Executive Director, Riverside Arts Center

Executive Director

In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is an ambassador and advocate for Riverside's mission. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through relevant initiatives, strategic planning and fundraising, as well as for meeting financial objectives and oversight of the operations of the organization.

The Executive Director is a thought leader who can guide the organization through continued change and growth to new heights. The Executive Director is the face of the organization, is an active member of the community and works directly with partner organizations. As the chief fundraiser, the Executive Director works actively on fundraising and development.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Manager, Outreach Manager, Facilities Coordinator and Teaching Artists

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Execution:

• Provides transformational leadership in developing strategic plans and vision in conjunction with the Board of Directors and staff, and ensures successful execution of plans and priorities
• Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in both the arts and the Ypsilanti community, and funder preferences/requirements to ensure that mission, vision and strategy embrace creative and leading-edge approaches and practices
• Successfully collaborates with board and staff in execution of vision and strategies

Resource Development/Fundraising and Community Partnerships:

• Advances Riverside's mission through establishing and nurturing relationships with partners and key community stakeholders
• Maintains active membership and participation in the community
• Maintains and enhances fundraising success in partnership with the Staff and the Board of Directors
• Actively engages with a prioritized personal portfolio of potential funders, with weekly and monthly goals/progress for all fundraising activities
• Strategically diversifies the funding base and revenue streams to maintain and enhance organizational sustainability
• Ensures identification and execution of successful approaches to grant applications and deliverables and maintains an annual calendar of grant application deadlines
• Demonstrates exceptional ongoing relationship management with funders, donors, stakeholders and key community partners

Team Relations/Supervision:

• Leads a high-performing, mission-driven team; responsible for the recruitment, coaching, and performance management of all team members
• Creates clarity of accountabilities by ensuring responsibilities are clearly documented, regular evaluations are held, and sound personnel management practices are in place
• Maintains a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of peak-performing professionals
• Establishes trust and rapport with the team through authentic relationships
• Instills recognition systems for staff and adopts regular venues for listening and responding to staff ideas and needs

Internal and External Communications:

• Represents the organization in various community forums and funding agencies to advocate for Riverside's mission
• Communicates with the Board to ensure directors are fully informed on all activities and matters of importance to Riverside's mission
• Reports metrics against goals, with input from Board members and committees; alerts Board members to concerns about financial and other impacts
• Oversees the dissemination of information regarding Riverside's activities to increase community awareness of the mission and goals of the organization
• Establishes sound working relationships with outside entities
• Crafts, contributes to, or approves all relevant collateral and communication vehicles (Annual Report, website, social media)

Finance and Business Plans:

• Oversees development and maintenance of sound financial practices, including oversight of annual financial audit and fundraising plan
• Partners with staff and Board in preparing a budget; ensures that the organization operates within budget guidelines and follows proper accounting practices
• Ensures that program and operational expenditures are properly balanced with fundraising/revenue

The Qualified Candidate

Riverside Arts Center seeks a leader focused on collaboration. The successful candidate will bring proven leadership experience with prior success in cultivating positive working relationships with staff and Board, as well as donors, funders and the community. The selected candidate will be collaborative and participative, and an exceptional manager of people.

Specific requirements include:

Education and Experience

• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership/supervisory role with a proven track record in building relationships with staff, Board, and volunteers
• Experience working in a nonprofit, economic development, governmental or public sector setting with proven experience in responding to the needs of various stakeholders
• Experience working with a volunteer Board
• Experience raising funds, including success in the grant lifecycle, fundraising event planning, donor solicitation and stewardship, and corporate and civic engagement

Competencies and Attributes

• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics
• A drive towards collaboration, innovation, and pursuit of new opportunities, along with comfort in leading change
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with philanthropic community and major donors
• Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead a diverse team and effectively manage, motivate, and mentor staff
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop organizational strategic plans
• Strong business acumen and decision-making skills; ability to set priorities; strong process and project-management skills
• Valid driver's license and vehicle

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

• An affinity for the arts
• A connection and/or familiarity to the Ypsilanti community

This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package and is based in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Current Openings for Executive Director, Riverside Arts Center Jobs at Karen Andrews Group