Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) of Alberta Abbey Foundation (AAF) is a dynamic and strategic leadership role at the intersection of arts, community, and venue management. The ED is responsible for ensuring that the Abbey fulfills its mission of nurturing the creative, visual, and performing arts in N/NE Portland by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities. This role blends nonprofit leadership, fundraising, cultural stewardship, program vision, and entrepreneurial drive. The ED leads resource development, external relations, vision/strategy, and oversees programming to build authentic partnerships with artists, audiences, tenants, and community members. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading a donor meeting, negotiating a rental contract, or rolling up their sleeves to ensure a major performance goes smoothly. Founded in 2015 (and launched in 2018), Alberta Abbey Foundation was created to address the critical need for affordable arts space in Portland by activating a historic church—Mallory Avenue Christian Church—into a nonprofit performing arts center. The Abbey campus includes: A 350-seat theater with a large stage, professional sound, and lighting A café/bar serving beverages, food, and snacks during events A Ballroom with hardwood floors, a raised stage, and historic light fixtures 12+ office and studio spaces rented to artists, musicians, and cultural workers In 2020, the board added a specific focus to amplify Black and underrepresented communities. Mission: Alberta Abbey nurtures the creative, visual, and performing arts in N/NE Portland by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities. Vision: A local arts ecosystem where diverse artists and community members thrive, supported by affordable space, strong relationships, and equitable opportunities. AAF has recently emerged from a period of rapid growth and professionalization, achieving the strongest financial and operational stability in its history. With a 2025 operating budget of $1.4M, AAF sustains two full-time staff (including the ED), several part-time staff and contractors, and over 100+ artists per year. Key opportunities and challenges include diversifying funding, cultivating major donors, pursuing a potential capital campaign to purchase the building, maintaining a historic 23,000 sq ft facility, and strengthening community alignment with Black and historically marginalized communities. Programs Community Arts Access Program – Provides free/low-cost venue space for youth-focused and community-based arts organizations. Visual Arts Program – Affordable artist studios and free gallery exhibitions. Signature Programming – AAF produces and co-produces music, theater, film, hip-hop, and multidisciplinary shows year-round, with a strong focus during Black History Month and Black Music Month. AAF currently self-produces approximately 55% of its programming, with the remainder presented by outside promoters and community partners. Position & Responsibilities Mission Alignment & Community Engagement Serve as the public face of AAF, building trust and authentic partnerships with artists, neighbors, and community stakeholders Ensure programs and partnerships advance mission, vision, and values (Seek Diversity, Support Artists, Cultivate Trust & Generosity, Be a Good Neighbor, Stay Affordable). Center equity by actively engaging Black and underrepresented artists and communities. Lead strategic planning; set annual goals and impact metrics in collaboration with staff and Board. Lead the development of an individual giving program, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation Grow institutional funding (grants/sponsorships) and mission-aligned partnerships. In collaboration with the Board, prepare for and potentially lead a capital campaign for building purchase/renovation (case, campaign plan, leadership gifts). Finance & Organizational Stewardship (oversight) With the Board Treasurer, oversee budgeting, financial strategy, and risk management; ensure accurate reporting and compliance. Maintain a sustainable business model balancing earned and contributed revenue. Approve major contracts and policies; ensure nonprofit/legal compliance. Venue & Property Management (oversight) Oversight of day-to-day operations of a complex, multi-use arts facility Oversee bar operations, food & beverage compliance, and event safety Supervise building maintenance, tenant relations, and lease obligations Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture Directly supervise the Operations Manager, Facilities Manager, and program/administrative leads Supervise and mentor staff, contractors, and volunteers Serve as leader of staff and culture, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace Build and improve systems and policies that support growth, accountability, and equity Programming Oversight Support the curation and execution of mission-aligned events and programs Balance AAF-produced programming with rentals that sustain affordability and access Collaborate with staff and artists to ensure high artistic and professional standards Board Relations & Governance Partner closely with the Board by providing detailed monthly reports, actively participating in meetings, and supporting Board recruitment and development. We highly encourage applications from BIPOC leaders and individuals with lived experience related to AAF’s mission. While no candidate will have every qualification, the ideal ED candidate will demonstrate the following: Leadership & Experience Successful nonprofit, arts, or cultural organization leadership experience Fundraising track record, including major donors, grants, or sponsorships Experience with capital campaigns (preferred, not required) Strong financial management and organizational stewardship Understanding of the nonprofit arts ecosystem and/or for-profit music/entertainment industries Excellent communicator and relationship-builder Skilled manager of people and a commitment to equity Experience leading personnel management, including hiring, evaluations, and staff transitions Strong project management, systems-building, and problem-solving abilities Venue, hospitality, or property management experience (preferred, not required) Comfortable with public speaking and community representation Personal Qualities Passion for music, arts, and culture Warm, caring, and collaborative spirit Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to execute vision A sense of humor and grounded perspective Application Process Please submit: Resume Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing your relevant experience and how you would engage the communities we serve. Send materials and questions to board@albertaabbey.org. Applications are due by October 17.

Final decision by November and a start date in December 2025.

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