Darren Granaas
Stephen
Spearfish,South Dakota
Summary
Versatile Executive Director focused on promoting mission and increasing effectiveness of key programs. Passionate about managing and overseeing implementation of organization's daily operations. Quick and firm decision-maker possessing first-rate communication and organizational skills. Recognized for successfully collaborating with management to develop work plans, financials and strategies.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Executive Director
Matthews Opera House & Arts Center
09.2019 - 01.2024
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Drove strategic improvements to enhance operational and organizational efficiencies.
- Aligned department vision, goals, and objectives with company strategy to achieve consistently high results.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Set organizational goals and objectives to guide and direct company focus and achieve mission fulfillment.
- Advocated for organization and company mission to raise awareness and support.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
Cultural Arts Coordinator
City Of O'Fallon
02.2001 - 09.2019
- Developed and implemented a multi-faceted cultural arts program, including theatre, a concert and jazz band, arts programming and an art festival
- Managed a staff of one full-time and 19 part-time employees, along with numerous volunteers
- Wrote and administered grants for cultural arts programming and special events
- Researched and developed 501(c)3 organization status for the City
- Worked in partnership with a national consulting firm to develop and implement a long range plan for public art
- Established and works in conjunction with, the Cultural Arts Commission of O'Fallon
- Worked closely with the City's Public Relations Department in crafting news releases, monthly e-newsletters, quarterly brochures, web updates, television interviews and social media coverage
- Built a series of educational programs for children, adults and families
- Created networking opportunities and outreach possibilities for the City
- Crafted exhibition policies and procedures and maintained an active exhibition schedule
- Designed and installed exhibits
- Missouri Arts Council grant recipient for theatre (2004, 2019) and for Community Arts Programming (2007-2019)
- Member of City of O'Fallon Management Team (2001 - 2003)
- Member of the City of O'Fallon Leadership Candidate Program (inaugural year, 2003)
- Member of the Recreation Department's Marketing Committee (2007-2016)
- Staff liaison for the City's Senior Resident Advisory Committee (2014).
Gallery Coordinator
City Of St. Peters
09.1999 - 04.2000
- Grant writing, bookkeeping, special events coordination, exhibition design and installation
- Missouri Arts Council grant recipient for Community Arts Programming (2000).
- Organized workshops led by exhibiting artists which allowed attendees a unique insight into each artist''s creative process.
- Developed educational programs for visitors of all ages, fostering appreciation and understanding of the arts.
- Managed gallery operations, ensuring smooth daily functioning and high-quality customer service.
- Established partnerships with local organizations for collaborative events that increased community engagement with the arts scene.
Independent Contractor
Forum For Contemporary Art
08.1999 - 09.1999
- Installation Forman, Jonathan Lasker: Selective Identity
- Managed day-to-day operations, including unpacking, inspection, layout, wall prep, hanging, text and label placement
- Fostered collaboration among team members when working on larger-scale projects requiring diverse expertise.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams, resulting in successful project completion.
Independent Consultant
Frenchtown Museum
01.1999 - 09.1999
- Developed and implemented a two-fold catalog system and database for 5,000+ artifact collection
- Created a series of portable exhibitions for use throughout St. Charles County
- Archival storage and maintenance
- Inventory management
- Volunteer coordination
- Exhibit design, fabrication and installation
Program Director
Civic Fine Arts Center
09.1989 - 11.1998
- Produced an eclectic exhibition schedule of regional and national artists
- Adopted professional standards for the care and management of the permanent collection and library
- Assisted in writing and administering state grants
- Maintained membership and capital campaigns
- Crafted all publications
- Delivered outstanding program results by setting clear objectives and proactively addressing potential challenges.
Education
Bachelor of Science - English
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD 09.1983 - 05.1989
Skills
Grant writingundefined
References
Sarah Carlson
Arts Program Specialist
South Dakota Arts Council
(605) 773-3102
sarah.carlson@state.sd.us
Emma DeVos
CEO
Innovative NonProfit
(605) 299-9896
info@innovnp.com
Desy Schoenewies
Associate Professor of Art
Black Hills State University
(605) 642-6104
desy.schoenewies@bhsu.edu
Jim Spiers
Executive Director
Arts South Dakota
(605) 252 5979 ext 0
jim@artssouthdakota.org
Timeline
Executive Director
Matthews Opera House & Arts Center
09.2019 - 01.2024
Cultural Arts Coordinator
City Of O'Fallon
02.2001 - 09.2019
Gallery Coordinator
City Of St. Peters
09.1999 - 04.2000
Independent Contractor
Forum For Contemporary Art
08.1999 - 09.1999
Independent Consultant
Frenchtown Museum
01.1999 - 09.1999
Program Director
Civic Fine Arts Center
09.1989 - 11.1998
Bachelor of Science - English
University of South Dakota
09.1983 - 05.1989
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