Executive Director

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Riverside Arts Center is seeking a leader with a passion for the arts and a belief in the transformative power of art in community. RAC’s next leader will inspire community investment and continue to develop RAC as a leading arts organization in the region. Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization in the following areas:

Strategy & Public Relations (10%)

• Work with the RAC Board to develop, implement, and track the progress of our strategic plan and lead a forward-thinking approach to its staff, leadership, and the entire organization.
• Represent RAC and its mission to community members, including partners, artists, curators, students, families, funders, volunteers, and the media.
• Guide all external relations and collaborations; serve as spokesperson for media appearances and other public speaking opportunities.

Financial Management & Fundraising (40%)

• Ensure prudent fiscal management of RAC, including the establishment of salaries, annual budgets, management of expenses, budget planning, and preparation of financial reports in coordination with RAC’s bookkeeper.
• Partner with the Development Committee to create and implement RAC’s annual fundraising strategy, including grant applications, corporate sponsorship, individual donations, and special events.
• Solicit individual donors for contributions; Cultivate and support donors through every stage of a gift; Deliver authentic gratitude, timely information, and individualized attention to donors in RAC’s community of supporters.

Exhibitions & Education (15%)

• Work with the School Manager to establish educational objectives and plans for art education among youth, families, and adults.
• Work with the Gallery Director to execute high-quality curatorial programs in RAC’s Freeark Gallery, Flex Space, Town Hall, and other exhibition opportunities as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with community leaders, peer organizations, and cultural institutions to facilitate the growth of exhibition and education programs.
• Develop a system for programmatic data tracking and impact reporting.

Operations & Human Resources (20%)

• Oversee and support RAC’s staff work in exhibitions and education, volunteer management, fundraising, and special events; directly supervise leadership staff members.
• Provide staff with professional development opportunities, regular feedback, and performance reviews.
• Oversee the facility, including studio rentals, event rentals, and building maintenance.
• Manage legal and risk management issues, including insurance and compliance with the city, state, and federal government.
• Support the effective use of technology and systems, including RAC’s donor software, Little Green Light.

Board of Directors (15%)

• Report to the RAC Board of Directors on exhibitions, education, fundraising, finances, facility, personnel, strategic planning, and other matters; enlist their support to make timely and informed decisions.
• Serve as ex-officio on committees when appropriate and ensure committee progress and alignment with organizational goals.
• Maintain a strong relationship with Board members and leaders on the Executive Committee.
• Support with Board member recruitment, onboarding, and training as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 5 years of senior executive or management experience in nonprofit environments.
• Experience working in a cultural or arts setting, familiarity with art, curation, and art education practices.
• Success in fundraising, working with donors, foundations, sponsors, and governmental funding sources.
• Strategic planning acumen; ability to see the big picture and communicate a vision.
• Excellent management and organizational skills in leading staff and volunteers.
• Emotional intelligence and people-oriented leadership skills that build a culture of trust and respect.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to network and connect with community members.
• Experience working with diverse constituents, partners, and stakeholders across a broad network.
• Proficiency with financial management; ability to oversee the annual budget, interpret financial statements, and articulate performance to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Experience working in or with Chicagoland and the near western suburbs is a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range: $45,000 to $50,000
• This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week.
• This position will be a mix of in-person work at our center in Riverside and remote work.
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
• 15 days of flexible paid time off and 8 paid holidays annually.
• Health insurance stipend: fixed, taxable allowance to purchase an individual health plan.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please complete this form.
In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the questions provided. You will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form.
The Application deadline is September 1, 2024.
Please email our Hiring Committee at Info@riversideartscenter.com with questions.
No phone calls, please.

ABOUT THE RIVERSIDE ARTS CENTER

The Riverside Arts Center strives to be the anchor for contemporary art in the near west suburbs of Chicago. Through exhibitions, education, artist studios and public events, the RAC is an advocate for the vital role the arts play in nurturing community, and amplifying diverse experiences, ideas, and backgrounds.

Since 1993, the Riverside Arts Center (RAC) has provided Riverside, its surrounding suburbs, and the city of Chicago with vital arts programming. We host exhibitions, art classes, special events, and celebrations of creativity. Located in the heart of Historic Riverside, IL, the RAC includes the Freeark Gallery + Sculpture Garden, The FlexSpace, and a variety of studio spaces, including a renowned clay studio that has a full range of electric, raku, and stoneware kilns. Riverside, IL, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the founder of landscape architecture), has a strong community of art makers, art teachers, and art lovers.

RAC is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.