Executive Director Search
Posted: Jun 26, 2019
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The St. Johns Cultural Council is a 501(c) (3) organization, founded in 1999 in St. Augustine, FL committed to promoting St. Johns County as a premier arts destination where the lives of both residents and visitors are enriched through arts and culture. Currently, the primary function of the organization is to provide arts, culture, and heritage tourism destination marketing and grant management through a five-year direct contract for services with the county’s Tourist Development Council (TDC). Funding for marketing services comes from a portion of the county’s bed tax. Additionally, through our Local Arts Business Development program, we are able to assist local artists and arts organizations through grants, professional development programs, marketing, and promotional support, online webinars, and advancement workshops for local artists. In 2007 the SJCC was designated by the St. Johns County Board of Commissioners as the Local Arts Agency for the purpose of State, Federal and other grants and fundraising. The SJCC is a member of Americans for the Arts, Grantmakers in the Arts and the Florida Cultural Alliance. In 2012 the SJCC was awarded a contract to administer the “bed tax” funds designated for arts, culture and heritage grants and marketing for the county. The SJCC’s scope of services provided to the St. Johns County Tourism Development Council provides for administration, a cultural tourism marketing program, professional development, and other related operations. This also includes an agreement with a full-service advertising agency to assist in the planning and implementation of the Cultural Tourism Marketing program. In addition, the SJCC administers the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Grant Program. The SJCC maintains an LAA support program funded by a state grant, the sale of arts license tags, and some targeted fundraising activities. Under the current contract, FY 2019 funding is $1.1 million. The contract allocation for FY 2020 is projected to be $1.2 million. The ACH Grant Pool payments of $600,000 are paid directly by the TDC and not from the Cultural Council contract. The SJCC also holds a lease on the former St. Augustine Beach City Hall building, located on the Atlantic Ocean, a 6,000 SF historic structure that has two annual lease tenants, a dance company and an artist studio/co-op.
Position Summary
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the organization, as well as, oversight and adherence to the organization’s policies, procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations. The ED will ensure the ongoing efficient and effective operation and delivery of all programs and services. They will also be responsible for the ongoing promotion and enhancement of the St. Johns Cultural Council and its reputation and impact in the local community. While the primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to ensure compliance and management of the TDC contract, a key element of the ED’s role will be to ensure SJCC’s more active involvement in various fundraising efforts and special events. The express goal of this is to enhance and increase the positive results of these activities on an annual basis. The Executive Director handles all accounting and finance functions and works in close collaboration with the organization’s board and staff, external audit firm, ad agency, ACH grant program, and manages state and other grant development and reporting.
Position Qualifications
· 8 to 10 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience with at least 2 to 3 years in an executive leadership position. Strong knowledge and affinity for the cultural, arts and tourism industry.
· Broad-based experience in cultural tourism, grants management, and marketing is strongly preferred.
· Proven experience in administering a contract for services with ensured funding (The TDC/SJCC contract provides over $1.1 million annually for the next 5 years representing over 90% of SJCC’s annual revenue).
· Demonstrated success in community engagement at senior levels with the proven ability to impact corporate partnership relationships, effective community partnerships, fundraising activities, and related special events.
· A progressive and creative view towards building and strengthening the organization and its capabilities to serve its various stakeholders into the future; a thought leader and effective champion for the mission.
· Political savvy and capable of understanding local, state and national issues that may affect the organization, as well as, the ability to advocate and promote SJCC’s values and importance to the community; adept as a coalition builder for community alliances and relationships.
· Demonstrated experience in all areas of fund development including state and federal grants, annual and special event fundraising, and private sector grants and sponsorships.
· Strong business and financial acumen with solid strategic planning and implementation skills. Demonstrated familiarity with finance and accounting and knowledge of QuickBooks or other accounting software.
· A proven leader who possesses strong management and development skills.
· Outstanding communicator, listener, networker and public speaker with a passion for the mission.
· Current knowledge of the field with the ability to anticipate industry trends and the flexibility to adapt, plan and manage accordingly.
· Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field of study; a Master’s or similar advanced degree or professional certification is preferred.
