White Bird Employment
WHITE BIRD DATA SYSTEMS SPECIALIST
White Bird, a dance-presenting organization based in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a qualified individual to fill its newly created full-time position of Data Systems Specialist.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
White Bird Mission Statement
White Bird is committed to bringing the best Portland-based, regional, national and international dance companies to Portland, Oregon and to fostering the growth of dance in the region. White Bird will do this through presenting established and emerging companies and choreographers, commissioning new work, and collaborating with other arts organizations in Portland to make dance performances possible.
White Bird strongly believes in making dance exciting, educational, and accessible to everyone, young and old, of all social backgrounds, and will seek to realize these goals through contributed income and sponsorships, which will facilitate outreach to schools and keep ticket prices affordable. As an advocate for dance, White Bird will strive to broaden audiences, develop new dance venues, and support existing and new dance programs.
White Bird Profile
White Bird was founded in 1997 in Portland, Oregon by Walter Jaffe and Paul King. To date, we have presented 136 dance companies in 308 performances before a total audience of 240,000. Each season, we present two performance series, as well as special, non-subscription performances. We use major performance venues—Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Newmark Theatre, and Portland State University’s Lincoln Hall—as well as alternative spaces in different Portland neighborhoods. Our seasons typically offer a broad range of work – from performances that are accessible to new dance audiences to more challenging and adventurous works. We have supported the growth of dance by commissioning (or co-commissioning) 28 new works. Our annual outreach programs expose a broader audience, including those in public schools and non-traditional venues, to the power of contemporary dance.
ABOUT THE DATA SYSTEMS SPECIALIST POSITION
The Data Systems Specialist (DS) will report directly to White Bird’s Fiscal Manager as well as White Bird Co-Founders Walter Jaffe and Paul King. The DS is primarily responsible for database development to allow White Bird (WB) to maximize both earned and contributed income. The DS role is driven by analytics and data to make a concrete impact on WB’s top and bottom line revenue, by generating reports and insights for financial, development, audience services, and marketing purposes and long-term strategic planning.
As a full-time WB staff member, the DS is expected to act as a team-player and help with White Bird tasks that present themselves, including assistance at all WB performances, including set-up, staffing lobby tables, and load-out. The DS is also invited to attend all White Bird performances and other White Bird events when appropriate.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
The DS will work closely with both WB Co-Founders as well as WB staff as it relates to the following areas. The time percentages are approximations.
45%: Raisers Edge Database:
WB uses a single database housed in The Raiser’s Edge, having recently integrated multiple data sources. The DS will be responsible for defining and implementing the data entry, output, and data maintenance process for all records related to the day-to-day operations of WB, including WB subscribers, single ticket buyers,current and prospective donors, and mailing lists.
15%: Finance:
The DS will work closely with the Fiscal Manager in assisting in bookkeeping responsibilities. WB uses QuickBooks, and the DS will need to carry out QB tasks assigned by the Fiscal Manager.
20%: Development/Fundraising:
The DS will work with WB Development Manager to input, output and update donor and prospect data in RE, including individuals, foundations, government agencies, and businesses. The DS will also manage the extraction of data from RE for the purposes of reporting and for donor solicitations, acknowledgments, cultivation and stewardship.
15%: Audience Services and Marketing:
The DS will also work with WB Audience Services and Marketing Managers to provide database support as needed. This includes implementing a standard import process from Excel records containing current and historic ticketing data (from Ticketmaster) into RE. This support also includes maintaining data integrity, including de-duping. The DS will also provide additional major assistance in researching and implementing new ticketing technology as it relates to importing and updating data into RE.
The DS will assist the Marketing Manager with updating, maintenance, and development of the White Bird website.
5%: Technology Support:
In addition to serving as Data Systems Specialist, the DS will be responsible for maintenance and updating of all White Bird computer technology. White Bird has a backup server, using MS Exchange, and it is expected that the DS will maintain and oversee this server.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Undergraduate degree.
At least two years experience with database management and information technology.
Strong interest and preferably experience in the performing arts, dance in particular. Total commitment to White Bird’s mission.
Raiser’s Edge experience
Thorough knowledge of basic computer programs (Microsoft Suite including Excel).
QuickBooks experience a plus.
Close attention to detail.
Strong strategic thinking.
Explain complex information simply and accurately.
Self-motivated.
Quick-learner.
Enthusiastic team-player.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is negotiable based on relevant experience of the selected candidate. Benefits include health insurance, vacation and personal/sick days.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please email applications to: info@whitebird.org. This should include:
1) Resume including chronological employment history and educational background
2) Cover letter describing interest in the position, qualifications, salary history and expectations
3) Names of four references.
This can also be mailed to White Bird, P.O. Box 99, Portland, OR 97207-0099.
Submission receipt deadline is 5pm June 25, 2010.
Hiring decision is anticipated in July 2010, with start date as soon as possible thereafter.
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Internships at White Bird Winter/Spring 2010
White Bird Dance is the sole dance-only presenter west of the Rockies, and specializes in bringing world class contemporary dance to Portland Oregon. White Bird presents 12 companies each year, 6 as part of our main subscription series, 4 as part of our Uncaged series and 2 exclusive events.
Several projects are available at High School, Undergraduate and Graduate levels. The scope of internship will be defined to fit the student, educational institution and White Bird’s needs on a case by case basis. All internships will involve non-project work, as White Bird is a small, organic organization where everyone contributes laterally.
Current General Administration Projects
- Managing the organization of the Clip Book – Under the direction of a Co-Founder, archiving media, realia and press related documents in a creative clip book to serve as an historical record. This project has research, archival and creative components.
- Materials Distribution – assisting the Special Projects Manager with the distribution of promotional materials throughout Portland, creating poster volunteer guidelines and maintaining accurate records in excel. This project has volunteer management, community services and database management components.
- Creating and Maintaining a Volunteer Database/Spreadsheet – Assist the Audience Services Manager in creating a list of all volunteers, what their interests are, and a method of tracking when and where they’ve helped us out in the past, preparing the data for entry into the Raiser’s Edge CRM. Also monitors our volunteer recognition to make sure our volunteers are being thanked in a timely manner. Volunteer management and database management components.
- Production – Assist the Special Projects Manager with load-in, load-out, site prep and company management for both White Bird series. Production, contracts and company management components.
- Video library/archive project – Assist the Special projects Manager with the cataloguing of the White Bird video and DVD collection into a searchable, semi-public database. Database management components.
- Video Blog and Multimedia/Interactivity projects – Assist the Marketing manager and Special Projects Manager with creation and maintenance of interactive website content including video blogs, interviews, dance previews, behind the scenes blogs and other interactive methods of audience outreach. Marketing, audience development, multimedia and IT components.
Raiser’s Edge CRM project – Assist the Development, Audience Services and Special Projects managers in preparing all White Bird constituent data for import into the Raiser’s Edge database, including ticket data, volunteer data, constituent organizations data, etc. Help construct systems for loading the several types of data into a Raiser’s Edge compatible format. Assist in the creation of import strategies, timelines and procedures. De-duplicate, import and error check the Raiser’s Edge database. Must have previous experience in spreadsheet software or donor management software. Database, development and donor management components
As space is limited, White Bird can only accept two interns at any given time. White Bird is unable to offer a stipend, but will extend a full year’s subscription to all White Bird shows.
Please send a cover letter and resume to: info@whitebird.org
