Deputy Director
Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA) is seeking an experienced, energetic, creative and self-motivated Deputy Director to help lead this important start-up and drive its future growth. IAA is a nonprofit artist residency program that invests in supporting artists across disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, creative writing and music composition. IAA provides both the time and space necessary for the development of new work; it also offers public programming that uses creative processes to bring communities together and expand cultural awareness.
We are looking for a forward-thinking, deeply engaged community leader who cultivates inclusive and welcoming culture, has a passion for creating compelling programs and creative environments and is a highly effective collaborator, manager, negotiator, relationship builder, and communicator. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented leader whose work is grounded by a commitment to equity, inclusion, empowerment and advocacy for communities of color, someone who can translate strategy into operational goals and objectives and execute measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate will also be a proven, caring leader with a career history of outstanding leadership, management skills and the capacity to embrace and celebrate the culture, ethnic diversity and values of both Maine and our larger global community. A background in organizational development, organizational culture, workforce planning, and customer service is a strong asset.
The Deputy Director — works closely with the Executive Director and is responsible for the management and development of the administration, assessment, and refinement of the residency and public programming. The Deputy Director acts as a primary contact and resource for the artists-in-residence, guiding and refining the artist residency program, developing related public programs and special projects to connect artists and communities, and overseeing IAA’s day-to-day operations. The purpose of the role is to ensure that the quality and impact of IAA’s activities and programs directly support its mission.
Deputy Director: Leadership Responsibilities
- Demonstrates strategic and collaborative leadership across all areas of the organization.
- Ensure the overall excellence of our Artists-in-Residency program by engaging and supporting the needs of visiting artists, helping to create a positive, productive and rewarding residency;
- Cultivate professional alliances and develop new collaborations with relevant individual or corporate partners who further our mission;
- Lead, implement and coordinate large-scale public programming, including performances, lectures, masterclasses, workshops, symposia/panels and fundraising events;
- Develop and implement strategies in support of the organization’s mission: To connect to the host community and Black and Brown artists from around the world with Maine’s artists of African descent through a multidisciplinary artist-in-residency program that embodies a Black-led approach to creativity, community-building, and mentoring.
- Lead IAA’s implementation of IAA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy, fostering diverse, equitable and inclusive practices to create a positive, healthy, productive and collaborative work environment;
- Inspire teams of people to work toward and achieve a given objective, leading through influence and example rather than authority.
- Build solid interpersonal relationships, trust and rapport, be a team player, and motivate and educate colleagues;
- Support Development (Fundraising) activities;
- Oversee budget planning in partnership with the ED and Finance team.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a dynamic organization requiring flexibility, patience, creativity, and the ability to adjust work style to create unique business solutions and address conflicting priorities;
- Prioritize, focus and achieve results, with meticulous attention to detail and consistent delivery of above-par work;
- Create a hospitable and welcoming environment;
- Communicate effectively and seamlessly.
Operational Responsibilities
- Implement and develop systems, methodologies and processes that bring structure and efficiency to daily operations and activities (e.g. archiving, documenting, organizing databases);
- Direct and support growth initiatives, leveraging knowledge of fundraising best practices and strategies;
- Provide a clear line of communications to IAA’s stakeholders, partners, board members and Circle of Advisors;
- Act as Reporting Director for IAA’s Studio and Programs Coordinator, Development Specialist, and interns.
Qualifications
- Minimum five years’ arts administration experience with up-to-date knowledge of practices and processes.
- Highly self-motivated.
- Experience working with artists, arts organizations and Black and Brown communities.
- Proven project management skills and execution of programming/events.
- Strong, clear writing and verbal communication.
- Marketing acumen, awareness of marketing/advertising best practices, and experience working with social media and developing original content strategy.
- Tech-savvy understanding of donor platforms and communications systems, e.g. Little Green Light, AirTable, Google Drive.
- Highly organized with a perfectionist’s capacity for follow-through and clear communication.
- Effective mentor and coach to IAA team members as well as the broader IAA community.
Compensation and Hours
(40 hours per week) and select weekends (as needed) to support IAA’s programming and events. Position status is regular, full-time, exempt. Flexible time-off policy.
Salary: $75,000 exempt (non-hourly)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance eligible one-month after start date
Policies: Workers Comp and Insured Facility
Staffing
This position reports to: Executive Director.
IAA is currently being led by co-founder and Executive Director, Marcia Minter; co-founder Daniel Minter, Artist Director; and a full-time Studio and Programs Coordinator. Indigo Arts Alliance is also supported by a robust community of partners, sponsors and funders.