Executive Director

Fairbanks Arts Association (FAA) has served Interior Alaska through the arts since 1966, offering visual, literary, performing, and arts education programs. Based in the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts in Alaskaland, we play a central leadership role in the arts community. FAA’s mission is to promote excellence in contemporary and traditional arts in Alaska’s Interior, grounded in values of respect and belonging that help us build a vibrant, healthy community in and through the arts. We aim to hire a highly skilled Executive Director to help us fulfill this mission.

Fairbanks Arts Association is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate all applicants on individual merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law. FAA complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants who require an accommodation, auxiliary aid, or alternative communication format during the application or interview process may contact president@fairbanksarts.org.

Description 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for Fairbanks Arts Association’s staff, programs, expansion, and execution of its mission. The ED provides leadership informed by current trends in the arts and develops and implements the organization’s fundraising strategy. The position oversees staff hiring, supervision, and management and builds and maintains strong relationships with local community groups and organizational partners. The ED provides clear, effective communication and decisive leadership in carrying out the organization’s mission and priorities.

The ED provides day-to-day management, working jointly with the Board of Directors to maintain the systems and structure of FAA. As an exempt employee, the ED is expected to work whatever hours are necessary to meet the goals and deliverables of the role; hours may vary and occasionally exceed 40 hours per week during peak periods, board meetings, or community events without additional compensation. The ED has the autonomy to flex their daily schedule provided organizational goals, supervisory responsibilities, and time commitments are fully met. 

The Ideal Candidate

• Believes the arts are a public good and can articulate their value to donors, funders, partners, and the community
• Leads with integrity, transparency, and respect for the diverse communities and cultures that FAA’s stakeholders represent
• Builds trust across board, staff, volunteer, donor, and community relationships while staying accountable to FAA’s mission
• Uses feedback and evaluation to make decisions, acknowledges when an approach isn’t working, and adjusts responsibly
• Creates an environment where staff and volunteers can do excellent work, raise concerns, learn, and take initiative
• Remains composed and exercises sound judgment during unanticipated challenges, budget pressure, or organizational change

See the Full description and application instructions at: https://www.forakergroup.org/site/index.cfm/cboard-view/11600