Primary Role Responsibilities:

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• Function as chief fundraiser and the organization’s face to the community.

•  Act as the CFA’s chief fundraiser, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, sponsors, and public entities to meet or exceed goals.

• Work with and guide the Board and the network of Friends of the CFA in fundraising capacity building and donor relationship management efforts, working with staff and volunteers on membership, sponsorships, campaigns,
  special events, planned giving and donor and sponsor benefits.

• Research, identify and ensure CFA participation in grant opportunities, which may include writing and/or overseeing grant proposal work.

• Serve as the CFA’s public face and principal ambassador, further strengthening its profile as a cultural cornerstone for the region.

• Cultivate new and strengthening existing community and cultural partnerships.

• Attend and represent the CFA at exhibitions, performances, and other events, which will involve event-specific evening and weekend activity.

• Live and project our values of exceptional constituent experiences, reliably high-quality execution, inspirational content delivery, community building …and fun.

• Develop the organization’s strategy in conjunction with the Board.

• Work with the Board to develop and implement the CFA’s long-term strategic plan, with annual updates.

• Develop the annual operating plan, creating and executing goals and actions.

• Ensure operational excellence.

• Define the most effective and efficient use of the CFA’s resources at each stage of growth, being a champion for focus, prioritization, high standards, intense data and metric understanding, and continuous improvement.

• Focus on results vs. activity (e.g., community impact, “customer experience” for all key constituencies, value for artist guild members, audience engagement, as well as standard measures of growth and financial performance).

• Rigorously assess program effectiveness and define adjustments as needed.

• Utilize technology tools and best practice marketing and communications approaches to drive ever-expanding audience awareness, engagement, and value.

• Oversee the creation and execution of marketing plans for exhibition and performance seasons and events, education programs, and other CFA initiatives.

• Build strong conventional and social media public relations networks to elevate the CFA’s visibility and brand locally, regionally, and beyond.

• Deploy contemporary best-practice marketing approaches and cost-effective data-driven tools for artists and patrons.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and finances of the organization.

• Develop and manage the budget, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.

• Oversee regular preparation of financial reports, including cash flow projections and budget forecasts. Have a clear focus on trends and variances, including contribution margins of the various categories of offerings and services.

• Implement and maintain effective policies and standard operating procedures, with clear standards and templates for “what good looks like”.

• Serve as primary contact and owner for operations, including CFA facilities, technology, HR functions, payroll, and benefits management.

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

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Personal Characteristics:

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A demonstrated ability to calmly and decisively focus the organization, build systems, and lead through periods of growth and change will be essential. Also important is the ability to foster trust and authentic collaboration across a diverse and intergenerational community.

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The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator and relationship builder—able to engage effectively with staff, board members, patrons, donors, volunteers, and community partners. A high degree of emotional intelligence will be critical as the ED propels the CFA in expanding its capacity, deepening its community partnerships, and further expanding its regional impact. Other key competencies include the following:

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• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills. Known as a powerful and effective communicator, with an ability to convey and elicit profound enthusiasm around the organization’s mission.

• Strong commitment, as well as organizational and time management skills to ensure prioritization and focus. A self-starter, with a results and impact focus.

• The capacity to inspire and support others while modeling integrity, setting clear expectations, and taking ownership of outcomes.

• The ability to navigate complex relationships with sensitivity and emotional intelligence, building trust and fostering collaboration, internally and externally.

• A passion for the arts and the positive impacts of the arts in people’s lives.

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Qualifications:

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The ideal Executive Director of the CFA will bring a portfolio of experiences in nonprofit management, fundraising, community management, and organizational development. We will be looking for the qualifications listed below, recognizing that there are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant.

 

• A decade or more of progressive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, cultural arts organizations, education and/or business.

• A demonstrably successful fundraising track record, including leading a successful capital campaign(s). Excellent donor relations skills, understanding of the funding community, and willingness to facilitate, lead and mentor others in raising funds.

• Experience and skill in working with an active Board of Directors.

• A track record of successful delivery performance to meet or exceed goals.

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate.

 

Location Requirements:

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This is a full-time position based at the CFA’s headquarters in New London, NH. The Executive Director will be expected to be on site frequently and sometimes at short notice when not out in the community interacting with artists, donors, patrons, partners, and volunteers. While there is potential for some hybrid work, the role is not remote.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

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The CFA provides a competitive and equitable ED compensation package in the range of $65,000 - $75,000, based on experience and qualifications, and with the opportunity to grow compensation as the scale and impact of the organization grows. The CFA offers an attractive benefits program that includes paid time off, holidays and health insurance.

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How to Apply:

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Interested applicants should:

 

• Email resume/CV and a cover letter of interest with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to edsearch@cfanh.org

• Include “CFA Executive Director” in the subject line of email.

• Be prepared to submit at least four references comprising bosses, peers and those whose work the applicant has directed.

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No phone calls please.

The Center for the Arts – Sunapee Region is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.