Adriane Jefferson
New Haven,CT
Summary
Adriane V. Jefferson is an award-winning Arts Administrator who has worked professionally in the Arts & Culture sector for over 20 years. She has dedicated her career to creating equitable artistic landscapes where all people can thrive. In addition to being a high level executive leader and public speaker, she is an expert in mentoring, empowering & coaching young artists and creative entrepreneurs to achieve their goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Managing Director
Canal Dock Boat House
01.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Eastern Connecticut State University
01.2024 - Current
- Teaches Arts & Entertainment Management courses, providing instruction to up to 24 undergraduate students. The class topics consisted of Artists Management, Artists Development, Entertainment Law & Ethics, DEI in Entertainment, Public Relations and Marketing and Entertainment, Fundraising in the Entertainment Industry, Event and Media Management, The Power of Networking and Brokering Relationships in the industry.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Exectutive Director
The City Of New Haven , Department Of Cultural Affairs
02.2020 - Current
- Oversight and management of city run activities related to arts, culture, tourism, history, film and cultural equity
- Plans, organizes, directs, supervises and evaluates all functions and activities of the department
- Leads the organization in executive leadership, collaborative management, administrative excellence, and political awareness
- Promotes Justice, equity, diversity, inclusion through the arts
- Commissioned New Haven's Cultural Equity plan
- Forges strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Represents the organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Negotiates contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
- Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members
- Spearheads social change messaging campaigns in partnership with cross sector departments
- Spearheads socially driven cultural economic development and place keeping efforts.
- Works closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversees financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Builds relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Implements professional development programs for artists and creative entrepreneurs
- Serves as the Managing Director of the Canal Dock Boat house
- Serves as the Executive Director of New Haven Festivals Inc
ARTS PROGRAM MANAGER
State of Connecticut: Office of the Arts
11.2016 - 01.2020
- Developed and maintained familiarity with State, regional and national activities in the field of the Arts
- Designed and Spearheaded the Arts Workforce Initiative Employment Program
- State Program Coordinator for Make Music Connecticut
- Programming Producer, CT Arts Advocacy Day
- Spearheaded (Relevance, Equity, Access, Diversity, Inclusion) Professional Development Program for Creatives
- Created the READI Music conference
- Curated statewide Round Table discussions and town halls around issues of arts, civic action and social Justice
- Grant making and Grant Management
- CT State Coordinator for The National Endowment for the Arts Poetry out Loud Program
- State Liaison to New England Foundation for the Arts
- Advised non profit arts organizations, creative businesses, artists and community leaders
- Strategic planning & Policy Making Decisions
- Specializes in Audience Development and arts programs for historically marginalized communities
- Hired and Supervised Contractual staff, paid & unpaid interns
- Produced Social Change driven PSAs and Media Production Campaigns
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
Executive Director & Creative Director
The Writers Block Ink
04.2013 - 11.2016
- Served as the primary spokesperson for the organization's artistic purpose
- Tracked impact goals and conducted program evaluation
- Strategic planning
- Grant Management and Development
- Cultivated community partnerships and new program initiatives
- Fostered external relations with cultural organizations and schools
- Hired and managed a staff of 25 employees, 10 volunteers and 5 work-study interns
- Spearheaded The advancement of social justice initiatives
- Oversaw all programming and operations.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
Admissions Counselor
Keiser University
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Coordinated campus visits for prospective students and their families, showcasing the institution''s facilities, programs, and resources.
- Increased enrollment rates by organizing and participating in college fairs, open houses, and information sessions.
- Enhanced applicant experience by providing personalized guidance and support throughout the admissions process.
- Delivered engaging presentations about the college/university at various off-campus events such as high school visits or conferences.
Drama Teacher
Alonzo Mourning Charities
03.2008 - 01.2010
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction.
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy.
- Encouraged students to perform well and learn from failure.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment.
- Modeled creative acting styles and techniques encompassing varied history genres and performance techniques.
- Enhanced academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration.
- Produced 2 theatrical performances each year streamlining technical elements
Talent Agent Assistant
WB Network (The Mike Sherman Show)
03.2005 - 03.2006
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Managed client schedules and coordinated auditions, callbacks, and bookings with efficiency and attention to detail.
- Developed strong relationships with casting directors, producers, and other industry professionals to secure opportunities for represented talent.
- Negotiated contract terms for successful deals, ensuring fair representation for both clients and agencies.
- Built a diverse roster of talent by attending industry events and proactively seeking out emerging artists.
- Facilitated networking opportunities between represented talent and key industry players at relevant events or gatherings.
- Enhanced communication with clients by implementing regular check-ins and offering ongoing support throughout the talent development process.
Education
M.A Arts Administration -
Savannah College of Art And Design
08.2015
B.A Popular Music -
Florida Memorial University
12.2009
Skills
- Cultural Equity Planning and Advising
- Program Design and Event & Media production
- Grant Making & Management
- Audience & Community Development
- Marketing Campaigns & Creative direction
- External Affairs & Partnerships
- Research and Data Reporting
- Strategic Planning & Equitable Policy Making
- Staff and Intern Management
- Team leadership
- Public Speaking
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe and social media
- Curriculum Creation & Innovative Teaching
- Classroom Management
- Contract drafting & Client management
- Strong negotiation skills
- Student advising & Client Relationship Building
Volunteer Positions
- Chair of Yale's Committee on Art Recognizing Enslavement
- Shubert Theater Board, Ex- Officio Board Member
- Yale Associate Fellow, Trumbell College
- Yale Center of British Art, Advisory Board Member
- Former Connecticut's Economic and Community Development Arts Council, Councilwoman
- Former New England Foundation for the Arts, Advisory Board Member
Timeline
Managing Director
Canal Dock Boat House
01.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Eastern Connecticut State University
01.2024 - Current
Exectutive Director
The City Of New Haven , Department Of Cultural Affairs
02.2020 - Current
ARTS PROGRAM MANAGER
State of Connecticut: Office of the Arts
11.2016 - 01.2020
Executive Director & Creative Director
The Writers Block Ink
04.2013 - 11.2016
Admissions Counselor
Keiser University
01.2010 - 01.2013
Drama Teacher
Alonzo Mourning Charities
03.2008 - 01.2010
Talent Agent Assistant
WB Network (The Mike Sherman Show)
03.2005 - 03.2006
M.A Arts Administration -
Savannah College of Art And Design
B.A Popular Music -
Florida Memorial University
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