What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at The Artists Collective?
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of The Artists Collective and provides strategic, operational, financial, and fundraising leadership for the organization.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will advance the organization’s mission, strengthen community partnerships, expand funding opportunities, and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
The ideal candidate will be a visionary, collaborative, and community-centered leader with a strong appreciation for the transformative power of the arts and a demonstrated commitment to arts education, cultural programming, and community impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Community Engagement
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships throughout Hartford and the region.
- Foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion.
- Represent The Artists Collective at community, cultural, civic, and philanthropic events.
- Preserve and advance the organization’s legacy as a leading arts and cultural institution.
Fundraising and Institutional Advancement
- Lead fundraising, donor cultivation, grant development, sponsorships, and special events.
- Diversify and grow earned and contributed revenue streams.
- Strengthen donor stewardship and philanthropic engagement.
- Oversee marketing, communications, and public relations initiatives.
- Cultivate relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors.
Strategic and Operational Leadership
- Lead implementation of the organization’s strategic plan.
- Provide oversight of daily operations and organizational performance.
- Recruit, develop, supervise, and retain high-performing staff.
- Promote innovation, continuous learning, and organizational excellence.
- Establish measurable goals and performance metrics aligned with strategic priorities.
- Lead the organization through growth, change, and strategic opportunities.
Governance and Financial Management
- Partner closely with the Board of Directors to advance organizational goals.
- Develop and manage annual operating budgets.
- Ensure sound financial stewardship and organizational compliance.
- Support board engagement and governance best practices.
- Prepare regular reports on organizational performance, finances, and strategic initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success in nonprofit management and fundraising.
- Proven track record securing grants, sponsorships, and major gifts preferred.
- Strong financial management and budget oversight experience.
- Experience working effectively with nonprofit boards of directors.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders.
- Strong preference for candidates with experience in arts administration, arts education, cultural programming, or demonstrated leadership within arts and cultural organizations.
- Passion for arts, culture, education, and community impact.
PREFERRED ATTRIBUTES
- Visionary and collaborative leader.
- Strong relationship builder and communicator.
- Strategic and financially astute.
- Passionate advocate for arts and youth development.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement.
- Skilled in leading organizations through periods of transition and growth.
BENEFITS
The Artists Collective offers a competitive benefits package that may include:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Professional Development Opportunities
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three Professional References
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Anticipated Start Date: August 2026.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Artists Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.