Panida relaunches director search

SANDPOINT — After several months without a creative director, the Panida board is on the hunt for a new manager to guide the historic theater’s restoration.

Since laying off Barry Bonifas in late February, board members and remaining staff have shouldered the responsibility of running the theater’s day-to-day operations. They are now ready to pass the role on to a full-time individual as they begin the search for a full time executive director.

“We need a dynamic leader that can really pull an organization together,” Panida board vice chair Jim Corcoran said.

According to Corcoran and board secretary and treasurer Tari Pardini, the board is seeking an individual with an appreciation and experience in the arts, a history of project management and solid communication skills.

“We’re looking for the whole package,” Pardini said.  

The board expects to find an individual able to handle management and planning, community relations, development, finance and artistic and creative programming. The annual salary for the position will be $40,000. All résumés and other application documents must be submitted by 5 p.m. June 6.  

The most qualified candidates should have a knowledge of the local and regional nonprofit and arts community, have marketing experience and instinct, demonstrate success in fundraising and grant writing and possess a knowledge of arts, film, music and theater management, board members said.

A minimum of five years experience in management and staff supervision is preferred, according to board members.

“It’s really important that we find someone with a passion and love for the arts,” said Pardini.

According to Corcoran and Pardini, the board revised the job description somewhat after letting Bonifas go. That’s because it’s important they find the right person to lead the theater, they said. The next years will be key for the Panida Theater as staff and volunteers pursue significant renovation and improvement projects. This year, workers will remove the asbestos and fiberglass insulation from the attic walls and ceiling. They’ll also work on adding insulation to throughout the building to block off air leaks and improve the theater’s efficiency.

Next year, work continues as contractors, restore the interior plaster walls and ceiling of the theater. They’ll also install a new fire-safety sprinkler system to bring the building in line with standards. Board members say they also have several other ideas to continue improving the theater after the priority projects are complete