Executive Director

Position Opening: Executive Director

Organization: Region 2 Arts Council

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota

Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000 w/benefits

Application Deadline: June 14, 2024

The Region 2 Arts Council (R2AC) in Bemidji, Minnesota is seeking an Executive Director who is passionate about our mission, and is prepared to provide values-driven, dynamic leadership alongside 3 additional R2AC Staff and in partnership with the Board of Directors and our Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Council. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. This position is full-time, and offers medical and retirement benefits.

The R2AC Executive Director plays an integral role in creating connection and belonging for artistic and creative individuals and entities across diverse demographics, art forms, interests, and forms of expression. Whether in the community or in the office, the ED celebrates creativity and connection, displays responsiveness and curiosity, and leads equitably, with inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility informing all policy and practices.

R2AC welcomes applicants of any race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, national origin, status as a documented alien, protected veteran, and status as a qualified individual with a disability.

About Region 2 Arts Council
Region 2 Arts Council strives to create a thriving arts culture that enhances the quality of life in the communities we serve. We orient ourselves around our mission, which is to strengthen the presence of the arts by supporting opportunities for arts creation, promotion, and education for the people of Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership, support strategic direction, and oversee the organization’s finances and operations. As one of 11 Regional Arts Council Executive Directors in Minnesota, they will collaborate on concerns relevant to building and maintaining an equitable arts system. They will lead the Region 2 Arts Council staff team in advancing a shared vision, while cultivating and deepening relationships in our region and statewide. They will support and facilitate active Board engagement from recruitment to committee/ board meetings, ensuring that each Board member’s talents are recognized and all voices are heard.

The ED is responsible for partnering with and supporting the work of the Grants Manager, Bookkeeper/Finance Manager, and Outreach Coordinator. The ED writes proposals and reports to our funders, organizes community needs assessments, and leads the organization’s biennial planning process. They support the Staff, Board, and Anishinaabe Arts Initiative Council in program development, delivery, and evaluation. They work with our statewide partners in the arts, including the Forum of Regional Arts Councils; the McKnight Foundation – our primary funder for individual artists; the Minnesota State Arts Board – our fiscal agent; and Minnesota Citizens for the Arts – the state’s primary arts advocacy and lobbying entity who ensures broad understanding and awareness of 25-Year Legacy Amendment’s impact on our communities through support of the arts.

The ED provides a community presence at arts performances, openings, and events in our five counties. They serve as a liaison between R2AC and groups whose programs or services affect or include R2AC programming. The ED may serve on community arts committees as invited.

Specific qualifications include:

· Passion for the arts, artistic expression, and community engagement through the arts
Experience leading, supervising, and developing a staff

· Experience working with Indigenous members of our communities

· Experience working with a Board of Directors or the equivalent

· Proven experience leading and implementing strategic priorities

· Budgeting and financial management experience

· Knowledge and understanding of nonprofit governance, including setting and implementing policies and procedures

· Commitment to building relationships and partnerships

Desired Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to articulate a plan for building and cultivating relationships within our communities

· Knowledge and practice in the realm of collaborative and inclusive leadership

· Understanding of legislative processes on a state-level

· Experience managing diverse funding revenues including specific requirements from private and state funds

To Apply
Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references as one PDF document to staff@r2arts.org by 5PM on Friday, June 14. Questions about the position can be directed to Laura Seter and Holly Alcott, staff@r2arts.org, or 218-751-5447.