Executive Director — Arts & Community Impact

Connecting Creative Minds, Arts & Creative Opportunities and Jobs NXTHVN seeks an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership at a defining moment in the organization’s evolution. Founded in 2018 by acclaimed artist Titus Kaphar and impact investor Jason Price, NXTHVN has grown rapidly into a nationally recognized institution that weaves together residencies and fellowships for visual artists, professional advancement, exhibitions, and community-rooted economic development. The next Executive Director will partner with the founders, the Board of Directors, and a deeply committed staff to steward this distinctive model into its next chapter, deepening NXTHVN’s impact for artists and curators, for the Dixwell community, and for the broader arts and cultural sector. This is a meaningful inflection point for the organization. NXTHVN has built a transformative Fellowship Program, a celebrated High School Apprenticeship Program, a robust exhibition slate, and a 40,000 square foot creative campus with adjacent fellows’ housing in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven. Over the past year, the organization has also expanded its Board of Directors to twelve members under the leadership of new Board Chair Hassan Smith, deepening governance capacity and broadening the networks available to support NXTHVN’s next phase of growth. The Executive Director will inherit that foundation and bring fresh strategic clarity, fundraising momentum, and operational discipline to support continued growth. The right candidate will bring a multi-million dollar fundraising track record, sound nonprofit financial stewardship, operational rigor, and an authentic connection to the role of the arts in advancing equity, opportunity, and community well‑being. Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors; Status: Full-time, exempt; Location: On-site at NXTHVN’s creative campus in New Haven, CT; Direct Reports: Senior leadership team. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment between programs, operations, and organizational mission. Foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Build and maintain strategic partnerships that advance NYTHVN’s goals and enhance its impact within the arts community and beyond. Stay informed about trends and best practices in the arts, entrepreneurship, and community development to ensure NYTHVN remains at the forefront of innovation. Steward existing institutional and individual funder relationships and cultivate new relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Develop and implement strategies to diversify and expand revenue streams to ensure long‑term sustainability. Oversee financial health, including budget development, financial planning, and fiscal management. Provide comprehensive management of the facility’s balance sheet, including debt service obligations, ensuring long‑term financial stability while maintaining programs and community access. Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements and best practices, working with the Board to develop sound financial policies, procedures, and KPI’s. Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, representing the organization at community events, conferences, and other forums. Build and maintain strong relationships with the Dixwell community, respecting its history and current dynamics. Develop and maintain partnerships with arts organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups to expand NXTHVN’s reach. Oversee communications and marketing efforts to raise NXTHVN’s profile locally and nationally, ensuring consistent messaging that effectively communicates the organization’s value. Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the 40,000 square foot creative campus and adjacent fellows’ housing, ensuring facilities support programmatic goals. Develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations across all aspects of the organization. Recruit, supervise, and evaluate staff, providing opportunities for professional development and growth to build a high‑performing team. Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that reflects NXTHVN’s values. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Work closely with the Director of Programs and Exhibitions to oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs. Ensure programs align with NXTHVN’s mission and meet the needs of artists, curators, and the community. Identify opportunities to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives that further the mission. Collaborate closely with the twelve-member Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, providing regular reports on activities, finances, and strategic initiatives. Support continued Board development and engagement, helping build a strong governance structure that enhances NXTHVN’s effectiveness and sustainability. Implement Board policies and decisions, ensure clear communication between the Board and staff, and leverage Board members’ expertise and networks to benefit the organization. Key Priorities for the First Two to Three Years Develop a comprehensive understanding of NXTHVN’s history, mission, values, culture, programs, and community impact. Strengthen the organization’s financial position by enhancing existing revenue streams and diversifying funding through expanded fundraising initiatives. Create a comprehensive business development and fundraising plan that includes pipeline expansion, stewardship of existing donors, and broader reach across key fundraising verticals. Provide comprehensive management of the facility’s balance sheet to ensure long‑term financial stability while maintaining programs and community access. Conduct a thoughtful assessment of organizational strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan to guide impact, community initiatives, operations, and overall vision. Build strong, trust‑based relationships with staff, the Board, fellows, alumni, program participants, donors, community partners, and other key stakeholders. Strengthen operational systems and processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness across the organization. Experience and Qualifications Demonstrated senior leadership experience, with at least ten years of increasing responsibility and direct management of staff and teams. Track record of success in nonprofit management, ideally in arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organizations. Established multi‑million dollar fundraising track record across institutional and individual donor communities. Fluency in nonprofit finance, including budgeting, cash flow management, audit oversight, and the financial dimensions of capital and facilities. Experience overseeing capital projects, physical facilities, and the operational realities of a campus environment. Demonstrated success aligning resources with strategic goals in an organization known for innovative artistic, educational, or community-based programs. Genuine connection to the arts and to the role of arts in community life, with cultural fluency and an appreciation for the creative process. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. The Successful Candidate Will Bring Genuine passion for NXTHVN’s mission and a deep belief in the transformative power of art. A commitment to cultivating belonging for people of all backgrounds, with humility and a track record of fostering inclusive environments. A collaborative leadership approach that empowers staff, partners, and stakeholders, paired with the willingness to make decisive calls when needed. Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and discipline to build, test, and refine programs, partnerships, and revenue streams. A hands‑on leadership style and the willingness to engage with challenges across the organization. Emotional intelligence and steadiness, with patience, sound judgment, and a calm, thoughtful approach in complex moments. Clear and transparent communication, providing context, rationale, and follow‑through to build understanding and confidence across the organization. The ability to balance compassion with accountability, offering warmth and support while making thoughtful, sometimes difficult, decisions in service of the mission and budget realities. Infectious energy, enthusiasm, and resilience to guide NXTHVN through its next phase of growth. Highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all interactions. Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel domestically and internationally as required. Compensation The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience. NXTHVN provides comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance (employee contributory), paid time off, and holidays, in addition to a supportive and dynamic work environment. NXTHVN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership, parental status, military status, or any other non‑merit factor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vernonchalmers