Executive Director
Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield, IA, United States
About the Organization
The Fairfield Arts & Convention Center (FACC) is one of the largest multifaceted performing arts, cinema, and events facilities serving rural Southeast Iowa. With a $1M annual operating budget, a mix of earned and contributed revenue, and a broad spectrum of programming—including live performances, film series, and 150–250 annual rentals—FACC plays a significant role in community vitality and regional economic impact.
FACC is entering a new phase focused on long-term financial sustainability, strategic growth in earned revenue, and strengthening its role as both a cultural hub and an economic driver.
The organization is considering outsourcing financial management, grant administration
functions to specialized partners, enabling the Executive Director to focus on strategy,
leadership, revenue growth, and organizational effectiveness.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive responsible for leading FACC’s strategic, operational, and financial performance. The ED will implement a multi-year strategy that prioritizes sustainable business modeling, earned revenue growth, and effective team leadership while ensuring the Center continues to provide meaningful cultural and community experiences.
This role requires a leader who can balance vision with disciplined operational execution,
make data-informed decisions about programming and investments, manage outsourced
service partners, and foster a strong internal culture. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors to carry out strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan focused on sustainability, operational efficiency, revenue growth, and community impact.
- Translate Board directives into actionable goals, benchmarks, and operational plans.
- Evaluate programming, events, and facility investments based on financial performance, market demand, and mission alignment.
- Identify opportunities to expand earned revenue through rentals, events, partnerships, and new lines of business.
Financial Performance & Oversight
- Monitor financial performance and ensure decisions are informed by forecasts, ROI analyses, and budget discipline.
- Develop annual budgets in collaboration with finance partners and present financial updates to the Board.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and reporting standards.
Revenue Development
- Drive growth in earned revenue streams, including facility rentals, ticketed events, and new revenue opportunities.
- Support development efforts led by outsourced grant management and internal staff, focusing on relationship stewardship rather than frontline fundraising.
- Build relationships with sponsors, donors, and community partners, reinforcing FACC’s reputation and visibility.
Programming & Operations
- Oversee performing arts, cinema, and facility rental operations with a focus on quality, relevance, and financial performance.
- Ensure that programming meets community needs while supporting revenue and sustainability goals.
- Implement systems that improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and compliance requirements.
Marketing & Audience Development
- Manage marketing vendors/agencies to ensure campaigns align with strategic goals and produce measurable outcomes.
- Oversee brand standards across programs, rentals, and events.
- Ensure data-driven approaches to audience growth, ticketing performance, and customer engagement.
Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture
- Lead and support a staff of 14–17 employees, including 5 direct reports.
- Build a collaborative, accountable, and forward-focused culture.
- Provide coaching, professional development, and clear performance expectations.
- Ensure organizational continuity, staff retention, and strong internal communication.
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the organization’s primary ambassador to civic, business, education, and arts partners.
- Strengthening local, regional, and statewide relationships to expand visibility and opportunities.
- Representing FACC at public events, business meetings, and community functions.
Qualifications
Required
- Senior leadership experience in business, operations, hospitality, venue management, events, tourism, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success managing budgets, making ROI-based decisions, and achieving revenue targets.
- Experience leading teams, managing outsourced service providers, and driving organizational performance.
- Strong strategic planning, operational management, and project leadership skills.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change and guide organizations through growth phases.
Preferred
- Experience in live entertainment, cultural programming, or a dynamic multi-use facility.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards and/or multi-stakeholder environments.
- Familiarity with rural or regional community institutions.