NCE Seeking Dynamic Leader

Nebraska • Arts, Humanities, Statewide

Position Announcement: Executive Director

Location:

Statewide organization based in Omaha; flexible work environment, including access to office space in Lincoln.

Application deadline:

January 21, 2022

 

Are you looking for a unique opportunity to enrich the quality of life in Nebraska and work with passionate cultural leaders and supporters across the state?

 

The Nebraska Cultural Endowment (NCE), a 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to cultivate a legacy of stability, advocacy and leadership for the arts and humanities in Nebraska, is seeking a dynamic leader to work with its board of directors, primary partners at the Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) and Humanities Nebraska (HN), and others to continue the successful endeavor in raising private funds to match state funds that benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska. The NCE is a public-private partnership that is unique in the nation and is increasingly vital to a strong and vibrant cultural sector in our state. The NCE was created to raise funds and invest them for the sole purpose of supporting the programs and grantmaking of HN and NAC. Over the past two decades, the NCE has garnered strong private support from donors across the state, as well as strong bipartisan support in the Nebraska Legislature, which sets aside funds annually to match private dollars raised by NCE. With the leadership of a new Executive Director, the NCE is poised to grow its private support to a new level, solidifying it as a model for the nation.

 

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate for NCE Executive Director will include several professional and personal characteristics, beyond a passion for the mission. This includes a strong predisposition to collaboration and relationship building, which reflects the close working relationship between NCE, NAC, and HN, including their staffs, boards of directors, donors, grantees, and other constituents. It also includes a good deal of initiative and organization, as the Executive Director is key in setting the priorities, strategies, and action steps for the organization and its partners. It will require a strong familiarity and comfort level with leading fundraising activities, including cultivating donor relationships and soliciting gifts.  The Executive Director is also closely involved with advocacy efforts with the Nebraska Legislature, requiring diplomatic skills and political sensibilities.

 

Summary of Responsibilities

The Executive Director will provide leadership and assistance to the NCE Board by coordinating the operation, growth, and development of the endowment funds of the Corporation. This includes responsibility for organizing and implementing a process to raise funds for the benefit of the arts and humanities in Nebraska through direct and indirect solicitation of cash and/or deferred gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Executive Director is responsible for managing NCE’s operations, finances, and staffing, and in collaboration with HN and NAC, will work with the state Legislature and contracted services to educate and advocate for the matching fund with the State of Nebraska.

 

Primary Functions

  • Fundraising and Development: overseeing the planning and implementation of a comprehensive development program encompassing short and long-term activities involving the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors.
  • Board Relations and Public Relations: Engage the NCE board in NCE’s activities across operations, fundraising, advocacy, outreach, and governance; communicate regularly with the directors and staff of HN and NAC to advance the positive relationship between the three entities and maximize effective collaboration; build public awareness and appreciation for NCE as a visible leader.
  • Administration: oversee budgeting and financial management, provide timely reports to the Board, funders, and partners.

 

Qualifications and Work Experience

  • College degree
  • Fundraising expertise and experience, in either a professional or volunteer capacity
  • Ability to travel to locations across Nebraska as needed
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of arts and humanities programs is ideal
  • Nonprofit experience is ideal

 

Salary and Benefits:

Competitive salary based on experience.  This full-time position has a salary range of $80,000-$100,000 based on experience. Compensation also includes paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time.

 

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to magan368@me.com

 

Nebraska Cultural Endowment is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or sexual orientation.