Leader sought for Arts Center at Fountain Park in Rock Hill

The Arts Center at Fountain Park (ACFP) is seeking a 21st century leader to help build the region’s premier arts destination.

Recent, strong economic growth in upstate South Carolina presents an exciting opportunity to support the region’s growing cultural sector. Through a dedicated space to celebrate the arts and arts education, ACFP will serve as the region’s premier cultural destination and a catalyst for economic vitality, community engagement, and creative vibrancy.

Situated in Old Town Rock Hill, ACFP joins a bustling area with restaurants, businesses, shopping, schools and universities, and new housing. Old Town is home to some of the most popular annual events and festivals in the region which bring thousands of people into the downtown area. Now, a thriving Arts Center will contribute even more to the economic success, inclusive community, and cultural vitality with year-round performances and events for diverse and eager audiences.

This region is a dynamic, welcoming community and an integral part of the Charlotte market, one of the hottest in the country. Population growth is twice the national average and business expansion is seen in existing companies and newcomers. With a combination of rural, small town and suburban living options, the region has great schools from kindergarten through university options, and abundant recreational offerings that include the scenic and accessible Catawba River, easy access to the coast and the mountains, greenways, and parks.

Scope & responsibilities

The Executive Director must bring the leadership skills and experience to nurture a strong, diverse set of relationships and inspire professionals and volunteers on behalf of the organization. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission, vision, and financial objectives.

Fundraising and donor stewardship

• Initiates and manages an integrated development program as principal architect of the capital campaign fundraising strategy, including the creation and execution of a daily, monthly, and annual action plan to maximize contributed income from diverse sources.
•  Assumes the lead role in fundraising, working in collaboration with the Board, and campaign counsel to maximize fundraising impact for the construction of a new facility.
• Develop an annual giving, major gift, and corporate sponsorship fundraising program.
• Provides personal contact and an accessible “institutional face” to current and prospective donors, volunteers, and the public.
• Guides, supports, and engages the Board and other volunteers in fundraising and advocacy.

Marketing and communications

• Works with the Board to develop and implement long term branding strategies.
• Oversees functions related to the marketing and communications with a focus on maximizing revenue, audience development, and elevated public awareness.
• Oversees vendor relationships including designers, printers, consultants, and photographers.

Strategic planning and governance

• Provides ongoing reporting to the Board and stakeholders on the organization’s progress toward strategic goals.
• Provides support to and stewardship of the Board and the committees of the Board.
• Educates and engages individual board members in fundraising, advocacy, and community ambassadorship.
• Partners with Board to maintain a robust pipeline of prospective board members as part of a comprehensive board development strategy.
• Maintains relationships with state, local, and federal government agencies.

Programming and community relations

• Provides direction and oversight for programming and presenting activities, ensuring programs are developed with input from the community.
• Works collaboratively to plan events including but not limited to music, dance, theater, pottery, and art exhibits.
• Develops partnership strategies, engagement activities with schools, local artists, local universities, and community organizations to further the impact of ACFP’s activities.
•  Leads community-building programs around the region in advance of and after the opening of the center.

Finance and administration

• Develops and ensures that annual programming, as well as educational and community engagement plans, are budgeted appropriately.
• Monitors ACFP’s financial position and makes recommendations to the Board and acts to ensure the most effective use of financial resources.
• Oversees the continued mentoring, coaching, and professional development of the staff, systems, and organizational practices that create an effective infrastructure.
• Ensure the organization is effectively structured and staffed by setting the standard for a positive environment of mutual respect and caring.

Qualities & qualifications

The ideal candidate must be an experienced fundraiser and manager with a proven track record of success in the non-profit arts community. She/he should have an acute sense of strategy and a passion for the arts. The ED will have compelling personal qualities of integrity, leadership, outstanding communications skills, exceptional judgment, and an entrepreneurial nature. The successful candidate should be a proven leader, a charismatic communicator, as well as a “doer” with a willingness to be hands-on. This position will build enthusiasm for the organization, its performances, and programs, and for innovative approaches that advance the reputation of ACFP as a cultural and community leader in the region.

Qualifications

• Passion for the mission of ACFP and demonstrated ongoing passion for the arts.
• A record of personal success in raising money through major gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations, corporations, or the public sector; broad-based knowledge of various development activities including membership, direct mail, proposal, and grant development, planned gifts, event planning and management, and direct solicitations.
• Leveraging fundraising databases and support systems for donor segmentation, research, and volunteer management.
• Ability to navigate a complex fundraising environment with nuanced strategies and initiatives, while building an effective group of volunteer fundraisers through board development and gaining respect of community and business leaders.
• Broad knowledge of branding, communications, and external relations and demonstrated success with establishing sponsorships, stewardship and donor recognition programs that sustain long-term relationships.
• A track record as an exceptional communicator, in writing as well as verbally; adept at writing proposals, solicitation letters, donor correspondence, and other materials.
• Demonstrated management skills in motivating, developing, and managing staff and consultants, and in coordinating and supporting the fundraising activities of others.
• Ability to work collaboratively, engage and inspire others, and develop a rapport with many diverse people and groups, including staff, civic leaders, patrons, donors, and friends of ACFP.
• Experience in planning and managing facility design and construction.
• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000.

Contact

Bennett W. Hoke, Managing Director
Carter Global
2145 14th Avenue, Suite 2
Vero Beach, FL 32960
385.246.4555
bhoke@carter.global

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