Executive Director, University City Arts League

Posted by University City Arts League on September 29, 2014

Founded in 1965, the University City Arts League is a 501(c)3 organization in West Philadelphia that is dedicated to arts education and cultural enrichment for people of all ages in our diverse community. The Arts League serves more than 7,000 students a year through a range of daytime and evening classes including visual arts, dance, pottery, Capoeira and language arts. The Arts League also presents ten gallery exhibitions annually which feature the work of local and emerging arts and are curated by a committee of professional artists.

The past four years have been a period of significant growth for the University City Arts League. The organization increased its annual operating budget by 35 percent to $370,000 and expanded its afterschool programming to serve 225 children per week. The Arts League also extended arts instruction beyond its doors, providing art-making opportunities throughout West Philadelphia, in partnership with local schools, homeless shelters and a senior center. The Arts League has also broadened its reach by providing pop-up art making projects in popular public spaces including Sister Cities Park, The Porch at 30th Street, Clark Park and the Woodlands. To learn more, visit www.ucartsleague.org

Position Overview:

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of the University City Arts League and is responsible for the organization’s daily operations as well as the achievement of its mission and long-term objectives. The Arts League is seeking an energetic nonprofit leader to drive continued growth of this vibrant organization, which will be informed by a recently completed three-year business plan. The Executive Director will work with a committed Board, staff program manager, a faculty of 50 teaching artists, volunteers, as well as external partners.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a passion for arts education and experience with Philadelphia’s arts community. The Board of Directors seeks a candidate who is enthusiastic about fostering opportunities for creative expression, artistic exploration and skill building. Operational and financial management, marketing and entrepreneurial skills are essential as well as demonstrated fundraising experience and political acumen. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with five years of experience is required.

Responsibilities of the Executive Director:

1. Implement the current strategic and business plans in order to advance the mission and vision of the Arts League and work with Board of Directors to update these plans as needed.

2. Facilitate a productive working relationship with the Board of Directors and leverage the Board’s strengths to advance the organization.

3. Oversee management of existing instructional arts programming, including robust afterschool program, summer camp, as well as pre-K and adult classes. This includes regular interaction with students and families.

4. Develop and manage annual operating budget in close coordination with the Board.

5. Implement ongoing fundraising efforts, including annual auction and other special events, annual appeal and donor solicitation, in conjunction with the Board.

6. Sustain existing and cultivate new relationships with private, public and corporate funders, including developing strategic approaches, cultivating funders, crafting grant proposals and grants administration.

7. Lead creation and execution of a communications strategy that promotes the Arts League’s mission, accomplishments and new initiatives, in conjunction with Board.

8. Recruit as needed, and supervise small program management staff, as well as teaching artists and volunteers, cultivating a supportive environment that attracts and retains talented, dynamic individuals.

9. Lead the development of new, innovative, high-quality classes and programs that appeal to a variety of participants and integrate the experience of the arts into the lives of the community.

10. Establish and maintain sound working relationships and strategic partnerships with community groups and organizations within University City and the City of Philadelphia.

11. Maintain and provide upkeep for the Arts League’s facility, a historic Victorian row home at 4226 Spruce Street, as well as planning and implementing building upgrades, as required to accommodate program needs.

12. Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations, including oversight of annual audit.

Position Requirements:

• Demonstrated track record of financial management, budget accountability, fundraising, and program outcomes
• Demonstrated track record working collaboratively with a board of directors, community groups, vendors and stakeholders
• Experience in the arts, education or community-based organization required
• Must have a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of community arts education
• Supervisory experience
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Proficiency in MS Office required
• BA/BS required, advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of five years experience
• Background check required

To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and desired salary to ucalsearch@gmail.com. Resumes are being accepted through September 30, 2014.

The University City Arts League is an Equal Opportunity Employer.