Executive Director (CEO)

Job descriptionPosition OverviewNevada County Arts & Culture seeks a visionary and collaborative Executive Director (CEO) to lead the county’s designated arts agency at a pivotal moment of strategic implementation and regional leadership. Serving as the State-Local Partner to the California Arts Council and administrator of two California Cultural Districts, the Nevada County Arts & Culture connects artists, cultural organizations, local government, educators, and businesses to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of Nevada County.The Executive Director (CEO) will guide implementation of Culture Forward 2026–2032: Nevada County’s Arts & Culture Action Plan, steward partnerships across the public and nonprofit sectors, and support a dynamic team delivering services to artists and communities across the Sierra Foothills and High Sierra.This role combines nonprofit executive leadership with civic partnership and regional cultural strategy.The position is Nevada County–based and requires regular in-person engagement throughout the county and region.Leadership ContextReporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (CEO) provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership for Nevada County Arts & Culture and serves as the organization’s primary public representative at the local, regional, and statewide levels.The Executive Director leads implementation of long-range cultural strategy, advances partnerships with public agencies and community stakeholders, supports fundraising and revenue diversification, and ensures delivery of high-quality programs and services aligned with the organization’s mission.Core areas of Leadership include:Administration of two California Cultural DistrictsImplementation of Culture Forward 2026–2032, Nevada County’s Arts & Culture Action PlanArtists services and professional developmentStrategically lead public art and creative placemaking initiativesArts education partnerships with local school districtsCultural tourism and regional marketing collaborationRepresent the organization within local, regional, and statewide arts leadership networksDemonstrated Fundraising experience in securing individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and government grants.Nonprofit financial stewardship across budgeting, compliance, and fiscal managementKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipAdvance the role of arts and culture within the County’s economic frameworkStrengthen Nevada County’s cultural infrastructure through partnerships and initiativesPosition the organization as a regional leader within California’s arts ecosystemPublic Leadership and PartnershipsServe as primary arts and culture liaison with the County of Nevada, the incorporated Cities of Nevada City and Grass Valley, and the Town of TruckeeMaintain strong relationships with cultural organizations, artists, educators, and community partnersSupport cross-sector collaboration with tourism, economic development, recreation, and education partnersRepresent Nevada County within the State-Local Partner networks, and other state networks through the California Arts CouncilCalifornia Cultural District LeadershipProvide strategic oversight of the Grass Valley–Nevada City Cultural District and Truckee Cultural DistrictSupport district-based partnerships, programming alignment, and regional cultural visibilityOrganizational Leadership and Staff ManagementSupervise and support a multidisciplinary staff team of fourteen, including five direct reports.Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational cultureGuide the implementation of strategic initiatives across departmentsSupport professional development for staffFund Development and Financial StewardshipExpand contributed revenue, sponsorship, and individual philanthropic partnershipsOversee annual budgeting and financial planningEnsure compliance with nonprofit governance and reporting standardsWork with the Board’s Finance Committee to provide oversight, strategy, and management of financial activitiesBoard Partnership and GovernanceWork closely with the Board of Directors to advance strategic prioritiesSupport board development and engagementProvide clear and timely reporting on organizational progressAssist in implementing governance best practices aligned with a county-designated arts agencyRequired QualificationsDemonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit, public-sector, arts, cultural, or community-serving organizationExperience managing staff and organizational operationsStrong partnership-building skills across public and community stakeholdersExperience with fundraising, grants, and budget oversightAbility to communicate effectively with diverse constituenciesCommitment to supporting artists and cultural organizationsAbility to work collaboratively with a Board of DirectorsExperience in personal time management and delegation in a fast-paced, multitasking environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience in working with arts councils, umbrella agencies, cultural districts, or county-designated arts agenciesFamiliarity with California’s arts funding and policy landscapeExperience working in rural or regional communitiesBackground in cultural planning, creative placemaking, or arts service deliveryExperience supervising multi-program organizationsKnowledge of statewide arts networks and partnershipsCompensationSalary range: $90,000-$110,000, commensurate with experience and determined by the Board of Directors.The position includes flexible scheduling and hybrid work options, and generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days). Additional benefits may be available and will be discussed during the hiring process.Equal Opportunity and Search CommitmentNevada County Arts & Culture is committed to a fair and transparent selection process. Any candidatescurrently serving in governance roles with the organization will participate in the process in accordance with established conflict-of-interest policies.The successful candidate is expected to reside in Nevada County and maintain an active in-person presence throughout the region.Nevada County Arts & Culture encourages applications from individuals whose perspectives and experiences will strengthen the organization’s ability to serve diverse communities across the region. We are committed to equitable access, inclusive cultural leadership, and building a workforce that reflects the communities of Nevada County and the Sierra region.We recognize that candidates may bring relevant experience through a variety of professional and community pathways and encourage applicants who meet many—but not all—of the listed qualifications to apply.Application Process and Selection TimelineNevada County Arts & Culture is conducting a statewide search for its next Executive Director (CEO).Candidates are invited to submit:A letter of interest describing relevant leadership experience and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic directionA résumé or curriculum vitaeContact information for three professional referencesApplication materials should be submitted to: office@nevadacountyarts.org. Priority review will begin on Monday, May 25, and continue until the position is filled.The Board of Directors has established a Transition and Search Committee to guide the recruitment process. The Board anticipates appointing the next Executive Director between July 1 and September, 2026.