Interim Executive Director's Report
July 18, 2016
Reported by Jocelyn Hale on July 10,2016
I’ve loved working with this talented group of staff members, singers, and board members. Thank you.
This month moved at a breakneck speed but I feel we’ve made progress.
Artistic Contracts:
“All is Calm”
Karl has been working Peter to resolve the “All is Calm” situation. Jeff is looking at our original contract and Karl will be giving Peter an answer soon.
Romeo and Juliet
I spoke with Trish Santini for an hour to discuss our desire to hire her as the producer of R&J. She made it clear that she has been a champion of this project from the beginning and feels there is much potential. We discussed fundraising strategies. Trish sent a proposal on July 10th which I’m circulating and will soon meet with our pro-bono lawyer at Robbins Kaplan.
Karl and I met with Hillary Hart, General Manager at the Guthrie. She remains committed to the project and is happy Trish will be hired to manage it. Trish will manage our contract with the Guthrie.
Goal:
Sign Trish’s contract by next board meeting.
Development & Finance
Government Grants
Cantus has two major deadlines for the MSAB touring grant and NEA in July. I subcontracted with Hannah Holman to manage our team of staff, singers, and board to complete these complicated applications. This October, II will not work 15 hours but bill Cantus in order to pay Hannah through MillerHale Associates.
During this process we discovered that we needed to withdraw the MSAB arts access application for Romeo & Juliet which I’ve done.
FY16 giving and including the bridge fund
I’ve offered moral support but Carly and board members are taking responsibility for these projects.
FY17 budgeting, low-hanging fruit like sponsorships
Chuck and Jeff are managing the budgeting process. I’m offering support as is useful.
I supported Carly in updating our sponsorship proposal and will continue to keep this a priority.
I’ve worked with Becky and the board to understand the 401 (b) issue.
Goal:
Submit both NEA and MSAB by the next board meeting.
Make year-end goals
Start making progress on FY17 plans
Resolve the 401 (b) issue
Public Relations
I had a long conversation with our PR agent, Rebecca and have asked her to resubmit a new contract for $1,250 a month. She has done so with the caveat that this will not be enough to promote the new record. I was impressed with her experience and passion for Cantus.
Goal:
Sign contract by next board meeting.
Internal Structures and Management & Search
This week, I will start working with the singers and staff to think about organizational structures and job descriptions.
We started discussing how to simplify and prioritize meetings and internal communications and are making some simple changes.
Goal:
Get clarity on ideal role of new executive director in relation to roles and job descriptions of singers, AC, and staff.
Executive Director job description by end of August.
Have all staff / singer job descriptions written by October 1, 2016.
I’ve participated in discussions with board and staff on next steps on the search including timing, make-up of search committee, and needed attributes of the new director.
My Hours:
The July 18th board meeting will mark the completion of my first month. I was able to keep my hours close to 80 from June 20 – July 17 because staff and board are filling the gaps. I tend to work one 10 hour day full of meetings and shift the remaining 10 hours a week as needed.
Reported by Jocelyn Hale on July 10,2016
I’ve loved working with this talented group of staff members, singers, and board members. Thank you.
This month moved at a breakneck speed but I feel we’ve made progress.
Artistic Contracts:
“All is Calm”
Karl has been working Peter to resolve the “All is Calm” situation. Jeff is looking at our original contract and Karl will be giving Peter an answer soon.
Romeo and Juliet
I spoke with Trish Santini for an hour to discuss our desire to hire her as the producer of R&J. She made it clear that she has been a champion of this project from the beginning and feels there is much potential. We discussed fundraising strategies. Trish sent a proposal on July 10th which I’m circulating and will soon meet with our pro-bono lawyer at Robbins Kaplan.
Karl and I met with Hillary Hart, General Manager at the Guthrie. She remains committed to the project and is happy Trish will be hired to manage it. Trish will manage our contract with the Guthrie.
Goal:
Sign Trish’s contract by next board meeting.
Development & Finance
Government Grants
Cantus has two major deadlines for the MSAB touring grant and NEA in July. I subcontracted with Hannah Holman to manage our team of staff, singers, and board to complete these complicated applications. This October, II will not work 15 hours but bill Cantus in order to pay Hannah through MillerHale Associates.
During this process we discovered that we needed to withdraw the MSAB arts access application for Romeo & Juliet which I’ve done.
FY16 giving and including the bridge fund
I’ve offered moral support but Carly and board members are taking responsibility for these projects.
FY17 budgeting, low-hanging fruit like sponsorships
Chuck and Jeff are managing the budgeting process. I’m offering support as is useful.
I supported Carly in updating our sponsorship proposal and will continue to keep this a priority.
I’ve worked with Becky and the board to understand the 401 (b) issue.
Goal:
Submit both NEA and MSAB by the next board meeting.
Make year-end goals
Start making progress on FY17 plans
Resolve the 401 (b) issue
Public Relations
I had a long conversation with our PR agent, Rebecca and have asked her to resubmit a new contract for $1,250 a month. She has done so with the caveat that this will not be enough to promote the new record. I was impressed with her experience and passion for Cantus.
Goal:
Sign contract by next board meeting.
Internal Structures and Management & Search
This week, I will start working with the singers and staff to think about organizational structures and job descriptions.
We started discussing how to simplify and prioritize meetings and internal communications and are making some simple changes.
Goal:
Get clarity on ideal role of new executive director in relation to roles and job descriptions of singers, AC, and staff.
Executive Director job description by end of August.
Have all staff / singer job descriptions written by October 1, 2016.
I’ve participated in discussions with board and staff on next steps on the search including timing, make-up of search committee, and needed attributes of the new director.
My Hours:
The July 18th board meeting will mark the completion of my first month. I was able to keep my hours close to 80 from June 20 – July 17 because staff and board are filling the gaps. I tend to work one 10 hour day full of meetings and shift the remaining 10 hours a week as needed.