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.

Overview

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
• 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%

• 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

Essential Qualifications:

• 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
• 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
• 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.

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