Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director (ED) is the face of the organization in the community, building relationships and cultivating individual, foundation, and corporate donors that support the mission of Donna Lexa Art Centers which is “to promote creativity, dignity and community for people with disabilities and special needs through art.”

The ED reports to the Board of Directors (the ‘Board’) under the general supervision of the Board Chair. The Board sets direction, ensures resources, oversees donor outreach and provides oversight. The ED is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of DLAC operations, donor management cultivation, financial planning, fundraising programming, operational policies and procedures, staff performance, overall strategic planning, marketing, and community relations. The essential duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

The ED directly supervises the Program Manager and Office Manager. S/he indirectly supervises lead facilitators, volunteers, and student interns.

This is a salaried, full-time, exempt position (40 – 45 hours/week). Hours vary and include occasional nights and weekends.

Strategy & Oversight

• Provides leadership in developing and managing the strategic plan and works with the Board to continue to re-evaluate and revise the strategic plan.
• Executes the vision of the Board and handles day-to-day proactive management of the organization.
• Works with the Board to set direction, ensure resources, participate in planning and fundraising, oversee donor outreach, and provide oversight to the organization committees.
•  Liaison between the Board and staff to communicate and implement committee project plans.

Fund Development

• Develops financial procedures to support policies developed by the Board. This work is primarily through grant writing and fundraising.
• Engages stakeholders, including funders, business partners, media, and communities to assist in developing sponsorships and generating solicitations.
• Coordinates fundraising activities in conjunction with the Fund Development Committee and/or the Board. This includes an annual appeal, annual gala event, Donna Lexa Memorial Art Fair, student art sales, open house event(s), cultivating Major Donors, In-Kind Donations, , and community outreach partnerships.
• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals to secure funding from government agencies, foundations, and other sources. Research and identify potential funding opportunities aligned with the organization’s goals. Build and maintain relationships with funders and stakeholders.
• Submits grant proposals to private and public sources of funding for directed and non-directed funds, and conducts follow-up efforts.
•  Initiates annual fund appeal and other individual giving programs.

• Leads the “Gotta Have Art” annual gala event planning committee.
• Engages in business networking and develops and expands effective community collaborations and strategic partnerships that enhance DLAC’s ability to fulfill its mission and grow agency resources.

Financial Planning and Management

•  Drafts annual organizational and program budgets for the Board’s review.
• Monitors budget activity and suggests actions to achieve a financially sustainable business model with support of the Board.
• Oversee grant reporting and compliance requirements to ensure proper use of funds.
• Develops an effective cost management system for each DLAC site as well as Outreach locations.
• Protects DLAC assets by ensuring proper insurance coverage.
• Communicates with the Board and DLAC Treasurer to ensure compliance with all aspects of Financial Plan, including governmental and funding agency requirements.
• Coordinates annual tax preparation with accountant.
• Prepares all required grant reports for directed funds.

Program Administration

• Presents recommendations for major policy changes to the Board of Directors for effective and efficient operations of DLAC.
• Administers and ensures implementation of policies and procedures.
• Ensures all legal obligations are met, including reports to all regulatory bodies and compliance with applicable law.
• Expands program delivery in numbers of studio students served, number of community outreach locations and types of programs.
• Cultivates new one-time and on-going program workshops and curriculum.
• Supervises the implementation of all programs and services.
• Maintains thorough knowledge of current local, state and federal socio-economic, cultural and legislative issues as they relate to persons with disabilities and special needs and the impact on new and expanded program initiatives.

Board Relations

• Serves as primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the staff and attends monthly board meeting.
• Provides staff support to the Board and any committees thereof, and delegates such support function to another staff member as appropriate.
• Reports to the Board and any committees thereof on the current status and projected needs of the organization.
• Assists the Board in identifying and recruiting new Board members and committee members.
•  Prepares material for and participates in Board orientation sessions.
• Prepares a written monthly executive director’s report and attends monthly meetings of the Board.

Personnel and General Administration

• Hires, supervises and regularly evaluates staff and volunteers.

• Conducts annual review with each staff member.
• Provides proposed pay increases to the board for approval prior to awarding to the staff.
• Updates and enforces personnel policies and procedures.
• Makes recommendations to the Board when additional staffing is needed to contribute to the continued growth and success of the DLAC.
• Holds periodic staff meetings and ensures ongoing communication throughout the organization.
• Negotiates and administers building leases.
• Maintains leased facilities and sources office furniture and equipment.

Marketing

• Supervises participation in marketing efforts such as booths at resource fairs and community events along with the Marketing Committee and Program Manager.

• Ensures consistent branding and messaging in organizational promotions.
• Oversees social media presence, Facebook and website content and design.
• Delivers informative and educational presentations about DLAC’s mission, vision and values along with the Program Manager.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Have an interest in art, be a creative person and understand the value of art making, the creative process, and the importance of community.
• Minimum of 5 years of general management experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization and/or working with people with physical and cognitive impairment, progressive disease, learning or developmental delay and/or special needs.
• Passion for sharing the DLAC mission utilizing written, oral, and interpersonal, communication skills.
• Ability to provide unconditional positive regard for every person to whom service is provided and for every employee
• Respect for cultural diversity and diversity of opinion to inspire, motivate, and build a strong team and organization.
• Proven record as a successful fundraiser.
• Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising within the non-profit sector.
• Strong planning, organizational, financial, and analytical skills.
• Ability to be a visionary, leader, and innovative thinker to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the community, the Board, and the staff.
• Strong skills with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Google-based products as well as Canva, Photoshop, Constant Contact, Social Media, Fundraising & Database software.

Preferred Experience

• Demonstrated success in effectively leading change for organizational growth.
• Demonstrated success in acquiring agency support through successful grant applications and general fundraising.
• Experience in similar roles such as President or Director.
• Experience supervising personnel and student interns.
•  Familiarity with Accounting and knowledge of Quickbooks is a plus.
• Degree in art therapy or dual degree in art therapy/art education from an American Art Therapy Association certified college or university.