Executive Director, Grand Avenue Cultural District

• Design an organizational structure: Building on the initial work of the GACD Steering Committee and BCG, establish a formal and sustainable funding model including a dues-based membership structure and other sources of both contributed and earned income; 
• Design a business plan: Work with the Board of Directors to develop a business plan that identifies the specific tasks of the GACD and the roles of the executive director, the member organizations, consultants (e.g., audit, public relations) and the member organizations as well as a strategic plan and timeline for expansion of the GACD and opportunities for collaboration for smaller arts organizations and those based in DTLA but not along Grand Avenue.
• Develop a governance structure: Work with the GACD Steering Committee to build a board of directors, develop by-laws and establish membership policies;
• Secure recognition: Secure the official designation for the GACD from the City of Los Angeles, based on the foundational work done to secure that recognition from the County of Los Angeles and the State of California; 

• Facilitate Board member recruitment and development: Support Board members in leveraging their networks to secure mission-aligned funding and partnerships, ensuring the long-term financial health of the GACD.
• Support Board members: Keep the Board informed about programming initiatives and fiscal sustainability while proactively identifying challenges and opportunities.
• Lead strategic planning: Building on the Cultural District's strategic framework and business plan, develop aligned operational plans. 

• Oversee and manage organizational finances: Create the annual budget, manage cash flow and financial health and work with auditors on the annual audit.
• Create and implement revenue plan: Develop and implement a multi-year, diversified funding plan, including membership dues, grants, corporate partnerships and contributed and earned income streams. 

• Promote the GACD: Position the Cultural District as a powerful coalition and leader in arts culture, dining and entertainment options economic and jobs development, downtown revitalization, public safety and community engagement. 
• Serve as spokesperson: Represent the GACD in all public facing communications including media opportunities and public events. 
• Sustain collaborative relationships: Build partnerships with educational institutions; civic, tourist and business organizations; hotels and restaurants; creative and entertainment partners; and others to foster alliances that benefit the GACD’s members, and the communities served by the organization. 

• Create a brand identity: Implement a branding initiative including signage, collateral and consistent promotion of the GACD as a vibrant, welcoming and accessible destination.
• Develop an external marketing and communications plan: Working with stakeholders, build awareness of the GACD through website design and implementation, wayfinding, convenings, media relations, social media cross-promotional opportunities and year-round partner activities highlighting the transformative power of the arts.
• Bloomberg Connects App: Update and manage the GACD app, which is part of Bloomberg Connects and explore expansion of this tool to offer visitors to the GACD even more detailed information and ways to experience the offerings of each GACD participating organization. Operationalize the “what’s happening” portion of the app to ensure it is continually updated. 
   

• Minimum five years as an executive director or senior leadership team member of a nonprofit or membership organization. 
• Bachelor degree Required
• Experience managing staff and serving as an accessible, resourceful internal leader comfortable working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and expertise.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

• Leadership: Must be a self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Will need to thrive as a self-starter and an external leader, able to represent the organization in various settings and with the ability to build collaborations and partnerships with individuals, organizations and government entities.
• Commitment: Dedicated to values-based leadership, embracing differing perspectives and having an ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for the arts and deep understanding of civic institutions: A strong belief in the transformative power of creativity; experience in the arts, whether professional or personal, and extensive experience with civic institutions and/or leaders.
• Skills: Experience with membership organizations or economic/civic development organizations strongly preferred. Proven success in fundraising and communicating both internally and externally with disparate groups. Ability to work effectively with Board members. Experience in developing multi-platform communications strategies is a plus.

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