Position: Executive Director, Lane Arts Council
Salary: $85,000-$95,000/annual
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Full-time (40 hours/week), Exempt.
Location: Primarily based at the Lane Arts Council office in Eugene, with travel across Lane County as needed.
Benefits: Health insurance (65% employer-paid medical, 50% dental), 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid holidays, sick leave, and Simplified Employee Pension Plan contribution after 3 years

About Lane Arts Council

Misson: Lane Arts Council cultivates belonging, learning, and investment to engage all of Lane County in the transformative power of the arts. We carry out our mission in the following ways: Arts Education, Arts Experiences, Artist Support, and Arts Sector Advancement. Our Vision: All arts are deeply embedded in and essential to the social, cultural, educational and economic well-being of greater Lane County.

Founded in 1976 as the centralized arts agency serving the Lane County region, Lane Arts Council is a multi-faceted nonprofit arts organization. Annually, Lane Arts Council serves over 13,000 K-12 students through 4,500+ hours of arts learning, 900 artists (including our roster of 50 teaching artists), dozens of arts venues and arts organizations, and welcomes almost 15,000 residents and visitors to community events. Lane Arts Council is progressing on a 2024-2028 strategic plan with four focus areas: capacity building; Lane Arts Council’s identity; diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility+; and organizational reach and partnership. Building on this robust history and current activities, the next executive director will steward the mission, staff, finances and programs while serving as a visible, collaborative leader across the arts ecosystem.

About You

You are a creative, community-oriented leader who thrives in collaboration and leads with heart, integrity, and belief in the transformative power of the arts. You balance vision with practicality. You listen and build trust quickly with staff and community partners, communicating with clarity, humility, and passion. You’re not afraid of complexity or ambiguity—and you value both tradition and evolution. You are committed to equity and inclusion, not only in words, but also with actions, persistence, and accountability. You are ready to guide Lane Arts Council during this time of transition with a deep sense of responsibility and excitement.

Key Responsibilities

The executive director assumes these responsibilities while supervising and collaborating with professional program, development, and finance staff:

Organizational Leadership

Translate strategic plans into annual work plans and metrics in collaboration with staff and board.
Build, nurture, and lead actions that support a culture of belonging, equity, inclusion, and transparency for staff, board, and community.
Oversee hiring, training, coaching, supervision, evaluation and retention of diverse staff.
Strengthen internal systems, staffing, and organizational practices to support stability and growth.
Support the ethical application of internal policies and state and federal workplace regulations.

Program Delivery

Oversee implementation of core initiatives, programs, and projects through staff and volunteers.
Champion existing programming and future opportunities while supporting innovation and adaptation that is aligned with community needs.

Resource Development

Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan with staffing support and actively engage the board in development efforts.
Maintain existing and develop new relationships with funding agencies, foundations, businesses, and major donors.
Assess earned income through program/service fees and contracts to identify opportunities to increase.

Fiscal Management

Manage finances with a focus on cost-effective practices, organizational sustainability, and adaptability.
Maintain fiscal oversight through internal controls and sound fiscal policies; supported by finance staff.
Provide regular and accurate financial reporting to the Board and key stakeholders.

Board of Directors

Collaborate with the Board to steward the mission, define strategies, and measures of success.
Give guidance to the Board so that they make informed fiduciary and governance decisions.
Support board members in their ambassador role.

Marketing, Outreach, and Public Relations

Act as the principal spokesperson for Lane Arts Council, representing the organization within the community, local and regional governments, and to the media.
Oversee marketing and communications in alignment with the organization’s brand and strategic goals.
Advocate for arts and culture sector visibility and funding at the local, regional, and state levels.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Demonstrated experience as a senior-level nonprofit organization and/or arts administration leader, that includes supervising staff.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Fundraising success with agencies, foundations, individuals, and businesses.
Demonstrated communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.
Fiscal management and budget oversight.
Public relations and partnership development.
Understanding of the arts and culture sector and the role of arts services organizations.

Skills

Coaching and developing high-performing and collaborative teams.
Managing complex budgets and finances.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to be a persuasive and passionate advocate.
Basic computer software (e.g., MS Office, Quickbooks, donor management databases).

Additional Requirements

Pass a criminal background check
Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record

Studies have shown that people of color, women, and other people from historically marginalized communities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a position description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position, and that person may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Application Process

Nonprofit Professionals Now is excited to be working with Lane Arts Council to fill this key leadership position. Candidates with a strong interest in our work are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter for full consideration.

Application Deadline: June 9, 2025

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