The King Arts Complex
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Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of The King Arts Complex. This individual is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, vision, and goals while safeguarding its long‑term sustainability.
The Executive Director provides overall direction for programming, operations, and community engagement, ensures sound financial stewardship, and maintains compliance with all board directives, grantor requirements, and state and federal regulations. In partnership with the Board, the Executive Director will set organizational priorities, inspire and develop staff, cultivate key stakeholder relationships, and position The King Arts Complex as a vital cultural institution in the community.
Must Haves
Transformational Executive Leadership:
Proven ability to lead complex organizations with vision, business acumen, and operational discipline. Brings a record of driving growth, guiding change, and building high‑performing, accountable teams that thrive in a culture of equity, creativity, integrity, and collaboration. Demonstrates commitment to advancing organizational culture and aligning leadership decisions with mission and values.
Financial & Fundraising Mastery:
Demonstrated expertise in managing multimillion‑dollar budgets with transparency, precision, and risk discipline. Brings a successful record in generating significant philanthropic and earned revenue while driving revenue diversification to reduce reliance on single sources. Skilled in cultivating major donors, securing competitive grants, leveraging diverse income streams—including campaigns, events, sponsorships, and partnerships—and translating results into measurable KPIs.
Community Development & Stakeholder Engagement:
Recognized capacity to serve as a trusted partner by building authentic, lasting relationships with residents, civic leaders, funders, cultural organizations, elected officials, and government entities. Excels at convening diverse voices, aligning stakeholders around shared goals, and strengthening the organization’s visibility and impact across Columbus and beyond.
Visionary Presence & Public Representation:
A dynamic, visible leader who communicates a compelling vision and inspires confidence among staff, board members, funders, and the wider community. Serves as the authentic face of the organization, embodying its mission, values, and cultural significance with integrity, influence, and credibility.
Strategic Growth, Governance & Risk Stewardship:
Adept at setting bold strategic direction while anticipating challenges and mitigating risks. Ensures strong governance and activates trustees as ambassadors and fundraisers, strengthening board effectiveness and accountability. Upholds the highest ethical standards while positioning the organization to innovate, adapt, and expand relevance in a rapidly evolving cultural and philanthropic landscape.
Who We Are Our Mission:
The King Arts Complex connects community through the arts.
Our Vision:
To be the preeminent culture and arts institution in Ohio preserving, producing, and presenting the cultural expressions of African Americans.
Our History:
Opened in March 1987, The King Arts Complex is located on the near East side of Columbus, Ohio, in one of the oldest areas of African‑American life in the city. Serving as a major anchor for development in the King‑Lincoln District, The King Arts Complex is an oasis for cultural and educational activities as well as a community facility for special events.
What We Do Celebrating the Legacy of MLK:
The King Arts Complex connects community through the arts.
Our Programs:
We engage central Ohio through performing, cultural, and educational programs of high artistic merit that increase and disseminate knowledge regarding the vast and significant contributions of African‑Americans to the culture and history of America and the world.
Our Exhibitions:
The Elijah Pierce Gallery presents a wide range of historical and contemporary exhibitions that include painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, and decorative arts. The gallery is named in honor of the late Columbus Near East Side resident Elijah Pierce, America’s foremost wood carver of 20th‑century folk art.
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The Executive Director provides overall direction for programming, operations, and community engagement, ensures sound financial stewardship, and maintains compliance with all board directives, grantor requirements, and state and federal regulations. In partnership with the Board, the Executive Director will set organizational priorities, inspire and develop staff, cultivate key stakeholder relationships, and position The King Arts Complex as a vital cultural institution in the community.
Must Haves
Transformational Executive Leadership:
Proven ability to lead complex organizations with vision, business acumen, and operational discipline. Brings a record of driving growth, guiding change, and building high‑performing, accountable teams that thrive in a culture of equity, creativity, integrity, and collaboration. Demonstrates commitment to advancing organizational culture and aligning leadership decisions with mission and values.
Financial & Fundraising Mastery:
Demonstrated expertise in managing multimillion‑dollar budgets with transparency, precision, and risk discipline. Brings a successful record in generating significant philanthropic and earned revenue while driving revenue diversification to reduce reliance on single sources. Skilled in cultivating major donors, securing competitive grants, leveraging diverse income streams—including campaigns, events, sponsorships, and partnerships—and translating results into measurable KPIs.
Community Development & Stakeholder Engagement:
Recognized capacity to serve as a trusted partner by building authentic, lasting relationships with residents, civic leaders, funders, cultural organizations, elected officials, and government entities. Excels at convening diverse voices, aligning stakeholders around shared goals, and strengthening the organization’s visibility and impact across Columbus and beyond.
Visionary Presence & Public Representation:
A dynamic, visible leader who communicates a compelling vision and inspires confidence among staff, board members, funders, and the wider community. Serves as the authentic face of the organization, embodying its mission, values, and cultural significance with integrity, influence, and credibility.
Strategic Growth, Governance & Risk Stewardship:
Adept at setting bold strategic direction while anticipating challenges and mitigating risks. Ensures strong governance and activates trustees as ambassadors and fundraisers, strengthening board effectiveness and accountability. Upholds the highest ethical standards while positioning the organization to innovate, adapt, and expand relevance in a rapidly evolving cultural and philanthropic landscape.
Who We Are Our Mission:
The King Arts Complex connects community through the arts.
Our Vision:
To be the preeminent culture and arts institution in Ohio preserving, producing, and presenting the cultural expressions of African Americans.
Our History:
Opened in March 1987, The King Arts Complex is located on the near East side of Columbus, Ohio, in one of the oldest areas of African‑American life in the city. Serving as a major anchor for development in the King‑Lincoln District, The King Arts Complex is an oasis for cultural and educational activities as well as a community facility for special events.
What We Do Celebrating the Legacy of MLK:
The King Arts Complex connects community through the arts.
Our Programs:
We engage central Ohio through performing, cultural, and educational programs of high artistic merit that increase and disseminate knowledge regarding the vast and significant contributions of African‑Americans to the culture and history of America and the world.
Our Exhibitions:
The Elijah Pierce Gallery presents a wide range of historical and contemporary exhibitions that include painting, sculpture, graphics, photography, and decorative arts. The gallery is named in honor of the late Columbus Near East Side resident Elijah Pierce, America’s foremost wood carver of 20th‑century folk art.
#J-18808-Ljbffr