Executive Director NXTHVN via TOC Arts Partners

Jacob’s Pillow seeks a Chief People Officer to serve as a senior leader and trusted partner to Executive and Artistic Director Pamela Tatge and the senior leadership team. The CPO will bring sophisticated operational discipline together with genuine, finely tuned people acumen, guiding all aspects of the employee experience across a workforce that includes full‑time staff, seasonal employees, interns, students, contractors, and visiting artists. The successful candidate will need to bring exceptional communication skills rooted in empathy and compassion, alongside the resolve to make and enforce difficult decisions. This is a role for a leader who can hold both rigor and care, who builds infrastructure that scales, and who is known for steady, fair, and thoughtful judgment in moments that matter. Jacob’s Pillow, a National Historic Landmark and recipient of the National Medal of Arts, is a year‑round center for dance and home to America’s longest‑running international dance festival, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The Pillow encompasses the world‑renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, The School at Jacob’s Pillow, the Pillow Lab, Community Engagement programs and a robust online platform that provides audiences all over the world with access to the Archives, regular livestreams and encore presentations. The Pillow’s mission is to support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation, and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance. Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive, diverse, accessible, and equitable environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance and its positive impact on communities. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership and Vision 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, building and maintaining strategic partnerships that advance NXTHVN’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 NXTHVN remains at the forefront of innovation. Fundraising and Financial Steward NXTHVN’s strong existing institutional and individual funder relationships and cultivate new relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, with the goal of sustaining and growing multi‑million dollar revenue. 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 and implement sound financial policies, procedures, and clearly articulated key performance indicators. Community Engagement and External Relations 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, with deep respect for the neighborhood’s history, current dynamics, and aspirations. 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. Operational and Administrative Leadership Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the 40,000 square‑foot creative campus and adjacent fellows’ housing, ensuring these facilities support programmatic goals and provide an inspiring environment for artists, curators, and the community. 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. Programmatic Leadership Working closely with the Director of Programs and Exhibitions, 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. Board Relations Work 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 to build a strong governance structure that enhances NXTHVN’s effectiveness and sustainability. Implement Board policies and decisions, ensuring 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. 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, with proven ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at meaningful levels. 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: $175,000 – $200,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr