JOB DESCRIPTION
Reporting to the founders, the Executive Director leads all aspects of the operations of The Black Academy and defines and implements strategic initiatives to foster the financial, organizational, and programming vitality of the organization. The Executive Director works with the founders, staff, and Board to envision and implement short- and long-term goals that fulfill The Black Academy’s mission. The Executive Director oversees finances and fundraising plans; engages corporate sponsors, government funders, granting agencies, & philanthropic donors, and proactively cultivates new supporters; oversees programming and events including The Black Summit, the non-television production elements of The Legacy Awards, The B.L.A.C.K. Ball, and additional initiatives and events; manages and supports staff; and creates a collaborative working environment. As the senior officer and spokesperson for The Black Academy, the Executive Director is a leader in the Black cultural community in Canada and beyond, and a vocal advocate for the organization and Black excellence in general.
Responsibilities
- Articulates, communicates and implements a clear vision for The Black Academy, in consultation with the founders and staff.
- Takes primary responsibility for the financial management and administration of the organization.
- Leads and directs fundraising initiatives, with the goal of increasing self-generated revenue.
- Cultivates and fosters relationships with a diversity of donors, granting agencies, and other supporters.
- Works with the staff to ensure the effective and financially feasible implementation and promotion of an ambitious program.
- Manages and provides leadership to staff. Takes primary responsibility for the hiring, management, evaluation, and professional development of staff.
- Fosters a collaborative and diverse work environment.
- Directs and oversees the overall communications and marketing strategies.
- Ensures clear and transparent internal communication between staff, Board members, and advisory committee members.
- Acts as the primary spokesperson for the gallery with media, arts councils, granting agencies, professional associations and advocacy groups, among others.
Requirements
- 10-20 years experience as a senior executive in the non-profit sector, preferably in a culture-related field.
- Exceptional knowledge of and contacts across the Black community in Canada
- Strong knowledge of the arts, pop culture, and sports, and particularly Black excellence in these fields.
- Outstanding skills in financial management, strategic thinking, and project management.
- Demonstrated success in grant-writing and fundraising.
- Strong knowledge of arts councils and funding agencies in Canada.
- Proven ability to cultivate donors.
- Proven ability to promote financial sustainability.
- Proven ability to foster a collaborative and diverse work environment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- French, or a second language an asset.
Additional information
Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes health and dental benefits. The job entails working 40 hours per week with some evenings and weekends.
The Black Academy recognizes the importance of intersectional identities in our hiring and retention. We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Black.
How to Apply:
Please forward covering letter and resume to Hiring@BlackIsNow.com.
