Executive Director

Full time / $125,000 - $145,000 annually / The Union for Contemporary Art / Omaha, NE

The Executive Director will be responsible for implementing The Union for Contemporary Art’s strategic goals and shaping the organization’s vision, serving as the primary external spokesperson for the organization. Cultivating authentic relationships in the community, regionally, and nationally, the Executive Director will expand The Union’s presence in the social justice and community arts education spaces locally and nationally, building financial support and brand awareness as a model for other communities. Collaboratively with senior leadership and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will embrace and advance The Union’s programming and ensure the financial sustainability of the organization, leading through a lens of empowerment and driving equitable, inclusive, and accessible opportunities that align with the vision of The Union.

Strategic Leadership and Communication

• Embody and champion The Union’s policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, and equitable community.
• Provide inspirational and empowering leadership to all employees, especially the senior leadership circle, and assure the continued development and management of a professional, efficient, equitable, and sustainable organization.
• Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the board, prioritizing its development and expansion.
• Nurture collaborative partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally that increase participation in The Union’s programs and events and expand financial support and visibility.
• Embrace other strategic leadership and communication responsibilities, as needed.

Community Engagement and Revenue Enhancement

• Serve as the lead spokesperson, communicating effectively and authentically with all internal and external constituents.
• Provide strategy to The Union’s fund development activities as a key fundraiser, working with the board and staff, cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, and foundation and corporate partners.
• Leverage the networks of the board and partner organizations to maximize contributed revenue and sponsorship opportunities for The Union’s annual campaign, exhibitions, and programs.
• Maintain an accessible and familiar persona with The Union’s artists, students, patrons, partners, donors, and local community leaders, including regular attendance and engagement in programming and events.
• Ensure the flow of funds is allocated strategically and equitably to reflect present needs and future potential.
• Embrace other community engagement and revenue enhancement responsibilities, as needed.

Operational Excellence

• Provide day-to-day management and supervision of The Union’s staff and volunteers and encourage staff’s creative and professional development.
• Nurture and support a workplace environment that fosters employee engagement, a sense of belonging, and a high level of professional performance.
• Lead a robust human resources management process that includes an annual review of personnel job descriptions and compensation, performance reviews, and ongoing updates to the employee handbook.
• Oversee comprehensive marketing, branding, and development strategies collaboratively with staff leadership that will safeguard consistency throughout the organization.
• Embrace other operational excellence responsibilities, as needed.

Governance and Board Relations

• Build and empower a diverse and inclusive board, representative of the community, who are highly engaged and empowered to leverage and secure resources.
• Provide support to best utilize the board’s talents and The Union’s resources and partner with board members, committees, and advisory members to develop strategies that effectively mobilize and utilize stakeholders.
• Ensure the efficient and timely development and distribution of agendas and reports.
• Provide board members with clear and concise financial and programmatic reporting to inform decisions that advance the mission and goals of The Union.
• Attend quarterly board meetings, and executive committee and other committee meetings as needed, to facilitate the transparent flow of information.
• Assume primary responsibility for the preparation of the annual financial budget and operating plans, collaborating with the treasurer and the finance committee for full board approval and oversight.
• Engage and empower leadership staff in building direct relationships with the board through shared reporting responsibilities, and board engagement in programming.
• Embrace other governance and board relations responsibilities, as needed.

Requirements

Qualified candidates will have seven to ten years of increasing responsibility in nonprofit administration. Prior executive-level experience with arts education and community-based organizations is ideal but not required. Significant experience and a proven track record of board development, fundraising, marketing, branding, and fiscal management are expected. Outstanding presentation and communication skills and the propensity to be a passionate spokesperson, relationship builder, and fundraiser are needed. A strong commitment to the professional development of staff and a successful track record of recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive team is essential.

Application Instructions

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, please click here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches.