Executive Director

posted May 23, 2019

Job summary

ACA’s Executive Director will take the reins in shaping a new era in the life of Arlington’s community arts center. Working with an excellent staff and dedicated Board of Directors, the Director will be responsible for overseeing strategic planning, financial management, administration and community engagement as ACA puts down roots in a new home, opened in October 2018 in the heart of Arlington.

About ACA

The Arlington Center for the Arts is devoted to the mission of "transforming lives and building community through the arts." Established in 1988 by a visionary group of artists, writers, musicians and educators, ACA has long been a place where people of all ages can discover and express their own creativity and appreciate the creativity of others.

After the town re-purposed its previous home, the organization rallied major donors and the community to complete a $1M capital campaign to bring ACA to Arlington’s vibrant new Cultural District. Today’s ACA is a cornerstone for Arlington’s arts community, with a four-person staff and $700K annual budget. As a hub of arts and culture, ACA seeks to provide:

• Opportunities for creative self-expression for children and teens through camps and classes, fostering skill-development and building confidence and collaboration.

• Leadership development and mentoring through work experiences for teens and young adults at our camps and beyond.

• Opportunities for adult learners to create and connect in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment.

• A thriving hub for local artists, performers and musicians to develop and deepen their craft, and to share their work with the public.

• Enrichment of the entire community through gallery exhibits, concerts, performances and signature programs such as Open Studios and Arlington Porchfest.

Increasingly, Arlington is becoming a destination for arts & culture through ACA’s leadership and collaboration with other cultural organizations, businesses and municipal leaders.

The Executive Director’s job encompasses:

Planning and Strategy - Engage with the Board and staff in short and long-term strategic planning that aligns with the organization’s mission.

Financial Management – Oversee the organization’s financial health and sustainability, writing annual budgets and setting financial priorities. Assess existing revenue opportunities and spearhead new ones, based on changes within ACA and the town.

Fundraising – Develop and execute a diverse fundraising plan to generate and sustain giving and sponsorships from major donors, businesses, foundations and the community. The recent capital campaign provides an opportunity to build upon newly-established relationships.

Community relations – Seek out and engage in collaboration with nonprofit organizations, educational entities and businesses. Assume a leadership role in community partnerships for arts and culture.

Partnership with Board of Directors – Maintain a strong working relationship with ACA’s board, leading the dialogue on how best to engage key stakeholders including major donors, ACA members and volunteers.

Program management – Oversee and support the design, promotion and delivery of high-quality arts programs and events. Encourage a vibrant studio artist community through studio rentals and programs and workshops for artists.

Staff management – Select and cultivate qualified staff, model effective behaviors, foster teamwork and sustain morale. Plan strategically to ensure that staff structure and duties fit with the organization’s mission and goals.

Organizational management – Oversee the facility and systems to ensure smooth daily operations, building a solid working relationship with the Town of Arlington (ACA’s landlord) to assure that facility needs are met. Oversee legal obligations and compliance with all state, federal and local reporting requirements.

A successful candidate will possess these attributes:

• Strategic vision to lead a 30-year-old organization at an important crossroads.

• A passion for community arts.

• Relevant senior leadership experience, including 5+ years in the nonprofit sector, with a record of transparency and integrity.

• Successful track record in fundraising, including cultivating supporters, leading grassroots campaigns and events, and generating revenue through individual donors, foundations and corporate sponsorships.

• Strong organizational abilities, including short and long-range planning, inspiring and mobilizing others to achieve mission-driven goals.

• Hands-on financial management experience, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.

• Outstanding facility with oral and written presentations, and strong people skills with diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to hire and retain excellent staff.

• Willingness to shape work schedule to include evening meetings and weekend events.

• Excitement about deep engagement with the Arlington community.

To apply:

Please send an email, attaching your cover letter, resume and salary expectations in confidence to EDsearch@acarts.org. Applicants are encouraged to send these materials by June 28, but the hiring committee will continue to receive applications until the position is filled.

This is a full-time position. ACA offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and benefits package. ACA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No phone calls, please.

​

​