What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interim CEO position at FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION WILLOUGHBY?
Fine Arts Association INTERIM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Location: Willoughby, Ohio (on-site presence required) Reports To: Board of Directors Status & Duration: Temporary, approximately 3-6 months pending new CEO hire and onboarding The Purpose The Fine Arts Association seeks an experienced Interim Chief Executive Officer to provide stable, capable leadership during a planned CEO transition. The Interim CEO will maintain organizational momentum, protect FAA's operational and financial health, and support a smooth handoff to the incoming permanent CEO. This is not a turnaround role; it is a stewardship role. The right candidate will ensure continuity while the board conducts a thorough search. The Interim CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors and senior staff to ensure continuity of programs, donor relationships, and day-to-day operations. This individual is not expected to launch new initiatives or make significant strategic changes, but rather to sustain momentum and preserve institutional knowledge during the transition period. Key Responsibilities Operational Continuity
Monitor the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring programs, classes, and performances continue without interruption.
Supervise and support the senior leadership team, providing clear direction and consistent communication.
Serve as the primary point of contact for staff on operational matters during the transition. Financial Stewardship
Monitor cash flow, review financial reports, and flag concerns to the Board Finance Committee promptly.
Ensure adherence to the existing budget; no major new financial commitments without board approval.
Oversee the responsible management of the line of credit and credit card obligations.
Ensure restricted funds are used in compliance with donor intent and organizational policy. Donor & External Relations
Represent FAA professionally at community events, performances, and stakeholder meetings as needed.
Support the development team in executing existing fundraising plans and grant obligations.
Partner with staff to ensure key external relationships, including government partners, corporate sponsors, and community leaders, remain active and engaged. Staff Leadership & Culture
Provide steady, calm, and transparent leadership during a period of change.
Maintain staff morale and communicate openly about the transition process within appropriate boundaries.
Identify and escalate any urgent HR or personnel matters to the board promptly. Board Partnership
Attend board meetings and provide regular operational updates to the Board of Directors.
Support the CEO search process as requested by the board, including participating in candidate briefings and facilitating knowledge transfer.
Flag emerging risks, decisions requiring board input, and any matters that could affect the incoming CEO's success.
Scope Boundaries - What this role is not To protect organizational stability and set the incoming CEO up for success, the Interim CEO is expected to observe the following boundaries: 1. No major new strategic initiatives or program launches without board approval. 2. No significant new hires, terminations, or compensation changes without board consultation. 3. No new financial commitments above an agreed threshold (to be set by the board at time of engagement). 4. No changes to donor agreements, grant terms, or major external partnerships without board approval.
Qualifications:Qualifications
Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, education, or related organization — prior CEO or Executive Director experience preferred.
Familiarity with arts education, community arts organizations, or similar mission-driven environments is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to lead during periods of organizational change or transition.
Strong financial literacy with the ability to read and act on P&L statements, cash flow reports, and balance sheets.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust quickly with staff, donors, and board members.
Calm, steady, and solutions-oriented leadership style; comfortable with ambiguity.
Available to begin on short notice and commit to the full duration of the engagement.
Compensation will be structured as a contract engagement and paid on an hourly basis. Details will be negotiated with the Board President. How to Express Interest Candidates or referrals should contact: Noelle Sieradzki, Board President noellesieradzki@gmail.com 440-463-4545 All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality.