Director - Strategic Initiatives and Community Partnerships

Company Profile:

As the largest annual grantmaker in the region for nonprofit arts, the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) has become a central resource for arts organizations and individual artists throughout the region. RAC leads, strengthens and gives voice to a creative community where every citizen can be proud to live, work and play in a world-class region. We believe that arts and culture are deeply interwoven into the fabric of St. Louis life and economy and can be essential in strengthening civic life, cultural vitality, cultural and racial equity, and economic prosperity. RAC is at the forefront of helping transform St. Louis into a more vibrant, creative and economically thriving community through the arts. We value passion, performance and productivity and focus on hiring great people who are committed to the potential the arts have as a vital agent for social change and community transformation.   

Position Description:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director - Strategic Initiatives (DSI) holds a key leadership position at RAC, responsible for the implementation of a broad portfolio of programs and initiatives that foster civic engagement and social impact through the arts. The DSI manages a team of administrators whose work facilitates the growth and development of existing programs and new projects where the arts join with other sectors - education, community and economic development, environment, health and faith-based entities - in building more healthy, vibrant and equitable communities. As a member of RAC's executive leadership team, the DSI assists in the development of strategic plans, policies and procedures and other management imperatives that contribute to the vitality and fiscal stability of RAC as an organization and cultural leader.

The DSI must possess an entrepreneurial spirit, able to build external relationships that translate into opportunities for partnerships that bring value and help leverage RAC human and financial resources. A manager of people, the DSI must be able to garner a level of trust and respect from staff that contributes to a culture of excellence and high performance. Many qualities and skills that are analogous and complementary to the Executive Director are expected a high degree of integrity, big-picture thinking with a commitment to process and planning, and a personal orientation that anticipates and solves problems.

Position Responsibilities:

Programs

Oversee staff in the planning, development, and maintenance of a broad portfolio of strategic programs and partnerships that utilize the arts as a tool for social change and community development. Programs include the Community Arts Training Institute, a new internship program for college students pursuing careers in arts administration; an after-school arts enrichment program for middle school students; and other community arts projects.

Work closely with the ED, Commissioners and Committee members to facilitate the implementation of recommendations prioritized in the cultural plan;

Build new relationships, develop and maintain partnerships that enable the fulfillment of RAC's strategic initiatives. 

Administration

Assist in promoting an organizational culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values diversity, learning and a commitment to quality;

Assist in maintaining a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel - full-time, part-time and contracted;

Develop and maintain budgets that are aligned with the needs of the organization and the programs they support;

Research and develop new relationships that result in increased resources and funding to support RAC programs and initiatives.

Marketing and Communications

Contribute to the development of marketing and communications strategies, including the editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of print and digital collateral materials, reports and other strategic initiative publications;

Contribute new and updated content to the RAC website, online calendars, social media platforms and other public informational tools and outlets;

Contribute to RAC's internal management reporting capabilities to include the database and other information retrieval systems;

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail;

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with multiple constituencies;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving and strong decision-making capability;

Emotional maturity;

Highly resourceful team-player, with strong leadership skills;

Ability to handle confidential information with high degree of discretion;

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and adapt to competing demands in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree required. Advanced degree or training in business administration highly desired;

7 to 10 years of management experience across a range of disciplines, including financial management, marketing. Some knowledge of information technology frameworks, a plus.

Good working knowledge of nonprofit management best practices preferred.

Interest and experience in various fields, including community development, public policy, social work, public art or education, a plus;

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat and Social Media platforms.

Work Environment:

Ability to function in a high energy and high productivity environment that is creative, entrepreneurial and mission driven with a strong commitment to community.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.   
Attractive, contemporary amenities.

Current Openings for Director Strategic Initiatives and Community Partnerships Jobs at Regional Arts Commission