Position Overview
- Title: Director of Community Access and Engagement
- Position Number: 4C9045
- Department: Shakespeare in the Parks
- Division: College of Arts & Architecture
- Type: Full-Time, Professional, Fiscal Year Appointment
- FLSA: Exempt
- Union Affiliation: Exempt from Collective Bargaining
- FTE: 1.0
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- Salary: $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) seeks a passionate, self-driven professional who believes in the power of community engagement and cultural outreach. The Director of Community Access and Engagement (DCAE) leads efforts to maintain and expand community partnerships across Montana and beyond. This role involves outreach, development, and communications, and plays a key part in the execution of MSIP’s strategic plan.
The DCAE must have excellent communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and comfort working with underserved and rural communities. The ideal candidate values organic relationship-building, understands media communications, and can envision long-term departmental growth. This is a public-facing role with responsibilities that include event attendance and community involvement.
About Montana Shakespeare in the Parks
MSIP’s mission is to enrich rural and underserved communities through free, professional performances of Shakespeare and classics. Its tours include 77 summer performances across five states, and two seasonal school tours with 120 performances for high school and elementary audiences. MSIP is unique in its breadth, reach, and commitment to accessibility and quality. Over 49 years, the company has delivered 2,500+ performances to over 750,000 people.
Key Responsibilities
Community Access and Engagement
- Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for MSIP programs
- Build relationships with community partners, coordinators, and educators
- Develop and implement an annual communications plan for performances, outreach, and fundraising
- Coordinate with marketing partners to ensure print and media coverage
- Design and manage community-based activities: discussions, events, lectures, and partnerships
- Organize fundraising and gala events in collaboration with staff
- Contribute to strategic and operational plans related to access and outreach
Development and Grant Management
- Identify, write, and manage foundation and government grants
- Coordinate grant reporting with Production Manager and Director of Community Partnerships
- Assist with implementing MSIP’s fundraising plan
General Office and Program Support
- Coordinate bookings with tour coordinators and educators
- Secure local and regional housing for touring programs
- Manage local housing set-up with the Executive Associate and Production Manager
- Proofread programmatic materials for public release
- Recruit, manage, and schedule volunteer support as needed
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience with community relations and outreach
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and database software
- Demonstrated ability in creative problem solving
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree or professional experience in education, cultural, or arts-related nonprofit work
- Experience managing people and budgets
- Grant writing and management experience
- Experience developing and executing communication or PR plans
The Successful Candidate Will
- Be detail-oriented, assertive, and self-motivated
- Demonstrate excellent verbal communication and leadership skills
- Manage multiple tasks with sound judgment and a positive attitude
- Serve as a passionate ambassador for MSIP’s mission
- Demonstrate planning and prioritization skills
Additional Information
- Start Date: Upon completion of a successful search
- Supervisory Duties: No
- Applications will begin screening on June 3, 2025, and continue until the position is filled
Detailed Description and Application Instructions
Equal Employment Opportunity
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, political affiliation, sex, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any legally protected category. Veterans and eligible relatives are encouraged to claim preference per the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act.
