Executive Director

Organization At-A-Glance

Fairfield Arts & Convention Center serves as a regional hub for performing arts, film, and community events in Southeast Iowa.

-$1M+ annual operating budget (approximately 55% earned / 45% contributed revenue)
-$450,000 raised annually through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundations/grants
-14-17 regular staff (6 full time, 8-11 part time)

Annual Programming/Activities:
-20+ live performances of regional, national and international touring acts in a wide variety of genres and disciplines
-4-6 school arts experiences, master classes, and workshops through the Sally Rinehart Johnston Arts in Education Program
-50+ film runs (~150 screenings) through the Cinema Fairfield program
-150-250 rentals and community events, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences and celebrations from a wide spectrum of clients and rental partners

The Center operates at the intersection of arts, civic engagement, and economic impact, with a mission rooted in creating transformational experiences that build community in Southeast Iowa.

Position Summary
This role balances vision and execution, leading both big-picture strategy and day-to-day operational excellence. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the organization, responsible for overall management, financial health, programming, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement, serving as the primary driver of both earned and contributed revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy
-Partner with the Board to set strategic direction
-Translate strategy into operational plans
-Ensure alignment between mission, programming, and financial sustainability

Financial Management
-Oversee $1M annual budget
-Manage revenue streams: ticket sales, rentals, donations, sponsorships, grants
-Ensure long-term financial stability and growth

Programming & Operations
-Oversee performing arts, cinema, and rental operations
-Lead programming strategy and artist and film booking and curation
-Negotiate contracts with agents/artists and ensure compliance
-Ensure high-quality patron experience

Fundraising & Development
-Lead and execute individual giving, sponsorship, and grant strategy
-Maintain and grow donor and sponsor relationships
-Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities

Marketing & Audience Development
-Lead all marketing strategy and execution across platforms, including print, radio, television, digital, social media, and email
-Oversee brand positioning, messaging, and campaign development for all programs and events
-Drive audience growth, retention, and engagement through data-informed and experience-driven strategies
-Ensure alignment between marketing, programming, and revenue goals
-Manage marketing budget, timelines, and performance tracking

Staff Leadership
-Supervise leadership team (5 direct reports)
-Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture
-Ensure operational continuity and accountability

Community Engagement
-Serve as primary ambassador
-Build partnerships across sectors
-Strengthen regional and statewide presence

Ideal Candidate Is/Has:
-Proven executive experience in performing arts, venue management, or nonprofit leadership, with a strong preference for a background in performing arts
-Strong financial management skills
-Comfortable serving as the primary driver of contributed revenue
-Ability to lead both strategically and operationally
-Skilled relationship builder with strong community presence
-Demonstrated success in fundraising, including individual giving, major gifts, sponsorships, and grants
-Ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with authenticity and confidence
-Ability to curate artistic programming based on a wide spectrum of needs and tastes
-Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking, persuasive writing, and the ability to clearly articulate vision and impact to a wide range of audiences
-Demonstrated strength in marketing and audience development, with the ability to shape messaging, build engagement, and drive participation across platforms
-A compelling storyteller who understands how to connect mission, programming, and community in meaningful and motivating ways

COMPENSATION
Salary range: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits: 120 hours PTO plus paid end of year closure; Simple IRA (3% match). Additional benefits TBD.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position open until filled.