Executive Director

Black Mountain Center for the Arts- Executive Director 

About Us: 

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is a vibrant arts organization dedicated to bringing the arts to the people and the people to the arts.  We are seeking a visionary, hands-on Executive Director (ED) to lead our next chapter of growth and community impact in 2026.

The Role 

The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator and public face of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for the nonprofit’s financial health, strategic direction, and operational success. This is an ideal role for a "doer" who loves the arts and thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.  This position is on-site at the Center located at 225 W. State Street in Black Mountain, NC.  

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Grants: Lead all development efforts, including individual donor cultivation, corporate sponsorships, and the end-to-end grant lifecycle (research, writing, and reporting).
• Financial Management: Provide rigorous budget oversight, manage cash flow, and ensure fiscal accountability in partnership with the Board.
• Program & Staff Supervision: Manage a lean team of staff and independent contractors (including teaching artists); oversee the execution of all seasonal programming. Evaluate and update programming, adjusting as required to meet financial expectations and audience interests.  
• Board Partnership: Work closely with the Board of Directors to support governance.  Attend Board meetings and provide regular updates on operations, as well as guidance as requested.  Take an active role in board recruitment.  
• Community Advocacy: Build strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, and government officials to expand our reach and influence.  
• Facilities:  Oversee building needs and maintenance, working closely with the Town of Black Mountain, who own the historic building in which the Center is located.  
• Volunteers:  Oversee a core group of volunteers who provide service across Center activities.  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5+ progressively responsible years of leadership experience in a nonprofit or arts-related field.  
• Demonstrated success in fundraising with the ability to develop and maintain donor relations.  Experience in identifying, applying for, and securing grant funding.
• Demonstrated expertise in preparing, implementing, and overseeing budgets.  Ability to develop financial reporting as well as interpret and explain financial reports and issues to the Board treasurer and Board members.  
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven flexibility, adaptability, and accountability. Ability to effectively utilize technology and stay current with changing technology.  
• Ability to establish timelines and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to develop and motivate teams, including teams of volunteers who provide critical service to the Center.  Experience with hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff members, following established HR practices.  
• Knowledge of arts programming and how to serve and engage diverse audiences. 
• Understanding of nonprofit operating principles, including Board of Directors governance and accountability.  
• Commitment to making BMCA a community resource and leader.