I am interning with Cecelia Kouma of Playwrights Project in San Diego. This is a nonprofit organization that strives to teach in schools about social justice and literacy using theatre and playwriting.
Because of scheduling, I had to email my questions to my mentor. These are her responses...
What is your job title?
Executive Director
What are your main duties and responsibilities?
While I have the typical Executive Director role of working with the board, overseeing staffing, ensuring adequate financial management and fundraising; I also directly manage our Community Programs and occasionally teach in the programs when there is no teaching artist available for a specific school program.
Why did you choose to work here?
The mission speaks to my passion: I love theatre, writing and education. I also believe in the need to give back and that one’s work should be meaningful to them. Additionally, nonprofits are great for experimenting with different areas of business and learning a variety of skills, even ones you never imagined you would like. Plus, I respect and like the people I work with.
How did you end up doing the job that you do?
I studied theatre as an actor and worked as a summer camp counselor in high school and college. My first job out of college was at a health clinic where they taught me to do bookkeeping. It started a great day job as an actor. Having the skills to do administrative work (in addition to programs) allowed me to be able to secure full time work in the field I love (arts education), while many people struggle to piece together enough work as artists and arts educators.
Do you consider a career in this area satisfying? In what ways?
Yes, because it is work I believe in… the programs focus on communication and self-expression through theatre. Although I don’t love all of the work all of the time, I understand its importance and know I’m supporting something I believe in.
What should I know about you before I start working here?
It’s important to know that we have a strong work ethic at Playwrights Project and manage to accomplish a lot with very few employees. That means we’re always juggling a lot of work and move quickly. Several of our programs are coming to a close in June and we’ll be working hard to finish them up. It is also the end of our fiscal year, so I’ll be finishing up financial statements to see where we expect the year to end, developing the organizational budget for board approval in June, and working to bring in new board members as some rotate off in the new year. On top of that I’ll also be teaching almost every day in May, so I’ll be a bit busier than I expected. I will rely on Lizzie (our office manager) to help liaison with you. I’ll give you access to my Google Calendar, so you can ask to attend meetings or observe programs if I forget to suggest it.
Is there anything you wish you'd realized about the world of work when you were my age?
Wow! Good question. I think the most important thing is not to overcommit because you think someone won’t respect you if you say no to a project. It’s important to be able to do a job well, rather than to flake out on it mid-way through, especially if you suspect it may be too much in the first place. And not to burn bridges. You never know when you will re-encounter someone from your past in a different capacity.
How is this organization structured?
The Board hires/fires the Executive Director (me); I oversee the 4 staff members who each manage different departments: Laurel Withers (Development\fundraising=full time); Erika Phillips (Teaching programs=halftime); Derek Livingston (Productions & Contest=halftime) and Lizzie Silverman (Office administration and box office=full time)
What does it take to be successful in this organization?
Attention to details, accuracy, willingness to listen and to ask questions, ability to collaborate and to work independently. As a literacy organization, we often edit each other’s writing to assure it is clear and free of typos.
How important is getting along with other people in your career?
Getting along with people is important in all areas of work, but especially so in a small office. In theatre, we see lots of talented people, but no matter how talented they are, if they are hard to work with, we don't hire them back.
What other personality traits, skills, or knowledge are important here?
Flexibility is important. We might start working on something then realize there’s another task needing to be done more immediately and so we shift gears. Ask questions or check in after trying a task the first time to make sure you’re doing it the preferred way before replicating it.
What other advice do you have about working here?
It ended up being a super busy time, so don’t feel offended if anyone is a little short with you. We’re all very nice people really and believe in the importance of internships. Also, speak up if you see something you think you can help with.
Because of scheduling, I had to email my questions to my mentor. These are her responses...
What is your job title?
Executive Director
What are your main duties and responsibilities?
While I have the typical Executive Director role of working with the board, overseeing staffing, ensuring adequate financial management and fundraising; I also directly manage our Community Programs and occasionally teach in the programs when there is no teaching artist available for a specific school program.
Why did you choose to work here?
The mission speaks to my passion: I love theatre, writing and education. I also believe in the need to give back and that one’s work should be meaningful to them. Additionally, nonprofits are great for experimenting with different areas of business and learning a variety of skills, even ones you never imagined you would like. Plus, I respect and like the people I work with.
How did you end up doing the job that you do?
I studied theatre as an actor and worked as a summer camp counselor in high school and college. My first job out of college was at a health clinic where they taught me to do bookkeeping. It started a great day job as an actor. Having the skills to do administrative work (in addition to programs) allowed me to be able to secure full time work in the field I love (arts education), while many people struggle to piece together enough work as artists and arts educators.
Do you consider a career in this area satisfying? In what ways?
Yes, because it is work I believe in… the programs focus on communication and self-expression through theatre. Although I don’t love all of the work all of the time, I understand its importance and know I’m supporting something I believe in.
What should I know about you before I start working here?
It’s important to know that we have a strong work ethic at Playwrights Project and manage to accomplish a lot with very few employees. That means we’re always juggling a lot of work and move quickly. Several of our programs are coming to a close in June and we’ll be working hard to finish them up. It is also the end of our fiscal year, so I’ll be finishing up financial statements to see where we expect the year to end, developing the organizational budget for board approval in June, and working to bring in new board members as some rotate off in the new year. On top of that I’ll also be teaching almost every day in May, so I’ll be a bit busier than I expected. I will rely on Lizzie (our office manager) to help liaison with you. I’ll give you access to my Google Calendar, so you can ask to attend meetings or observe programs if I forget to suggest it.
Is there anything you wish you'd realized about the world of work when you were my age?
Wow! Good question. I think the most important thing is not to overcommit because you think someone won’t respect you if you say no to a project. It’s important to be able to do a job well, rather than to flake out on it mid-way through, especially if you suspect it may be too much in the first place. And not to burn bridges. You never know when you will re-encounter someone from your past in a different capacity.
How is this organization structured?
The Board hires/fires the Executive Director (me); I oversee the 4 staff members who each manage different departments: Laurel Withers (Development\fundraising=full time); Erika Phillips (Teaching programs=halftime); Derek Livingston (Productions & Contest=halftime) and Lizzie Silverman (Office administration and box office=full time)
What does it take to be successful in this organization?
Attention to details, accuracy, willingness to listen and to ask questions, ability to collaborate and to work independently. As a literacy organization, we often edit each other’s writing to assure it is clear and free of typos.
How important is getting along with other people in your career?
Getting along with people is important in all areas of work, but especially so in a small office. In theatre, we see lots of talented people, but no matter how talented they are, if they are hard to work with, we don't hire them back.
What other personality traits, skills, or knowledge are important here?
Flexibility is important. We might start working on something then realize there’s another task needing to be done more immediately and so we shift gears. Ask questions or check in after trying a task the first time to make sure you’re doing it the preferred way before replicating it.
What other advice do you have about working here?
It ended up being a super busy time, so don’t feel offended if anyone is a little short with you. We’re all very nice people really and believe in the importance of internships. Also, speak up if you see something you think you can help with.