Executive Director (CEO)

Position Overview

Nevada County Arts & Culture seeks a visionary and collaborative Executive Director (CEO) to lead the county’s designated arts agency at a pivotal moment of strategic implementation and regional leadership. Serving as the State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council and administrator of two California Cultural Districts, the Nevada County Arts & Culture connects artists, cultural organizations, local government, educators, and businesses to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of Nevada County.

The Executive Director (CEO) will guide implementation of Culture Forward 2026–2032: Nevada County’s Arts & Culture Action Plan, steward partnerships across the public and nonprofit sectors, and support a dynamic team delivering services to artists and communities across the Sierra Foothills and High Sierra.

This role combines nonprofit executive leadership with civic partnership and regional cultural strategy.

The position is Nevada County–based and requires regular in-person engagement throughout the county and region.

Leadership Context

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (CEO) provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for Nevada County Arts & Culture and serves as the organization’s primary public representative at the local, regional, and statewide levels.

The Executive Director leads implementation of long-range cultural strategy, advances partnerships with public agencies and community stakeholders, supports fundraising and revenue diversification, and ensures delivery of high-quality programs and services aligned with the organization’s mission.

Core areas of Leadership include:

• Administration of two California Cultural Districts
• Implementation of Culture Forward 2026–2032, Nevada County’s Arts & Culture Action Plan
• Artists services and professional development
• Strategically lead public art and creative placemaking initiatives
• Arts education partnerships with local school districts
• Cultural tourism and regional marketing collaboration
• Represent the organization within local, regional, and statewide arts leadership networks
• Demonstrated Fundraising experience in securing individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and government grants.
• Nonprofit financial stewardship across budgeting, compliance, and fiscal management

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Advance the role of arts and culture within the County’s economic framework
• Strengthen Nevada County’s cultural infrastructure through partnerships and initiatives
• Position the organization as a regional leader within California’s arts ecosystem

Public Leadership and Partnerships

• Serve as primary arts and culture liaison with the County of Nevada, the incorporated Cities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the Town of Truckee
• Maintain strong relationships with cultural organizations, artists, educators, and community partners
• Support cross-sector collaboration with tourism, economic development, recreation, and education partners
• Represent Nevada County within the State-Local Partner networks, and other state networks through the California Arts Council

California Cultural District Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of the Grass Valley–Nevada City Cultural District and Truckee Cultural District
• Support district-based partnerships, programming alignment, and regional cultural visibility

Organizational Leadership and Staff Management

• Supervise and support a multidisciplinary staff team of fourteen, including five direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture
• Guide the implementation of strategic initiatives across departments
• Support professional development for staff

Fund Development and Financial Stewardship

• Expand contributed revenue, sponsorship, and individual philanthropic partnerships
• Oversee annual budgeting and financial planning
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance and reporting standards
• Work with the Board’s Finance Committee to provide oversight, strategy, and management of financial activities

Board Partnership and Governance

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance strategic priorities
• Support board development and engagement
• Provide clear and timely reporting on organizational progress
• Assist in implementing governance best practices aligned with a county-designated arts agency

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit, public-sector, arts, cultural, or community-serving organization
• Experience managing staff and organizational operations
• Strong partnership-building skills across public and community stakeholders
• Experience with fundraising, grants, and budget oversight
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies
• Commitment to supporting artists and cultural organizations
• Ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors
• Experience in personal time management and delegation in a fast-paced, multitasking environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in working with arts councils, umbrella agencies, cultural districts, or county-designated arts agencies
• Familiarity with California’s arts funding and policy landscape
• Experience working in rural or regional communities
• Background in cultural planning, creative placemaking, or arts service delivery
• Experience supervising multi-program organizations
• Knowledge of statewide arts networks and partnerships

Compensation

Salary range: $90,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience and determined by the Board of Directors.

The position includes flexible scheduling and hybrid work options, and generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days). Additional benefits may be available and will be discussed during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity and Search Commitment

Nevada County Arts & Culture is committed to a fair and transparent selection process. Any candidates

currently serving in governance roles with the organization will participate in the process in accordance with established conflict-of-interest policies.

The successful candidate is expected to reside in Nevada County and maintain an active in-person presence throughout the region.

Nevada County Arts & Culture encourages applications from individuals whose perspectives and experiences will strengthen the organization’s ability to serve diverse communities across the region. We are committed to equitable access, inclusive cultural leadership, and building a workforce that reflects the communities of Nevada County and the Sierra region.

We recognize that candidates may bring relevant experience through a variety of professional and community pathways and encourage applicants who meet many—but not all—of the listed qualifications to apply.

Application Process and Selection Timeline

Nevada County Arts & Culture is conducting a statewide search for its next Executive Director (CEO).

Candidates are invited to submit:

• A letter of interest describing relevant leadership experience and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic direction
• A résumé or curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

Application materials should be submitted to: office@nevadacountyarts.org. Priority review will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until the position is filled.

The Board of Directors has established a Transition and Search Committee to guide the recruitment process. The Board anticipates appointing the next Executive Director between July 1 and September, 2026.