Executive Director

The Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is looking for a passionate Executive Director to lead our vibrant arts and cultural nonprofit, fostering creativity and community impact in our five-parish region. The mission is to support arts and culture initiatives, events and organizations in the 5-parish area that bring a unique cultural experience to local citizens while helping to bolster tourism and economic growth through the arts and humanities.

Candidates must be self-motivated and experienced in fiscal, programming, social media, public engagement, and administrative management. Other experience must include: fundraising, event coordination, grant writing, grantmaking, volunteer management, public speaking, and staff management. Successful candidates should also have a background in community and public relations.

Salary range: $50,000-$60,000 (depending on experience)

Job Description

The Executive Director of the Arts & Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana is responsible for leading and/or managing arts and cultural initiatives across the five-parish region, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission to enrich the community through the arts and humanities.

He/she shall report directly to the board of directors and have ultimate responsibility for administering the affairs of the council and carrying out the mission and vision of the organization.

The Executive Director is accountable for the financial growth and expansion of the council through events, programs and fundraising activities, while maintaining and continuously improving the reputation of the Arts & Humanities Council.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Management of daily business and of the Arts & Humanities Council offices and personnel providing employee training, development, and oversight.
• Actively seeking out and securing financial funds for the council through events, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and maintaining a network of potential donors.
• Serving as a liaison among arts and cultural organizations across Southwest Louisiana, fostering collaboration, providing resources, and empowering artists, arts groups, and humanities organizations to enhance the region’s cultural landscape and quality of life.
• Responsible for the monthly and annual reporting to the board of directors.
• Create, maintain and nurture partnership with parish and city government agencies in the 5-parish area to promote the arts and culture throughout Southwest Louisiana.
• Conducts all monthly board meetings and oversees all event subcommittees.
• Represents the Arts & Humanities Council at all events and public speaking engagements.
• Responsible for the financial management of the council in conjunction with the board of directors and finance committee.
• Oversees all programs and projects operated by the Council, providing administrative direction, vision, and execution.
• Attends and participates in all meetings of the board of directors and of the executive committee except where matters of their own employment are concerned.
• Responsible for administering the human resource affairs of the council, including the authority to employ and release all other staff persons in accordance with any rules and procedures which may be adopted by the board of directors.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in related fields (or substituted with 5 years of work experience in arts, business, and/or nonprofit administration.)

Experience: At least three years of administrative experience in a supervisory or management position.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with the ability to cultivate partnerships, inspire stakeholders, and drive innovative programs that enhance arts and culture in the region. Education and experience should clearly demonstrate competence and readiness to assume all responsibilities to develop and implement programs and initiatives that align with the Council’s mission and long-term sustainability, under the guidance of the board of directors. A candidate must display:

• Proven experience in securing funding through events, grants, corporate sponsorships, and donor relations, as well as experience managing budgets.
• Ability to build relationships with community organizations, governmental agencies, and stakeholders to promote the mission of an organization.
• Strong understanding of grant application processes, reporting requirements, and fund distribution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience with public speaking, press relations, and advocacy.
• Experience in collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in arts or nonprofit cultural organizations, familiarity with promoting events and initiatives through social media, website management, and traditional marketing strategies. Preferred but not necessary--a degree in arts administration, business, communications, or nonprofit management.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Executive Director will work closely and cooperatively with the board of directors, municipalities and parish governments within the five-parish area, school districts, Lake Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lake Charles Downtown Development Authority, and other local organizations
• All duties deemed necessary through association with the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, Louisiana Department Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and Louisiana Partnership for the Arts
• Keep abreast of state and national trends in arts and humanities administration
• Providing assistance to artists, humanists, cultural organizations, and community members as needed

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Working conditions cover a range of circumstances from regular, evening and weekend work, in addition to working outdoors. Job requires walking, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods of time, lifting heavy objects, up to 30 pounds, and repetitive tasks with few breaks.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Lake Charles, LA 70601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lake Charles, LA 70601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000