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Job Description ~ Executive Director
Columbia Center for the Arts ~ Hood River, Oregon 97031 ~ August 2021

Columbia Center for the Arts, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization is seeking a full time Executive Director. Columbia Center for the Arts (CCA) mission is to promote an arts-rich environment in the Columbia Gorge. CCA owns and manages a 10,000 square foot building which houses a 136-seat theatre, an art gallery and studio space for Education and Outreach programs. The theatre and gallery components have served the Gorge for over 40 years.

The Executive Director will be a hands-on administrator who will provide leadership and management skills. They will possess a strong organizational and management background and financial acumen with a knowledge of fundraising and development related activities. They will help to identify granting opportunities along with the Grant writer and work with local, regional foundations and individual funders to grow the resources to support CCA’s artistic and community vision.

The ED should possess strong interpersonal and communications skills to enable them to be the “face of the organization” to the community at large. They must have strong collaborative skills to be able to work with their Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors and the community. The ED will exhibit an engaging presence, collaborative skills, positive attitude, diplomacy, discretion and an understanding of donor relations. Excellent management skills are a must and being a mentor who can motivate their staff to achieve their yearly goals.

The Executive Director reports to a volunteer Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and programmatic and financial objectives, as well as its adherence to its core principles.

A successful applicant must have 3+ years of experience working as a Manager. The Executive Director will be hired by and accountable to the Board of Directors. The ED will supervise staff and volunteers who implement all the CCA programs.
A background in Administration and Management is required.

CCA Executive Director Job Responsibilities:

  • Oversee all day-t0-day operations of CCA.
  • Direct and manage staff, including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and mentoring while ensuring maximum productivity of staff. Ensure there are updated job descriptions in place for all staff positions.
  • Provide leadership and supervision for planning, creating and executing all fundraising activities. This includes foundation, corporate and individual donor solicitation. Works closely with staff, Grant writer and Board of Directors to reach yearly contributed revenue goals for CCA.
  • Oversee development of an annual budget in collaboration with staff to be approved by Board of Directors.
  • Work to ensure that all reports to Grantors are completed in a timely manner and all grants are approved by our Board of Directors. Grant funding knowledge is needed.
  • Must represent CCA in a community of non-profit and business organizations and individuals at large.
  • Attend CCA performances and related fundraising events with the ability to discuss plays, art and education programs with donors in an engaging and informed manner. Some weekend and evening hours will be required.
  • Attend all Board meetings as a non-voting member. Prepare monthly agenda along with Board chair.
  • Implement and ensure all personnel policies are in place.
  • Work to ensure an integrated marketing program for the Theatre, Gallery and Education and Outreach.
  • Understanding and background in working with non-profits.
  • Oversee gallery and theatre events to maximize opportunities for local artists to show their work, and for the CCA audience to experience and enjoy live theatre for adults and children.
  • Provide a venue for local groups to bring a wide range of cultural experiences to CCA, including theatre, dance, film, music, lectures and special events.
  • Identify collaborative opportunities with community organizations to extend our outreach.
  • Ensure that all physical aspects of the facility are functioning through the Building and Maintenance Committee.
  • Ensure that proper insurance, personnel and legal policies are established and up to date.

Qualifications:

  • A strong interest and passion for the arts.
  • Exceptional organizational skills are needed to manage and develop budgets, conceptualize and implement budgets for each program area.
  • A willingness to be open and accessible and a strong sense of collaboration and respect for others’ ideas, be it staff, Board of Directors, donors, grantors, actors or artists.
  • Knowledge of direct mail, digital fundraising and grant writing.
  • Superior presentation and writing skills are required with the ability to combine information from multiple sources into a persuasive and effective document and talking points.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects and assignments simultaneously, manage time efficiently and deliver on deadlines.
  • Confidence in dealing with a broad variety of people at all levels in pressure situations, ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion.
  • A strong interest in and understanding of issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a non-profit organization.

Please apply to:
Board Chair
Columbia Arts
PO Box 1543
Hood River, OR 97031

Please ensure your application includes a cover letter and resume outlining demonstrable accomplishments and a verifiable track record of results with at least three (3) references.