Executive Director of HOPE Center for the Arts

ABOUT HOPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

HOPE Center for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering disabled adult artists, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, through their core values of Freedom to Create, Inclusion, Respect, Community, and Acceptance. HOPE Center for the Arts provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the freedom to explore and express themselves creatively through various art classes and events, fostering an inclusive community where every artist, regardless of their abilities, is respected and embraced. At the heart of their mission is a dedication to acceptance and the transformative power of art as a form of expression for all. The organization's roots trace back to a remarkable encounter when special education music teacher Doris Walker discovered the extraordinary musical talent of Paul Kuehn, a young man with autism, leading to the formation of the Hi HOPEs band and the creation of HOPE Center for the Arts. Originally serving eight students, all Hi HOPEs members, the organization has grown over the years to cater to 50 adults enrolled with intellectual disabilities, offering a diverse range of artistic opportunities in visual arts, music, dance, and drama, while promoting the belief that art has the power to bridge differences, foster community, and provide hope for all.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Executive Director at HOPE Center for the Arts is crucial for empowering adults with intellectual disabilities through the arts. Responsibilities include realizing the organization's vision, overseeing operations with flexibility, and embodying core values of respect, inclusion, and community. We are looking for an inspiring leader who will take the organization to the next level of excellence. The ideal candidate should have recent experience serving the intellectually/developmentally disabled community, familiarity with compliance authorities like regional centers, an interest in the arts, and ties to the Irvine community. They must align with the organization's core values and job responsibilities for this leadership role, fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment where art empowers and transforms.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Strategy and Leadership

• Inspires organizational success, fostering a culture of efficiency and effectiveness among staff, community partners, and Board members while upholding the organization's founding principles.
• Collaborates with the Board and team to formulate and execute a strategic plan that prioritizes expansion of programs and resource development, all while ensuring robust financial performance.
• Prioritizes the expansion of programs and resource development while ensuring financial strength.
• Leads financial planning, forecasting, and analytics to align the financial strategy with the broader vision and strategic objectives.
• Keeps up with trends specific to the needs of the intellectually disabled community.

Fundraising

• Enhances relationships with partners like the Regional Center to align programs for referrals.
• Strengthens fundraising events and social media campaigns to increase funding opportunities.
• Cultivates strategic partnerships with foundations and corporations to bolster financial support.
• Exercises oversight over all financial aspects of fundraising, including budget maintenance and expenditure approvals.

Community Engagement

• Spearheads inventive community-building initiatives to enhance the visibility of HOPE Center for the Arts, showcasing its programs, services, and activities.
• Collaborates with the Board in the identification, recruitment, and development of dynamic and engaged board members who actively advance the organization's vision and strategic goals.
• Serves as the official spokesperson for HOPE Center for the Arts at media engagements and public events.
• Showcases the organization's programs, services, and activities to engage the community.

Financial Management

• Exercises oversight over all financial aspects of the organization, including budget maintenance, expenditure approvals, and the development of financial plans and protocols.
• Collaborates with the Board to craft an annual organizational budget and long-term organizational development goals with corresponding funding strategies.
• Assures compliance with contractual obligations and agreements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, social work, or a related discipline). is highly desirable. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Approximately 5-10 years of recent experience serving intellectually challenged, developmentally disabled, or neurodivergent individuals.
• Experience overseeing a budget of $500,000 or more.
• Prior experience as an Executive Director is preferred but not required.
• Successful track record of managing funding relationships with foundations, donors, or other funding entities.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate needs of the organization and staff.
• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector, including fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Impeccable communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise others, support and evaluate colleagues and reports, and maintain high morale and productivity.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a fractional position with the salary range of $85,000 – $100,000.  Once onboarded it is anticipated that the hourly commitment per week will be somewhere between 30-36 hours Monday through Friday, understanding that the number of hours/days may periodically increase due to various circumstances/responsibilities such as overseeing workshops, representing the organization, speaking engagements, community events, etc. The position is an in-person role located in Irvine, CA. Benefits offered may include medical, dental, and vision. PTO consisting of vacation and sick leave.

Envision Consulting was retained by HOPE Center for the Arts to conduct the search for their incoming Executive Director.

HOPE Center for the Arts is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.  All employment decisions at HOPE Center for the Arts  are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal and CA state laws.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.