement because we need their contract to align with our original contract. I’m not concerned but we hope to have this signed by the end of 2016.
After the last board meeting I spoke with both Libby and Trish about coming up with some perfect production and not several versions of the show. Trish has scheduled a call with the artistic team and Trish and Frank will attend our January board meeting. Please make every effort to attend.
Goal: To make a firm decision at the January board meeting and go forth with enthusiasm and success.
Development & Finance
Finance
As you’ll hear, Jeff has done a wonderful job managing the audit and cash flow.
Grants
The administrative team has been putting in long hours with Don Sommers, our contract grant writer consultant. We are working on the MSAB gen-op proposal. This year’s proposal is crucial because it impacts our funding for four years. Our goal is to get a good rating in the merit category. Don is also guiding us through the Target proposal.
To stay within budget, I’ve swamped out executive director hours for Don Sommers.
Foundations
We got an increase from Wenger!
FY17 individuals
Carly and I met to develop a strategy for approaching individuals who would usually give between now and the end of 2016. All is on track.
Wendy and I met with Mary Bean to ask for an additional $100,000 over 3-4 years to help with capacity building (salaries). We will hear from her by early February.
Sponsorships
Carly has applied to Frederickson & Bryan but has not yet heard.
We have $20,000 in the current budget for sponsorships. We have some ideas but need help with opening doors and ideas. Law firms and wealth management firms are great prospects because of the opportunity to entertain clients. This $20,000 is in our budget so we can’t loose track of it. ALERT – this is falling between the cracks.
The Cantus IDOL team is busy pursuing sponsorship leads so this could help shift the sponorship burden.
Public Relations
Carly and team have been getting great reviews for the shows.
Internal Structures and Management & Search
Executive Director Search
We are down to two talented and very different finalists. I feel both are strong and bring different skill sets to the the table. The committee will make a decision on its recommendation to the board today (December 15).
Goal: Have the new person in place by February 1. Announce to the public strategically to leverage message of positive momentum.
Performance Reviews
I’m working on the in-depth singer 360 performance reviews.
These will all be completed by December 22, 2016.
Employee Handbook & systems
Because of the Texas federal court ruling, we’ve been able to delay shifting Joey and Jeff to hourly employees. But… we are still focused as a long term goal to get their pay up to scale. The organization gave all three administrative staff members small holiday bonuses as a token of MASSIVE appreciation for their fine work.
ALERT – WE STILL NEED TO UPDATE THE PERSONNEL POLICIES – I’VE FALLEN BEHIND ON THIS AND MAY NOT HAVE TIME IN JANUARY WITH MY LIMITED HOURS SHIFTED TO THE GRANTWRITER.
The administrative staff has started looking at Cantus Central portal which serves as an employee handbook.
As a full group, we’ve discussed whether we need an updated social media policy.
I still need to dive into our PTO / sick day and rollover policy. I’m not sure about this and I am worried whether our policy creates a liability on the books.
My Hours:
I’m staying within budget. As mentioned, in January my hours will be greatly reduced in order to pay our grant-writer. I’ll have 20 hours for the month (vs 20 hours per week). My plan is to attend staff meetings and the January board meeting and monitor other activities via email. I’ll also spend some time helping to edit the MSAB and Target proposals.
Reported by Jocelyn Hale on December 15, 2016
Major Artistic Contracts:
Romeo and Juliet
We are still trying to come to resolution with the details around Romeo and Juliet. We’ve not signed the Music Accord agreement because we need their contract to align with our original contract. I’m not concerned but we hope to have this signed by the end of 2016.
After the last board meeting I spoke with both Libby and Trish about coming up with some perfect production and not several versions of the show. Trish has scheduled a call with the artistic team and Trish and Frank will attend our January board meeting. Please make every effort to attend.
Goal: To make a firm decision at the January board meeting and go forth with enthusiasm and success.
Development & Finance
Finance
As you’ll hear, Jeff has done a wonderful job managing the audit and cash flow.
Grants
The administrative team has been putting in long hours with Don Sommers, our contract grant writer consultant. We are working on the MSAB gen-op proposal. This year’s proposal is crucial because it impacts our funding for four years. Our goal is to get a good rating in the merit category. Don is also guiding us through the Target proposal.
To stay within budget, I’ve swamped out executive director hours for Don Sommers.
Foundations
We got an increase from Wenger!
FY17 individuals
Carly and I met to develop a strategy for approaching individuals who would usually give between now and the end of 2016. All is on track.
Wendy and I met with Mary Bean to ask for an additional $100,000 over 3-4 years to help with capacity building (salaries). We will hear from her by early February.
Sponsorships
Carly has applied to Frederickson & Bryan but has not yet heard.
We have $20,000 in the current budget for sponsorships. We have some ideas but need help with opening doors and ideas. Law firms and wealth management firms are great prospects because of the opportunity to entertain clients. This $20,000 is in our budget so we can’t loose track of it. ALERT – this is falling between the cracks.
The Cantus IDOL team is busy pursuing sponsorship leads so this could help shift the sponorship burden.
Public Relations
Carly and team have been getting great reviews for the shows.
Internal Structures and Management & Search
Executive Director Search
We are down to two talented and very different finalists. I feel both are strong and bring different skill sets to the the table. The committee will make a decision on its recommendation to the board today (December 15).
Goal: Have the new person in place by February 1. Announce to the public strategically to leverage message of positive momentum.
Performance Reviews
I’m working on the in-depth singer 360 performance reviews.
These will all be completed by December 22, 2016.
Employee Handbook & systems
Because of the Texas federal court ruling, we’ve been able to delay shifting Joey and Jeff to hourly employees. But… we are still focused as a long term goal to get their pay up to scale. The organization gave all three administrative staff members small holiday bonuses as a token of MASSIVE appreciation for their fine work.
ALERT – WE STILL NEED TO UPDATE THE PERSONNEL POLICIES – I’VE FALLEN BEHIND ON THIS AND MAY NOT HAVE TIME IN JANUARY WITH MY LIMITED HOURS SHIFTED TO THE GRANTWRITER.
The administrative staff has started looking at Cantus Central portal which serves as an employee handbook.
As a full group, we’ve discussed whether we need an updated social media policy.
I still need to dive into our PTO / sick day and rollover policy. I’m not sure about this and I am worried whether our policy creates a liability on the books.
My Hours:
I’m staying within budget. As mentioned, in January my hours will be greatly reduced in order to pay our grant-writer. I’ll have 20 hours for the month (vs 20 hours per week). My plan is to attend staff meetings and the January board meeting and monitor other activities via email. I’ll also spend some time helping to edit the MSAB and Target proposals.
