news and networking
Leader Profiles
Autumn Schaefer
Director of Marketing and Communications
United Arts of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
I noticed that you have been quite involved in many projects related to networking and the development of artists and cultural administrators. In what areas have you found that artists and administrators can benefit the most?
I think that networking is the best way for both artists and administrators to grow. Workshops and classes are a great way to pick up specific skills, but knowing where to go when you don’t have the answers is what really helps. We all wear a dozen hats—but in reality we usually only have skills in a few of those areas. Since we can’t be experts at everything, building relationships is so important—you never know who will be able to help you and who you can help! I think this goes beyond knowing other artists and arts administrators—it’s about knowing people in your community as well.
What has your experience in the National Young Nonprofit Professionals Network taught you about the differences and/or similarities between arts administrators and those working for other nonprofits?
I think there are more similarities than differences. The Emerging Leader discussions we have at the Americans for the Arts conferences are the same discussions happening with young nonprofit professionals. Themes of job security, education, pay, and benefits are a few of the basics—you also see this in many national studies. When we started the Orlando YNPN chapter, we had a choice to either focus only on the arts or on the nonprofit community as a whole. I’m so glad we chose the latter. Nonprofit professionals all share a passion for what they do and want to strengthen their communities. It all goes back to how important it is to build relationships.
Having read some of the great blog entries from NP2020 conference held earlier this year, what information did you gather from this conference about how emerging nonprofit professionals can position themselves for success in the field?
We discussed and brainstormed a lot about the nonprofit sector as a whole: our fears, ideas, and the steps we can take to get us where we want to be in the future. To me, it was encouraging to see so many passionate and creative minds that will soon be leading the nonprofit sector. We’ve got some bright, intelligent, and innovative people on their way up—how wonderful! The conference helped to keep me motivated to challenge myself to do more and do better after seeing the potential for positive growth. And, I love how they used technology throughout the conference. I still refer back (and refer others) to the wiki pages and have kept in touch with many people from around the country. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the website from the conference, I’d highly recommend it.
Given your many affiliations with various local and national groups, how have you been able to maintain a good work/life balance?
Work/life balance—that’s tricky. I don’t feel I do as good of a job balancing the two as I’d like. I do get asked this question a lot though, and I always tell people to set their own boundaries. Having a healthy life outside of work is important because the two affect each other. If things are tough at home it will affect your work, and vice versa. We did a Creative Conversation on this very topic last October and had a panel of accomplished community leaders talk about how they balance the two. I think we all walked away realizing that the only way to accomplish the balance is by setting your own boundaries and sticking to them. And organization: without it balance is almost impossible. I’m very organized and make sure I schedule time for everything—work AND personal time.
