Executive Director

Executive Director - Summary Profile

Location: Grass Valley, CA

Reports to: President and Board of Directors

Supervises: A senior leadership team overseeing a staff of approximately 25 employees (full- and part-time)

About The Center for the Arts

Since 2000, The Center for the Arts has been a cultural cornerstone of Nevada County, presenting more than 100 events annually across music, theater, dance, comedy, literary, and visual arts. The organization operates from a newly renovated, state-of-the-art venue in downtown Grass Valley, with a Main Stage accommodating up to 507 seated or 750 standing guests.

The Opportunity

The Board of Directors seeks a dynamic, experienced leader to serve as The Center’s next Executive Director. Reporting to the Board, the ED sets strategic direction, leads fundraising and external relations, and ensures the organization has the resources, systems, and partnerships needed to fulfill its mission. The Executive Director leads through a senior management team, balancing delegation with accountability, and partners closely with the Board to strengthen governance, fundraising capacity, and long-term sustainability.

This role comes at an important moment for the organization. The Center has made meaningful progress in strengthening operations and clarifying its earned revenue strategy, while also recognizing the need to build more consistent, reliable contributed income to support long-term sustainability. The next Executive Director will be asked to lead with judgment, clarity, and follow-through—aligning ambition with capacity and guiding the organization forward with intention, alignment, and care.

Key Leadership Priorities (First Year)

• Build and personally manage a portfolio of 25+ major gift donors
• Align fundraising efforts across major gifts, membership, sponsorships, and campaigns
• Strengthen the Board’s role as fundraisers and ambassadors
• Lead financial decision-making with transparency and discipline
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and community leader

Ideal Candidate

Strong candidates will bring nonprofit fundraising experience, sound financial judgment, and the ability to lead senior teams while partnering effectively with a governing board. They will be skilled communicators, effective relationship-builders, and passionate about the power of the performing arts to strengthen rural communities.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $121,000 - $142,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid Flexible Time Off (four weeks annually), flexible scheduling and hybrid work potential after onboarding, complimentary tickets to non-sold-out shows, and discounts on workshops, merchandise, and bar service.

Inclusion Statement

The Center for the Arts is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and encourages candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

To Apply: Review full job description and apply here. Review of applications will begin March 23, 2026, with initial outreach to selected candidates anticipated in early April.

Paid Flexible Time Off (FTO); 4 weeks per year

Flexible scheduling and hybrid work potential after onboarding

Complimentary tickets to non-sold-out shows

Discounts on workshops, merchandise, and bar service