Executive Director

High Point Arts Council is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to champion its mission to keep arts alive, accessible, and advance the arts in our community. As the community cheerleader for the arts, the Executive Director will serve as the organization’s chief administrator and collaborator.

Can you…

• Manage strategy, administration, programing, facilities, fundraising, and grants?
• Build relationships and secure resources?
• Lead with an entrepreneurial spirit with high standards for yourself and your team?
• Bring a passion for making the arts accessible to the community?

Background

Since 1962, High Point Arts Council has provided programs and services and has collaborated with businesses, individuals, foundations, and the government to raise funds and distribute grants to schools, arts organizations, and local artists. The main fundraising program, the annual United Arts Fund Drive, raises funds for its own programs and those of its affiliated arts organizations to offer free or low-cost programs that contribute to the quality of life that we enjoy in our community. In November, 2012, the Arts Council celebrated its 50th Anniversary and purchased Centennial Station creating the first permanent Arts Center in High Point and was also able to provide facilities for High Point Community Theatre and High Point Community Ballet.  As of November 2019, the building was unencumbered by debt and fully owned by the Arts Council.

 High Point Arts Council is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enriches and reflects our entire community.

PROGRAMS INCLUDE

• Arts Splash a free concert series held at different locations throughout High Point, Jamestown, and Archdale
• Day in the Park a free family-friendly arts festival at City Lake Park
• John Coltrane Jazz Workshop a summer music workshop for rising 7th-12th grade students
• Pullman Poet Society a poetry club open to all ages
• Arts & Entertainment Events featuring all genre of art, with emphasis on local and regional artists.

GRANTS

• Basic Operating Grants support local arts organizations
• Community Arts Projects Grants fund local art projects for the entire community
• Regional Artists Program provides limited funding to individual artists to further their careers

The High Point Arts Council is a private 501(c)3 nonprofit that has worked for more than 60 years to build a better High Point through the support of and advocacy for the arts. High Point Arts Council is governed by a 15 to 20-person Board of Directors and has two full-time (including the Executive Director) and two part-time employees with an annual operating budget of about $700,000.

The Board of Directors is seeking a strong administrator to advocate for and champion the arts in High Point. To learn more, visit: www.highpointarts.org

What will you do as the next Executive Director?

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the organization in executing all aspects of its mission and promoting positive relationships among staff, board, partners, donors, and the community. The Executive Director will be called upon to fulfill the following key responsibilities:

Operational, Financial, and Facility Oversight: Promotes the financial integrity of High Point Arts Council, ensuring the strategic creation of and adherence to the budget, and diligently following approved financial policies and accounting ethics and financial best practices. Ensure the building is maintained and welcoming to the entire community.

Resource Development and Fundraising: Lead resource development efforts including the annual Arts Fund Drive. Ensure short- and long-term fundraising plans are developed and executed. Advocate for government partnerships and support.

Leadership and Community Engagement: Serve as an advocate, visionary, and spokesperson for the organization. Develop and continue meaningful relationships with patrons, government officials, partner organizations, donors, and prospective donors. Bring a strong understanding of principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging to ensure the High Point Arts Council is a place for everyone. Grow High Point Arts Council’s status as a leader, convener, collaborator and serve as the arts champion for the community.

Staff Leadership: Cultivate a positive organizational culture that supports a productive and professional work environment. Oversee the hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of staff. Ensure staff members work effectively toward shared goals and a unified vision.

Program Oversight: Work to coordinate year-round arts programming and outreach efforts, conducting assessments of the effectiveness of planned curriculum and programming. Think creatively and analytically about how to increase the impact of the organization.

Board Governance: In collaboration with the Board, identify, recruit, train, and retain highly effective board members. Maintain regular communications with the Board and provide them with the support, counsel, and information required for effective governance. Ensure a quality process for supporting the Board and their involvement in fundraising, strategic planning, program delivery, and increasing overall organizational visibility.

Ideal attributes and skillsets sought in the Executive Director

• A commitment to, understanding of, and passion for the arts
• Strategic leader that is equally comfortable executing tactics
• Five or more years in a leadership position, or commensurate experience, with success in organizational management including organizational operations, strategic planning, fundraising, and program development
• Experience raising contributed revenue in the nonprofit sector
• A proven track record in leading staff and building external relationships
• Inspiring communicator verbally and in writing
• Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of operations and budgeting with the ability to create a strong organizational culture
• A working knowledge of best practices for improving operations and programs

Think you are the next High Point Arts Council Executive Director?

Armstrong McGuire & Associates, based in North Carolina, is conducting this search in partnership with High Point Arts Council’s Board of Directors. To apply, click on the link to the High Point Arts Council Executive Director position profile at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/executive-director-high-point-arts-council-job-1419/. You will see instructions for uploading your cover letter and resume. In the event of technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls please, and no applications will be accepted by email or through third-party sites. Review of applicants will begin in March and the position will remain open until a hiring decision has been made.

Salary offered for this position is $85,000-$95,000 and benefits include an employee only medical and dental stipend, paid time-off (PTO), company paid holidays, and matching 403b retirement plan. This full-time position requires evening and weekend work. High Point Arts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in its work and staff.

About Armstrong McGuire

Armstrong McGuire is a leading executive search, fundraising and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning.