Call for Executive Director at Ranga Shankara
About Ranga Shankara
Ranga Shankara is a 300-seat state-of-the-art black box theatre located in Bangalore and dedicated to the nurturance of the art of Theatre. Run by The Sanket Trust, a registered not-for-profit, Ranga Shankara has been a nerve centre of theatre for the past 17 years, nurturing art and artistes, and a catalyst that has changed the landscape of theatre. Over the years, it has become an oasis where the community comes together and art flourishes. It is a wonderful example of public-private collaboration that was built entirely on donations from the government, corporates, and the community. With over 400 performances a year, it has become one of the most vibrant, versatile and affordable spaces for both professional and amateur theatre in the country.
The Dream
While the focus will continue to remain on our core activities, the dream is for Ranga Shankara to become a global hub for the best minds and makers in theatre and the performing arts – the International Centre for Excellence in Theatre Arts Practices (2025-2050).
This space (ICETAP) is envisioned to be a hub that will exchange and showcase ideas, actively incubate thought leaders of tomorrow, and nurture the art of theatre (which itself is an amalgamation of all the arts) for future generations.
Towards this, we are looking to create a robust organisational structure by 2023-24, run by qualified theatre and administrative professionals, with a strategic focus on process, organisation and budget; mixed-income generation through grants; commercial activities (within the performance
arts space), that together support the core programmes and activities of the theatre and grow the Institution to its full potential. As the goals of this phase are achieved, the team will also focus its efforts towards the larger future goal (ICETAP).
Executive Director
Ranga Shankara seeks a committed and dynamic individual to lead the organisation towards its next trajectory of growth, and building on the foundation of “excellence in theatre that is accessible to all – a space that provides the opportunity to both – established and aspiring theatre artists to present their work.
The Executive Director will be responsible for driving the strategic vision of Ranga Shankara, fundraising to build a healthy corpus, creating and implementing Annual Plans, ensuring financial sustainability and leading community outreach. This is not a ‘job’, but a mission that operates with the conviction that Ranga Shankara must continue to be the space that nurtures Theatre for the future generations and engages audiences in a process of discovery.
The role is a combination of strategic and operational skills, together with excellent people skills — ideal for individuals who have a proven track record in building institutions and deeply care about the performing arts, especially theatre. This is also a role that requires imagination and responsible experimentation to support the growth and sustainability initiatives of the Trust. The appointment will be for a minimum of 3 years renewable every three years. Salary will be commensurate with similar institutions and negotiable.
Scope of Work
➢ Creating the roadmap for Ranga Shankara in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Advisory Board
➢ Ensuring that the overall strategic and financial plans are consistent with the agreed roadmap and sustainable
➢ Fundraising to build a healthy Corpus to sustain the aspirations of Ranga Shankara
➢ Providing leadership to implement current and future plans, in consultation with the team
➢ Developing and implementing existing and new revenue-generating modules, in consultation with the Artistic Director
➢ Maintaining and enhancing the reputation of ‘Brand Ranga Shankara’ through effective communication and outreach
➢ Ensuring legal and statutory compliance and liaising with governments as needed
➢ Creating an energising and conducive work environment for effective and optimal productivity of the team
The Executive Director (ED) will report to the Board of Trustees, and Advisory Committees, and will work in tandem with the Artistic Director to deliver the approved annual plan.
Candidate Competencies
➢ The applicant must have a successful track record of institution building, and a deep and abiding interest in theatre
➢ Strong networking capability and the ability to inspire
➢ Excellent people and communication skills
➢ Strong decision-making and leadership skills
➢ Excellent people and communication skills
➢ Strong decision-making and leadership skills
➢ Hands-on style of managing teams, allocating resources, and the capacity to be a respected leader
➢ Experience in strategic planning and fundraising
➢ A keen understanding of business and administrative functions, tools for effective organisational planning, financial planning, statutory and legal compliance, human resources and marketing
➢ Knowledge of Kannada would be an advantage
How To Apply
Please email your covering letter with a short CV indicating your interest to: jobs@rangashankara.in
This will be a two-stage interview process. Shortlisted candidates will need to interview with Member/Members of the Search Committee. The final round of interviews will be with the Board Of Advisors and Board of Trustees.
The last date for applications is 31st August 2021.
Salary will be commensurate with similar institutions, and based on regular performance-reviews. Ranga Shankara is keen on attracting the best talent in the field, making sure the fit is right and future oriented.
For more information about Ranga Shankara, visit our website www.rangashankara.org
