Mission

The Arts Center inspires creativity and contributes to community well-being through equitable access to and engagement with the visual arts. We collaborate to offer exhibitions, learning opportunities, artist development, and cultural events centered on art, artists and art enthusiasts, in the greater Corvallis area.

Commitment to Justice, Equity, and Transparency

In the 1960s, the innovative, grassroots effort of artists, civic leaders, and multiple Oregon State University departments was quite radical: they set out to establish the Corvallis Arts Council as the first community-based arts organization in the State of Oregon, and 27th in the United States. In 2008, we changed our name to The Arts Center with the goal of becoming inclusive of all people and groups seeking connection with the arts. We believe that art is a welcoming portal for cross-cultural participation that connects people and creates community. 

In 2020, The Arts Center began an organization-wide process of learning and change to examine and address discriminatory policies, dominant cultural practices, and decision-making systems, with the goal of becoming a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive arts organization. We are actively working to embed justice, equity, and transparency into every level of our organization. We invite individuals who share our commitment to this goal to join our team and to help shape a more just and equitable future for our organization as well as for the communities we serve.

The Executive Director Job Summary

The Executive Director job opportunity is open to someone passionate about the value of the arts as a community builder, is a proven leader, and is highly skilled in organizational management. The Executive Director advances mission-driven programs, resource development and fundraising, communication and collaboration.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors of The Arts Center. The Executive Director is ready to lead an experienced and cohesive staff and volunteers, and is responsible for the delivery of distinctive, innovative, equitable, and integrated arts programs to residents of and visitors to the greater Corvallis area. 

Position Conditions/Terms

The Executive Director job primary responsibilities include 50% resource development and organizational sustainability, 20% marketing the impact of the arts and outreach, and 30% program and organizational oversight and management.

Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership

• Translate the organization’s JET-centered mission and strategic plan goals into specific objectives, program plans and metrics that nurture commitment to The Arts Center’s vision, values, purpose and direction in partnership with the Board, staff and key stake- and shareholders.
• Lead an experienced and cohesive, paid and volunteer staff responsible for the delivery of distinctive and integrated mission-driven arts programs.
• Work with the board through onboarding processes, program/operational evaluation, and communicating impacts to aid them as ambassadors of the organization. 

Resource Development

• Donor/member stewardship – foster members’ sense of purpose, share support impacts with donors, and steward large gifts to grow endowment funding. Work with the board and staff to identify donors seeking to make an impact with their funds, support their philanthropic goals vis-a-vis the arts, and communicate with them as part of regular donor stewardship activities.
• Resource Development – Working with staff to evaluate the impacts of TAC’s work for the highest return on investment, obtain funding and build resources that support sustainable program and operational growth through grant implementation and other sources. While the Executive Director takes the lead on fundraising, he/she/they receive the support of the board and staff in this endeavor. 
• Legacy Giving – Work to support our mission and grow long-term, sustaining support of the organization in partnership with staff at the Benton Community Foundation which manages endowments and donor-advised funds of The Arts Center.

Organizational Development and Oversight

• Program collaborations, partnerships, sponsorships – Assess and engage with potential collaborators and sponsors in alignment with our mission and create mutually beneficial relationships that develop into long-term partnerships.
• Management – Maintain, manage, evaluate and develop The Arts Center operations and staff.  
• Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities – Develop sustainable budgets and budget forecasts for program and operational growth, and employ best-practice fiscal management with Board approval and oversight.
• Marketing – Increase access, communication, and engagement with our diverse communities through key networks of members, media, and the public.

Required Skills and Experience

Leadership 

• Demonstrates commitment to justice, equity and transparency in practice and as a leader.
• Demonstrates experience in translating an organization’s mission into specific objectives, strategic plans and metrics that have advanced equitable access and engagement in the arts. 

Resource Development/Fundraising

• Proven record of implementing successful resource development strategies, with a focus on donor stewardship.
• Demonstrates effective, mutually beneficial relationship building.

Management

• Experience leading paid and volunteer staff and board in meaningful mission-driven work that advances strategic goals and objectives.
• Demonstrates resource building/management needed to sustain programs and operations and accomplish objectives.
• Experience creating a gratifying work climate with shared goals, regular evaluations and appreciation for work successes 

Education/Experience Requirements

• Minimum five years of executive management experience. 

Desired Qualities, Skills, Experience 

• MA, BA or Certification in arts administration, non-profit, or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting multi-year major gift fundraising campaigns during a period of organizational growth.

Compensation

• Salary Range $60k-$75k commensurate with experience
• Flexible work hours, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, a Simple IRA retirement plan, 20% discount on art purchases from The Arts Center.

Executive Director Job Application Requirements

The Arts Center in Corvallis is seeking an Executive Director effective July 1, 2024. If you do not meet all of the qualifications above but feel you are the right person for this position, please apply by submitting a cover letter and resume by March 1, 2024, to applications@theartscenter.net.

Cover letters should be no more than two pages and include:

1. How you meet the stated required and preferred qualifications of the Executive Director job
2. An example of your commitment to an equitable workplace

Qualified candidates will be expected to participate in at least one 10-minute Zoom interview, with finalists expected to participate in at least one more interview, possibly face-to-face. Finalists will also need to supply contact information for three references.

For specific questions regarding the Executive Director job, please contact Nell O’Malley via email, at applications@theartscenter.net.

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Equal Opportunity Statement