Executive Director

Executive Director

Denison Arts Council

Denison, Texas

Full-Time | Salaried | $55,000 – $65,000 annually

Reports to: Governing Board of Directors

Work Location: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Denison Arts Council (DAC) and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and sustainability of the organization. Reporting to the Governing Board of Directors, the Executive Director implements the strategic direction established by the Board and ensures that all organizational activities advance the mission of promoting and supporting the arts within the Denison community.

The Executive Director oversees daily operations, financial management, fundraising initiatives, staff supervision, and community partnerships. The position also plays a key role in the continued development of the Denison Cultural Arts District and the expansion of programs that support artists, creative entrepreneurs, and community engagement in the arts.

Current staff include a full-time Gallery Manager, with additional program staff anticipated as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Implement the strategic goals and policies established by the Board of Directors.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Provide leadership in program development, partnerships, and community engagement.
• Support the growth and development of the Denison Cultural Arts District.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the annual operating budget.
• Ensure responsible financial stewardship and financial reporting.
• Authorize operational expenditures within the approved budget and financial authority limits.
• Work with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee to maintain strong financial practices.

Staff Supervision

• Supervise the Gallery Manager and future program staff.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and performance management.
• Conduct quarterly staff evaluations and oversee hiring recommendations.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead fundraising efforts including grants, sponsorships, donor development, and fundraising events.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities and manage grant reporting requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Board Development Committee to expand funding sources.

Program and Facility Management

• Oversee exhibitions, arts programming, classes, workshops, and community events.
• Ensure effective operation of the gallery and other program spaces within the Cultural Arts District complex.

Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary public representative of the Denison Arts Council.
• Build partnerships with artists, schools, civic organizations, businesses, and cultural institutions.
• Promote inclusive access to arts programming for youth, seniors, underserved communities, and the broader public.

Work Structure

This is a full-time hybrid position requiring both in-office work and limited remote administrative work. Regular presence at DAC facilities is required for meetings, programming, staff supervision, and community engagement activities.

Because DAC is a program- and event-driven organization, the Executive Director is expected to attend certain evening and weekend programs, exhibitions, receptions, and community events.

The position is classified as salaried exempt. When substantial time is spent at evening or weekend events, the Executive Director may adjust their work schedule during the same or following week in coordination with the Board Chair to maintain a reasonable full-time workload.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000 annually depending on experience.
• Two weeks paid vacation.
• Paid holidays as approved by the Board.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate evening and weekend events.
• Professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience managing budgets or organizational finances.
• Experience supervising staff, teams, or volunteers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a governing board.

Ideal Candidate

• Fundraising and donor development experience.
• Grant writing and grant management experience.
• Experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Experience leading complex programs or multi-faceted community initiatives.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, arts organization, or community-based organization environment (3+ years preferred).
• Ability to build partnerships with civic organizations, businesses, and arts institutions.
• Commitment to expanding access to arts programming for diverse and underserved populations.

• Two weeks paid vacation.
• Paid holidays as approved by the Board.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate evening and weekend events.
• Professional development opportunities.

English required.