Arts for Learning Seeks Candidates for President and CEO
Posted: Mar 16, 2021
Current President and CEO, JoEllen Rossebo, announced her retirement from her position after 25 years of service with Arts for Learning, the Indiana Affiliate of Young Audiences. Her last day with the organization will be June 30, 2021. The Board of Directors is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of President of Arts for Learning, The Indiana Affiliate of Young Audiences. If interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and application here.
About the Organization
Arts for Learning is the premier provider of arts education programs for youth in Indiana. Each year, we partner with schools and community organizations throughout the state to engage approximately 40,000 youth in the arts. With our roster of teaching artists, we offer creative learning experiences to empower youth and transform education.
Our Mission
Arts for Learning empowers youth and expands their learning through creative arts experiences.
Our Vision
Arts for Learning envisions a future where all youth have access to engage in creative arts experiences.
Our Values
Arts for Learning values high-quality, participatory arts experiences that nurture creativity, build cultural understanding, and improve learning and life skills.
Statement on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
Arts for Learning is committed to diversity in all aspects of its mission and activities and at all levels of the organization, including its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors highly values diversity and supports the election and appointment of diverse candidates to the Board. The Board believes that having directors of diverse gender, race, and ethnicity, along with varied skills, perspectives and experiences, contributes to a balanced and effective Board — one that is well-positioned to address the changing needs of the organization and the communities and children we serve. The Board is committed to administering a board election process that encourages and promotes the consideration of diverse candidates. Additionally, the Board acknowledges that it considers Arts for Learning The Indiana Affiliate of Young Audiences diversity, among other factors, when nominating and approving individuals for open board positions.
The Board also supports diversity and inclusion in its teaching artists, programming and staff. We value diversity in these areas of our organization to better reflect the demographics, serve the unique culture of the children and community we serve, and provide services that are welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive. It is the policy of Arts for Learning to engage teaching artist and provide equal employment opportunities to individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status,
sexual orientation, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
About the Position
The President will be a visionary, forward-thinking leader who is a passionate advocate for the arts and Arts for Learning’s mission. The President reports to and works closely with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, financial management, programming initiatives, and development efforts. The President is also responsible for administrative duties and staff management.
Opportunity
As Arts for Learning reaches its 60 year milestone, it is an exciting time to reflect on the past, while focusing on the future. The right candidate has the opportunity to build upon the successes of the past, while establishing new goals and a vision for the future of the organization. As we approach a new fiscal year in July 2021, the Board plans to engage the next President in early conversations about next year’s budget, as well as plans for updating a strategic plan that wrapped up in 2020.
Additionally due to the pandemic and the effects it has had on programming, the organization has hired Arts Consulting Group to provide research and guidance on hybrid programming and business models for earned income. This project will end in May 2021 with comprehensive reports and practical recommendations that can be used by the next President to kick-off organizational change.
Finally, the right candidate will be in a position to influence ongoing work from home policies. Currently the office is closed and all staff members are working from home. The Board anticipates that the next President will facilitate reopening the office and establishing updated policies for staff members of Arts for Learning.
Responsibilities
The President’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Develops and implements a strategic vision for the organization strategies aimed to achieve programming, financial, and other goals set by a strategic plan and the Board of Directors
● Follows Arts for Learning’s established DEI policy and actively works to make Arts for Learning an anti-racist organization
● Provides leadership in strategic planning, working towards responsible growth while maintaining excellence in programming
● Develops and administers the annual operating budget with the controller and accountant and input from staff
● Manages day-to-day operations with responsibility for oversight of financial operations and human resources
● Directly supervises team leaders (senior director of programs and development director), accountant, and contracted controller. Works with the board and appropriate committees to ensure the artistic, educational and financial integrity of programs
● Oversees development and fundraising, working closely with the development director, board, and appropriate committees to identify and solicit funds and in-kind services and to plan special events
● Works with grants and stewardship coordinator to research and write grant proposals to foundations, corporations and individuals
● Keeps current on arts in education advocacy issues as well as government funding opportunities on the local, state, and federal level, and is proactive in developing new collaborative programs with school districts, and community organizations
● Serves as the staff media representative and is responsible for the organization’s public relations and marketing, with direct supervision by director of development and support from the board’s public relations and marketing committee
● Represents Arts for Learning in the local arts and cultural community and on a statewide level, as required
● Serves as liaison to Young Audiences, Inc. by participating in the Executive Director Council meetings and network working groups
● Other duties as determined by Arts for Learning Board of Directors
Qualifications and Experience
Required Minimum
● Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of organizational leadership experience, or any combination of education and experience equivalent to 9+ years
● Understanding of Indiana schools, community programs, and the Indianapolis community.
● Outstanding spoken and written communication skills
● Financial literacy, including an understanding of complex budgets and non-profit business structures
● Proven fundraising track record
Preferred
● Programmatic experience as a professional artist or working with professional artists
● Entrepreneurial experience
● Computer literacy and working knowledge of technology and social media
● Understanding of legal contracts Compensation
The President role is a salaried position that reports to the Board of Directors. Salary commensurate with experience In addition to observed holidays, employees get at least 3 weeks of PTO and health benefits (including dental, vision, and life insurance). Employees also have the
option of 403b enrollment through TIAA.
Submission Process
If interested in this position, please submit your resume and application on the Arts for Learning website.
Once submitted, you will be requested to provide written responses to questions around DEI and your fundraising experience. For planning purposes, please find a copy of the written responses here.
Once written responses have been received, a phone interview will be scheduled.
Additional Information:
● Applications will be accepted and reviewed through April 16, 2021.
● No phone calls, please.
● Link to written response form.
Arts for Learning is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and does not discriminate in employment based on race, ethnicity, culture, gender, gender expression, color, military service, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental ability, or any other basis
covered by appropriate law.
As of March 13, 2021
