Executive Director, Contemporary Art / Cultural Sector, New York City

The Role: Executive Director

Our client is seeking an experienced, hands-on Executive Director to establish and lead the launch of a social impact initiative for a newly established NFP.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will build and operate a new public-benefit organization that expands access to arts and education, delivers community programming, and supports Florida’s cultural, tourism and economic development objectives.

This is a highly operational leadership role. Working closely with the Board and multiple stakeholders including, government agencies, community partners and external advisors, the Executive Director will establish the organization’s governance, financial management, operational infrastructure and reporting processes while ensuring the successful delivery of publicly funded programmes and compliance with all funding requirements.

The successful candidate will build a high-performing organization that delivers measurable public benefit with strong governance, financial stewardship and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities of this Executive Director Position 

Organizational Leadership

• Establish and lead the organization’s operations, governance and administrative infrastructure
• Build and manage a high-performing team and external delivery partners
• Develop annual operating plans, budgets and implementation schedules
• Implement policies, systems and controls that support efficient programme delivery
• Ensure the organization operates effectively, transparently and in accordance with its charitable purpose

Programme Delivery & Public Funding

• Oversee the delivery of public programming, arts education and community initiatives
• Manage state appropriations, restricted funding and other funding sources in accordance with funding agreements
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, grant and contractual requirements
• Monitor programme delivery, budgets, milestones and performance measures
• Oversee reporting, evaluation and economic impact measurement for the Board and funding partners

Governance & Financial Management

• Support the Board of Directors through effective governance, planning and reporting
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial planning and audit coordination
• Maintain strong financial controls, risk management and compliance processes
• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, legal counsel and other professional advisors
• Ensure responsible stewardship and transparent reporting of all organizational resources

Partnerships & Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong working relationships with government agencies, educational institutions, cultural organizations and community partners
• Work closely with the affiliated art fair organization to coordinate public programmes and community initiatives
• Represent the organization with public agencies, partners and stakeholders
• Build confidence through transparent operations, effective delivery and measurable public outcomes

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Nonprofit Management, Law, Arts Administration or a related field
• Significant leadership experience in a nonprofit, public-benefit or mission-driven organization (preferably in the cultural/art sector)
• Strong operational leadership, governance and financial management experience
• Experience managing public funding, grants or government-funded programmes (preferably in Florida)
• Demonstrated success delivering complex programmes involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience working closely with Boards of Directors and external advisors
• Strong budgeting, reporting and performance management skills
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across the public, private and nonprofit sectors
• Experience in the arts, education, tourism, economic development or public sector is highly desirable
• A practical, entrepreneurial leadership style with a strong focus on execution and delivery
• A commitment to expanding public access to arts, education and culture

Apply for this Executive Director Position in the Contemporary Art and Cultural Sector

To find out more or apply, please get in touch with a copy of your CV below.

Hanson Search Group is a global talent consultancy providing executive search, recruitment and leadership advisory services. Built on more than twenty years of trusted relationships, we operate as a connected global platform of specialist practices with expert consultants embedded in key markets.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.