Arts Consulting Group Seeks Director of Diversity for The Broadway League
January 19, 2021 – Boston-based search firm Arts Consulting Group (ACG) has been selected to find the inaugural director of equity, diversity and inclusion for The Broadway League, the national trade association for Broadway and commercial theater, in New York City. Wyona Lynch-McWhite, senior vice president, is leading the assignment for the search firm. Reporting to The Broadway League’s president, the director of equity, diversity and inclusion will have primary responsibility to develop and execute a vision for a more inclusive and diverse workforce for the organization, supporting league members in all aspects of ED&I and partnering with industry unions, guilds and vendors in ED&I related programs, said ACG. The individual will oversee the league’s ED&I efforts and will work with respective committees in creating ED&I initiatives across the organization.
“A member of the leadership team, the director of equity, diversity and inclusion will be responsible for developing strategies, training and programs to create and foster change in an open and inclusive environment rather than just discussing these issues in an academic way,” said the search firm. “This individual will allow all league members, staff and partners to feel heard and respected as they work to build inclusive cultures and create career opportunities that advance diverse artists and professionals across the industry.”
Key Responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities of the position span community engagement and partnerships, organizational equity, and training and resource development. The director of equity, diversity and inclusion will serve as a thought leader and ED&I subject matter expert on internal and external best practices and strategies that inform programs and operations. He or she will also be expected to proactively build and maintain community partnerships and manage communication and integration of key initiatives among members, partners and connected organizations.
The new director of equity, diversity and inclusion must be an excellent communicator who listens carefully to and communicates effectively with all stakeholders, said Arts Consulting Group. A thoughtful consensus builder and team member open to new ideas, he or she will be expected to inspire trust and build authentic relationships while understanding the broad range of needs within the industry.
Qualified applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, human resources, business or related disciplines, or equivalent experience. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible senior management experience, preferably with a cultural organization, educational institution, or service-oriented enterprise, is encouraged. Applicants must demonstrate a current and active involvement in the ED&I field and understand organizational development and change management. This role requires an experienced leader with the ability to successfully engage in and manage community relationships. Knowledge of and experience in the performing arts field is preferred.
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Founded in 1930, The Broadway League’s 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters and general managers in North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the commercial theatre industry. These members bring Broadway to millions of people in New York and in more than 200 cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. The league is a full-service trade association dedicated to fostering increased interest in Broadway theatre and supporting the creation of profitable theatrical productions. For the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2019, the league reported a total revenue of $11.9 million, with $10.9 million from program services. Total expenses were $10 million.
Arts and Culture Recruiters
Arts Consulting Group provides interim management, executive search, revenue enhancement consulting, facilities and program planning, and organizational development services for the arts and culture industry. The firm has identified senior-level leaders for the Long Beach Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Chicago Opera, Stockton Symphony Association and Portland Baroque Orchestra, among others. The firm has offices in Boston; Calgary; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Halifax; Los Angeles; Nashville, TN; New York; Portland, OR; San Francisco; Tampa, FL; Toronto; and Washington, D.C.
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Bruce Thibodeau founded ACG in 1997 and has been part of numerous projects in all practice areas to grow institutional sustainability, advance the arts and culture sector, and enhance communities served by the industry. He has guided hundreds of non-profit, university and government clients in achieving effective leadership transitions, planning cultural facilities, increasing revenues, developing dynamic institutional brands and messages, crafting strategic plans and business models, and revitalizing board governance practices.
Ms. Lynch-McWhite joined ACG as vice president in 2016, bringing more than 21 years of experience leading art, university and multidisciplinary museums. Her areas of expertise include executive search, museum planning, organizational assessments, strategic visioning, fundraising and diversity training. As an executive search practice leader, she has led numerous search processes throughout the U.S. and Canada, placing executive leaders for a wide range of non-profit organizations, universities and government agencies, including Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Arts Council of Indianapolis. Ms. Lynch-McWhite has also provided effective solutions in the areas of earned revenue enhancement, strategic planning, and museum planning for clients such as Collier County Museum Division, High Desert Museum and Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
