Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer

About Us

The Donovan’s Venom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education. We are committed to ensuring that individuals of all financial backgrounds have access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and artistic expression.

Through education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, we strive to inspire and uplift communities while expanding access to transformative creative experiences.

Role Overview

We are seeking a visionary and strategic Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer (ED/COO) to lead and oversee the organization’s operational, strategic, and administrative functions. This leader will work closely with the Founder, Board of Directors, department heads, and volunteers to ensure organizational sustainability, program excellence, and mission alignment.

The ED/COO will be responsible for translating vision into execution—strengthening internal systems, overseeing daily operations, supporting fundraising initiatives, building partnerships, and ensuring that all programs effectively serve our communities.

This role requires a strong balance of leadership, operational discipline, nonprofit management knowledge, and a passion for expanding access to arts and music education.

Commitment: 15–20+ hours per week (leadership-level volunteer commitment; scalable based on organizational growth)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Founder and Board to refine and execute the organization’s strategic plan.
• Establish measurable goals, KPIs, and operational benchmarks aligned with mission impact.
• Drive long-term growth, sustainability, and program expansion initiatives.

Operations & Organizational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations across departments (programs, marketing, fundraising, development, technology, volunteer management).
• Develop and implement operational systems, workflows, and accountability structures.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and collaboration within a remote volunteer environment.
• Establish performance tracking and reporting systems to measure impact and efficiency.

Financial & Resource Oversight

• Support budgeting, financial planning, and grant management processes.
• Collaborate with finance teams to ensure compliance, transparency, and responsible stewardship of funds.
• Assist in fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and sponsorship development.

Team & Culture Development

• Recruit, mentor, and guide department leaders and volunteers.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Support leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

External Relations & Partnerships

• Represent the organization in partnerships, collaborations, and community initiatives.
• Build relationships with schools, arts institutions, sponsors, and community leaders.
• Support visibility efforts aligned with the mission and public impact goals.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit management, operations, business administration, or executive roles.
• Strong understanding of organizational strategy, budgeting, and program oversight.
• Experience managing cross-functional or remote teams.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and 501(c)(3) compliance best practices is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build systems, improve processes, and drive execution.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Passion for arts, music education, accessibility, and social impact.

What You’ll Gain

• Executive-level leadership experience within a growing nonprofit organization.
• Direct impact on strategic direction, operational structure, and community outreach.
• Opportunity to shape sustainable systems and long-term growth initiatives.
• Collaboration with a passionate, interdisciplinary leadership team.
• The ability to create meaningful, measurable impact in arts and music accessibility.

Watch our video to learn more: The Donovans Piano Room