Forest Forward

Artistic Programming and Production Supervision

• Develop annual programming of multi-disciplinary offerings, plays, educational programs, and curriculum, and associated year-round scheduled activities at the Forest Theater that appeal to multi-generational audiences with the nuance and context of culturally specific art.
• Foster a close working partnership with the President/CEO, ensuring that artistic decisions of the Forest Theater are made in alignment with Forest Forward’s organizational objectives to further the organization’s image and visibility, regionally and nationally.
• Nurture strong relationships with presenters and promoters by attending booking conferences, and subsequently negotiating all artist contracts and executing offer letters to agents, managers, artists’ agents, and other presenters in the field.
• Implement a vibrant and diverse annual season for the Forest Theater, recognized for its eclectic programming, featuring national touring artists, attractions, and other special events reflective of principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• Prioritize a balance of local, regional, and national touring artists and events at the Forest Theater designed to bring dynamic cultural activity to the residents of South Dallas as well as uplift the artists of South Dallas into higher awareness in their communities and beyond.
• Provide artistic leadership and guidance to all artistic teams and partners throughout the entire production process, from selecting art and artistic teams to advising and consulting with the production staff to ensure readiness for each show’s opening and run.
• Embrace and support additional artistic programming and production supervision responsibilities as needed.

Community Engagement and Education

• Serve as a spokesperson engaging with a wide variety of constituents, including business owners; schools and colleges; elected city, county, and state officials; and the media to promote Forest Forward’s artistic vision, brand, and reputation, both locally and nationally.
• Collaborate and cultivate relationships with community organizations, cultural institutions, individual artists, business owners, schools and colleges, elected officials, and community leaders in creating meaningful and long-lasting partnerships to reinforce Forest Forward’s role as a regional asset.
• Develop, articulate, and implement entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to artistic and educational programming at the Forest Theater that align with Forest Forward’s mission and values that are also reflective of, but not exclusively limited to, the Black and Hispanic demographics of South Dallas.
• Raise awareness, contribute to community revitalization, and assist in a change of perception in the broader Dallas community of the culture and the people of South Dallas through providing affordable, accessible programming at the Forest Theater for all members of the community.
• Advance the private-public partnership with the Dallas Independent School District by providing support to DISD employees, teachers, or their agents for school-sponsored events, creating opportunities for students to interact directly with the theater, at other community locations, and/or in the classroom.
• Embrace and support additional community engagement and education responsibilities as needed.

General Management, Budgeting and Strategic Planning

• Prepare the annual operational budgets for programming at the Forest Theater, as well as individual event budgets, provide tracking, maintain records, and develop financial analysis and policies regarding revenue vs. expenses vs. budget for operations.
• Oversee organizational, production, and education, budgets, controlling expenditures, creating forecasting models, developing financial analysis, as well as providing timely financial reports to the Board Finance and Executive Committees.
• Collaborate with the President/CEO and various Board committees on banking, payroll administration, and development efforts of Forest Forward while also coordinating annual, monthly, and quarterly financial reviews as required.
• Partner with the President/CEO to contribute to, oversee, guide, and implement Forest Forward’s long-term strategic planning and financial objectives based on sound financial guidelines and fiscal integrity.
• Embrace and support additional general management, budgeting, and finance responsibilities as needed.

Operations and Facilities Management

• Manage key business agreements, such as the operations management contract, and ongoing union and lease agreements utilizing relevant experience in programming, logistics, and maintenance of a multi-use multi-venue facility.
• Oversee the hiring, supervision, and mentoring of key production, education, and facility staff positions, providing professional development and growth to attract, retain, and empower highly qualified artistic, production, and education staff members and volunteers to ensure organizational growth and sustainability.
• Guide operations to ensure employees and business practices comply with regulatory and legal requirements, ensuring the facility is maintained in the safest, most creatively conducive environment possible.
• Maximize facility use and access by local and regional art groups, businesses, and educational institutions through partnerships with local groups, service organizations, and the corporate sector in service and outreach to a variety of cultural and socio-economic sectors.
• Advise and manage capital projects regarding facility maintenance, upgrades, large construction multi-year facility renovation projects, capital expenditure planning, and replacement of aging systems and equipment as needed, with an emphasis on safety.
• Embrace and support additional operations and facility management responsibilities as needed.