Required Experience:
Essential Qualifications:
Nonprofit Leadership & Management
Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit organizations, with at least 2 years in an executive or senior management role
Proven track record of organizational leadership including strategic planning, mission-driven decision making, and stakeholder engagement
Experience working effectively with a board of directors, including regular reporting, collaborative governance, and navigating organizational transitions
Demonstrated success building and maintaining healthy organizational culture, particularly in creative or community-centered environments
Strong understanding of nonprofit compliance, governance best practices, and regulatory requirements
Financial & Fundraising Expertise
Experience managing organizational budgets of $500K+ with accountability for fiscal health and sustainability
Proven fundraising success across multiple streams including grants, individual donors, events, and earned revenue
Working knowledge of nonprofit accounting, grant reporting, and financial oversight (CPA certification not required, but financial literacy essential)
Experience building and maintaining financial reserves and long-term fiscal planning
Venue & Operations Management
3+ years of experience managing performance/event venues, creative spaces, or multi-use facilities
Understanding of facility operations including scheduling, rentals, building systems, and safety protocols
Experience balancing diverse programming needs while maintaining organizational mission and community values
Knowledge of event production, artist/user relations, and venue best practices
Team Leadership & Development
Demonstrated ability to hire, develop, and retain strong teams in creative or mission-driven environments
Experience creating inclusive, supportive workplace cultures with attention to equity and professional growth
Skilled in conflict resolution, HR practices, and building collaborative team dynamics
Track record of effective delegation and building organizational capacity
Strongly Preferred:
Experience in arts administration or cultural organizations
Background in equity-centered organizational practices and community engagement
Marketing and communications experience, including brand development and relationship building
Familiarity with Santa Cruz County's arts, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities
Experience leading organizations through transitions or periods of growth/change
Personal Qualities: We're looking for a leader who embodies joyful curiosity, values transparency, leads with compassion, and has the courage to make difficult decisions with integrity. You should be energized by collaboration, committed to equity and belonging, and passionate about the transformative power of the arts.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
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Duties / Expectations:
Executive Director
The 418 Project
155 River Street South, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
$90,000 - $105,000 a year - Full-time
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Job details
Pay
$90,000 - $105,000 a year
Job type
Full-time
Work setting
In-person
Encouraged to apply
Fair chance
Benefits
Pulled from the full job description
Professional development assistance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Flexible schedule
Full job description
The 418 Project
Executive Director
Responsible for the overall leadership and management of The 418 Project, accountable for the organization's performance, mission and vision, team, finances, programming, marketing, public/government relations, and compliance. Full time, 30+ hours/week depending on seasonal projects
Role and Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership: 15%
Responsible for mission and vision of the organization: work with stakeholders including board, team, artists and users to responsibly create and respond to environmental challenges and opportunities, maximizing the org’s success
Review MVV every 5 years with board, drive strategic and other planning processes to ensure MVV is updated, responsive and effective
Through regular (annual) reviews with admin and board, ensure hiring, rental and development practices are in alignment with org MVV
Oversees compliance of org functions at all legal and mission levels
Board Relations: works closely with Board Chair to maintain a strong relationship with the board of directors, providing regular updates and seeking guidance
With the Building Engineer and Operations Coordinator, oversees the safety and function of building systems and allocation of facilities resources
Responsible for staffing, hiring development and compensation
Financial Management: 15%
Oversees budgeting to ensure organization runs in the black through wise, strategic allocation of financial resources
Work with (Treasurer) CPA, senior bookkeeper, and finance coordinator to ensure accurate, timely execution of books, taxes, and grant reports
Oversees financial reporting to BoD
Prepare for the future by maintaining healthy financial reserves
Oversees fund development, accountable for fundraising
Team Management: 25% Hire, train, and manage staff, creating a positive and productive work environment
Creates a respectful, positive team environment through group planning and strategic listening
Supports team members in professional growth and development
Builds individual and team capacity, allocates staff time effectively
Responsible for regular employee evaluations
Ensures a safe and productive work environment, including oversight of HR, consent practices and personnel org policies
Hires team members (create job posts, interview)
Creates an outstanding work environment, including monetary and nonmonetary compensation
Liaises with BoD employee relations representative
Builds an effective succession plan so the org can succeed upon the ED’s retirement
Marketing/Public Relations: 20%
Oversees marketing, including social media, advertising, brand development and all other communications to ensure accurate, positive and effective messaging
Creates and develops personal relationships with government, local and regional individuals of influence, grantors, prospective and current donors to ensure robust information flows and organizational opportunities
Monitors global, regional and local conditions to make sure the org is on track as a leadership entity in our field
Accountable for the functioning of the org CRM, ensures best practices to maximize internal and external relationships (with Finance Coordinator)
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: 5%
With the Finance Coordinator, responsible for compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
With the support of BoD, create legally compliant documents such as waivers, fiscal sponsorship agreements and other contracts
Responsible for grant reporting, with support of Finance Coordinator
Programming 20%
Oversee responsible use of 418 facility to uphold org MVV
Proactively recruit and develop 418 Creative Team
Work with the Creative Team to produce a diverse and thriving calendar of events
Work between renters to connect communities
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