Executive Director

Scarecrow Video is at an exciting and innovative time in its 36-year history, and we seek a strong and dynamic new Executive Director to work in close collaboration with the Board of Directors to lead and manage a small non-profit with a committed, long-tenured staff through the next stages of our evolution and expansive opportunities ahead.

Scarecrow Video is a non-profit dedicated to the stewardship of a world-renowned video collection that is approaching 149,000 titles housed in our Seattle location. The unique collection represents the deep wells of our cultural history —spanning over 129 years of film history and representing 138 countries and over 126 different languages—a collection that is unparalleled in its diversity, scope, and accessibility. We offer low-cost video rentals, free screening opportunities, resources to local filmmakers, and education opportunities both at our location and in the community. In recent years we have also become one of the primary national voices championing the importance of physical media in the 21st century.

The Executive Director position offers an excellent opportunity for a non-profit professional interested in assuming a leadership role, as well as a desire to expand our brand identity as one of the foremost film and television resources in the country and secure our revenue capacity in a small (~$1 million annual budget) organization. The ideal candidate will have deep roots in the community, be willing to invest deeply in this evolving non-profit, and help guide the organization to its fullest potential.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The Executive Director is responsible for management of all aspects of the nonprofit organization, including fundraising/development, special events and outreach programs, marketing, human resources, financial management, strategic planning, facilities, and administrative activities. The Executive Director represents Scarecrow Video with government agencies, the community, and the public. In this leadership role, the Executive Director will work to maintain a positive and collaborative culture that is inclusive and transparent and inspires and motivates staff. The Executive Director must be willing to actively work towards advancing the Scarecrow’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. As Scarecrow’s primary advocate, fundraiser, and ambassador, the Executive Director builds long-lasting relationships with the community and donors.

Summary of Primary Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership – Displays a passion for the cinematic format and physical media; has knowledge and experience in non-profit administration that inspires respect and trust; mobilizes Scarecrow’s staff and Board of Directors to fulfill Scarecrow’s mission.

Executive Management – Effectively communicates and champions Scarecrow’s mission and vision to the community to elevate the visibility of Scarecrow and to elicit broad community support and engagement.

Development and Fundraising – Support the Development Director in all development operations, and in the absence of a Development Director, provide primary development management and execution including:

• Prepare an annual development plan.
• Facilitate annual fundraising campaigns & events.
• Ensure that major donor portfolios are being managed and that appropriate recognition, stewardship, reporting, and relationship maintenance occurs.
• Oversee marketing and design staff to produce messaging, campaign strategies, and collateral.
• Oversee the completion and submission of grant applications per the grant calendar, as well as submittal of all requisite reporting.

Effective Business Manager – Develops workable short and long-term operational plans; is a goal-oriented and data-informed decision maker who ensures coordination with current and long-term financial management that supports the organization’s strategic plans.

Operational and Strategic Planning – Oversees short-term operational and long-range strategic planning and implementation processes, including the effective management of the organization’s departments. In collaboration with the Board, leads the organization in development, work planning and execution of strategic vision regarding community, educational, and outreach plans.

Financial Management – Manages all financial commitments in alignment with the board-approved annual budget.

People Manager – Develops and nurtures a culture that attracts, inspires, and motivates employees, volunteers, and board members; has a deep, abiding commitment to inclusive practices and builds, leads, and mentors diverse, inclusive teams; promotes diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, both internally and externally.

Board Relations – In addition to regular reporting, brings all appropriate issues and policy requirements to the Board in a timely manner. Partners with the Board President to ensure that the Board and staff are cohesively working to support Scarecrow’s established strategic direction.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum ten years of professional experience with five years of specific experience in the following areas:
  • Non-profit operational management including building earned revenue, fundraising, strategic planning, program design, board relations, public relations, marketing, and communications.
  • Financial management including preparing and managing budgets with proven success creating and executing strategies and plans.
  • Managing staff members including hiring, providing motivation and/or disciplining and terminating.
  • Community relations especially in responding to community needs and interacting with community leaders.
• Bachelor’s Degree or some higher education preferred.
• Deep love and understanding for physical media as well as Seattle’s film and arts communities.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of DEI and how to ensure it is fully integrated into the culture and activities of Scarecrow. Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people and public constituencies.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner, both verbally and in writing. Comfortable and adept at public speaking.
• Respected professional among peers in similar organizations or art-related associations.
• Proficient and experienced with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.
• Coronavirus/COVID-19: As a condition of working on Scarecrow’s premises, all employees must be fully vaccinated and be willing to wear a mask when it’s collectively necessary.
• Applicants must be willing to pass a background check before hire.

WHAT SCARECROW VIDEO HAS TO OFFER

Scarecrow is committed to creating an environment that supports freedom of artistic expression and invites and embraces diverse and wide-ranging perspectives.

• Being a part of shaping the direction of an internationally known non-profit at one of the most exciting chapters of its long history.
• Being a part of an exciting, innovative time in the physical media sector of the film industry.
• Opportunity to work in a casual workplace with a smart, dedicated, creative and passionate team.
• Opportunity to meet and work with interesting people from local and national film communities.
• Full-time position with flexible hours.
• Compensation: $90,000 to $110,000 DOE.
• Benefits include: Standard sick, vacation and holiday pay as well as health insurance reimbursement.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, a professional writing sample, and at least three professional references