Executive Director

Summary: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. Candidates must have a deep-rooted passion for arts and culture and demonstrated visionary leadership. They will be responsible for the development and implementation of the strategic vision of the organization, guided by its mission and values. The scope of responsibility will include community relations, fund development, strategic planning, program policy and operational, financial, and administrative management.

Essential Skills: The Executive Director should be a strategic thinker and dynamic innovator with excellent interpersonal skills. She/He needs to have an understanding of institutional image/brand building, resource development and fundraising, marketing, external relations, and have the presence and capacity to move initiatives forward in all areas. Seasoned organizational, planning, and administrative ability, an excellent knowledge of fiscal management, exceptional written and oral communication skills, and strong computer aptitude are essential requirements.

Administrative Management and Leadership:

• Maintain the highest quality of operational and professional management of staff and volunteers in areas of program delivery, membership services, development, marketing, and administrative planning and execution.
• Align all activities with the Board-approved strategic plan.
• Prepare and manage annual operational and program budgets. Monitor and reconcile financial accounts often for accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with state and local regulations, as well as legal requirements.
• Work with accountants to complete annual IRS tax filings.
• Maintain up-to-date business, directors, and workers’ compensation insurance.
• Manage office operations - including HR, services, utilities, payroll, technology and software, member relations, recruitment and retention, billing, and payments to ensure seamless workflow.
• Set, supervise and assess yearly goals for programming, development, and marketing, using measurable benchmarks and KPIs.
• Strategically plan and execute organizational events and programs.
• Maintain comprehensive archives of reports, evaluations and attendance records and other materials.

Fundraising and Board Relations:

• Oversee all fundraising activities for both private and public sectors, including donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding planning and development matters.
• Organize and contribute to Board meetings.
• Deliver executive director and financial reports at each board meeting.
• Collaborate with the Board Treasurer to prepare and present the annual budget to the board for approval.

Advocacy and Partnering:

• Promote an organizational culture that emphasizes collaboration and effective coordination.
• Establish relationships with national, state, regional, and local agencies and organizations.
• Actively participate in member events and professional development opportunities.

Education: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation: Competitive salary with paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick days.

The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is an equal opportunity employer.

Paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick days