What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Darien Arts Center?
OVERVIEW:
Darien Arts Center (DAC), founded in 1975, is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating, promoting and providing the means of artistic expression in dance, music, and visual arts for members of the community.
The Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the DAC, ensuring the organization remains true to its mission while driving its growth and sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for overseeing the organization's overall operations, including strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, and operational oversight. The ED will work closely with the Board, staff, and stakeholders to execute the organization’s goals and ensure the effective delivery of programs and services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Direction: Lead the development and implementation of the organization’s long-term strategic goals, ensuring alignment with the mission and vision.
- Financial Management: Oversee the organization’s financial health, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring responsible management of resources.
- Development/Fundraising: Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure diverse revenue streams, including grants, donations, and corporate partnerships.
- Operational Oversight: Provide leadership in day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient, high-quality offerings, staff management, and compliance with regulations.
- Community Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with local community organizations, partners, and stakeholders to increase the organization’s visibility, foster collaboration, and strengthen its position within the community.
The Executive Director will serve as the primary ambassador for the organization, building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, community leaders, and other key stakeholders. This is a full time position that includes attendance at DAC performances, events and meetings.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- Deliver a long-term strategic plan that provides for a forward-thinking, fiscally-sound future for the DAC
- Execute Board-approved short-and long-term strategies for the Darien Arts Center.
- Report on activities in writing at least monthly to the Board of Directors. Attend Board meetings as requested (typically every other month).
- Identify, cultivate, and assist in the recruitment of board members whose skills, experience, and connections meet the organization’s needs.
- Review and manage financial reports with the Finance Committee and Treasurer prior to distribution to the Departmental Directors and the Board of Directors. Regularly meeting with Department Directors about department budget tracking.
- Manage annual budget process including working with department directors, developing the Management budget and working with the Development Chairperson on the development budget.
- Demonstrate effective fiscal management through regular re-evaluation of facilities, programs and staff. Make and implement decisions to ensure good financial health of the DAC.
- Ensure effective audit trails and timely reporting.
- Work with Bookkeeper and Office Manager to ensure accurate deposit and expense records.
- Approve expenditures in accordance with Darien Arts Center policies.
- Lead and track development effort together with the Board Development Chairperson and Office Manager, including solicitation of major donor gifts.
- Maximize the organization’s access to grants from state and national sources that are available for non-profits organizations. This includes researching available sources of grant money, writing and submitting grants and any accounting or follow up required for a grant.
- Manage Annual Appeal process.
- Enlarge Donor Base and cultivate relationships with major donors.
- Oversee the creation, organization and execution of fund-raising events.
- Initiate long-term capital campaigns as needed.
- Grow participation through increasing Enrollment.
- Maintain top level customer service, delivered by Departmental and administrative staff, and ensure high level programs.
- Oversee and support successful registration periods for all departments - including music, dance and visual arts.
- Ensure all facilities and equipment are maintained to a high standard
- Monitor usage of facilities to ensure they are being optimally utilized; make changes as needed
- Manage and develop direct reports, including Office Manager, Communications & Events Coordinator, and Department (Dance, Music, VA) Directors.
- Directly or indirectly oversee subcontractors, including Bookkeeper, Teachers, Custodial Staff, etc. to ensure excellence in delivery.
- Set and adhere to appropriate standards to ensure that activities are consistent and coordinated.
- Maintain appropriate staffing levels and develop and train staff, as needed.
- Work closely with the Department Directors to shape and oversee programming and events slate.
- Oversee all communications including website, marketing, and branding.
- As the public “face” of the organization, positively promotes the image of the Darien Arts Center and the way it is perceived in the community.
- Foster strategic partnerships within the local government and community on an ongoing basis, but particularly those that serve to benefit the DAC’s financial position and/or participation.
- And other duties, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:
- Demonstrated leadership and management skills
- Financial and fundraising acumen
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to demonstrate a sense of initiative
- Works independently
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Organized and detail oriented
- Collaborative
COMPENSATION
The position is a full-time salaried position. The salary range is $90,000 - $100,000.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The DAC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter via email to dacboard@darienarts.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Darien, CT 06820 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $90,000 - $100,000