AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

Arts Connection
The Arts Council of San Bernardino County
Executive Director

Background: Arts Connection, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County was officially formed in 2012. Arts Connection is a non-profit organization (currently applying for 501-c-3 status) dedicated to a mission of stimulating creative and economic vitality and enriching lives throughout the communities it serves by providing support, promotion, education, and advocacy for the arts. The Arts Connection accomplishes this mission through initiatives that nurture and support local artists, arts organizations and the community as a whole. The Arts Connection's role is not to establish programs and services that compete with the existing arts organizations in the County but rather to support and assist those organizations.
Position Available: Arts Connection seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to fill the role and responsibilities of Executive Director in order to advance the mission and agenda of the arts council and be a catalyst for growth of the organization. By doing so, allows the Arts Connection to provide innovative programs and services to artists, arts organizations and the general public.
Responsibilities: The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Arts Connection, working closely with the Chair and Board of Directors. The Executive Director implements and administers all programs, services, operations, fundraising, and policies in addition to supervising staff and volunteers. The Executive Director will also promote and conduct an aggressive campaign that will stimulate growth of Arts Connection. The Executive Director will play a vital role in growing the Arts Connection and ensuring sustainability in its initial start-up phase.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
* Strategic Planning - develops and implements the Arts Connection strategic plan and annual plans in conjunction with the Board
* Program Development and Management - under the direction of the Board, develops, implements and supervises programs and services that are consistent with the organization's mission and Strategic Plan
* Fund Development/Grant Oversight - together with the Board, develops, manages, and implements the fundraising strategy of Arts Connection and actively searches for funding sources. This position is responsible for meeting all fundraising goals that balance the fiscal responsibilities of the organization including researching and energetically pursuing grant opportunities
* Fiscal Management - develops an annual budget for Board approval; oversees the management of all funds consistent with the Board's accounting system and operates within the approved budget
* Staff Leadership and Management - develops and cultivates a professional and productive working environment; hires and supervises and evaluates staff; coordinates work with the Board committees, volunteers and strategic partners and membership organizations
* Public Relations/Marketing - develops working relationships with arts organizations, individual artists, civic leaders and within the County wherever pertinent; create, identify opportunities to enhance Arts Connection's visibility, position and credibility within the County (within the arts community and the community in general)
* Advocacy - serve as the spokesperson for Arts Connection within San Bernardino County, to the civic leaders expressing the mission of Arts Connection, advocating for the arts community as a whole and articulating the value of the arts in improving the quality of life
* Board Relationship - maintain a strong relationship with the Chair and Board of Directors and help the assist the Board in conducting its business effectively; understand the Board governance model in implementing Arts Connection's mission; provide information and prepare reports for the Board as necessary

Experience/Qualifications:

* College graduate is preferred but not required
* Applicant should have a minimum of 5 years management experience; in the nonprofit sector is preferred
* Knowledge of the arts and previous experience working in the arts
* Knowledge of the arts community within San Bernardino County is a plus
* Experienced fundraiser with document record of successes
* Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
* Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills
* Knowledge of grant writing procedures. Grant writing experience with record of successful grant applications preferred
* Ability to assess the community's needs and Arts Connections effectiveness carrying out its mission and modify existing procedures in response of those needs
* Ability to positively motivate and develop staff, Board and volunteers
* Ability to build a consensus
* Ability to work with both public and private sectors of the community, the Board and staff
* Visionary and innovative thinker who can be instrumental in the growth of Arts Connection
* The ability to do more with less

Compensation: Salary range: Starts at $45,000- salary is commensurate with experience; benefits are negotiable. This job position is currently funded thru December, 2013. Long-term sustainability of job position is dependent on future fundraising and grants support by the Executive Director, staff, and Board.
Starting Date: Approximately Mid-June, 2012.
Procedure for Applying: Qualified candidates should e-mail a current resume with a cover letter indicating interest in the position of Executive Director and salary requirements to Daniel Foster, Board Chair, at dfoster@thecommunityfoundation.net. The Arts Connection Board of Directors is currently accepting applications and will begin the review/interview process early May.

POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

from LA Culture Net