Position Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive and operational leader of Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art and reports directly to the Board of Directors. This role is responsible for ensuring that the organization operates effectively, sustainably, and in alignment with its mission, values, and strategic goals.
The Executive Director supervises the Program Director and any administrative staff, works closely with the Board of Directors, and serves as a public representative of Kaleidoscope in the community.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
- Partner with the Board on strategic planning and organizational growth.
- Implement board-approved policies, goals, and initiatives.
- Provide regular reports to the Board regarding organizational performance, finances, fundraising, staffing, programming, and operations.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual organizational budget.
- Oversee cash flow, financial reporting, and fiscal controls.
- Approve expenditures and contracts within board-approved budgeted amounts.
- Work with the Treasurer, accounting firm, and financial partners to ensure compliance with governmental agencies, internal policies, and reporting requirements.
Staff Leadership & Human Resources
- Supervise and evaluate the Program Director.
- Approve hiring, compensation, and personnel decisions.
- Establish and maintain HR policies and procedures.
- Address employee relations, performance concerns, and disciplinary matters.
- Support a positive, professional, and mission-centered workplace culture.
Fundraising & Development
- Lead fundraising strategy and donor cultivation.
- Oversee grants, sponsorships, special events, and development efforts.
- Strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, families, and community partners.
- Identify opportunities to grow contributed revenue and long-term organizational support.
Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement
- Develop and oversee the annual marketing and communications plan.
- Promote Kaleidoscope’s mission, programs, and brand within the community.
- Oversee the organization’s website, social media, advertising, and public relations efforts.
- Identify opportunities to increase enrollment, community engagement, and organizational visibility.
- Build and maintain relationships with schools, community organizations, businesses, donors, and strategic partners.
- Support promotion of fundraising events, exhibitions, performances, classes, camps, and special programs.
- Monitor the effectiveness of marketing and outreach efforts and recommend improvements.
- Ensure all marketing and communications reflect Kaleidoscope’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
Program Oversight
- Partner with the Program Director to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Ensure programming aligns with Kaleidoscope’s mission, strategy, and budget.
- Review enrollment trends, program performance, and opportunities for growth.
- Approve major new program initiatives.
- Support a welcoming, inclusive, and high-quality experience for students, families, instructors, and community members.
QualificationsPreferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- 3+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, education, community programming, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with budgeting, fundraising, and staff management.
- Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors preferred.
- Familiarity with arts education, community arts, youth programming, or nonprofit operations preferred.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is:
- Mission-driven and enthusiastic about the role of visual arts in community life.
- A strong communicator and relationship builder.
- Comfortable working with a Board of Directors, staff, donors, families, and community partners.
- Organized, practical, and able to manage multiple priorities.
- Financially responsible and comfortable with budgeting and reporting.
- Collaborative, but able to make decisions and provide clear leadership.
- Entrepreneurial enough to support growth while maintaining operational discipline.
Benefits
Benefits may include:
- Paid time off
- Flexible schedule
- Health care contribution
- Professional development opportunities
- Hybrid administrative work, as appropriate
Schedule
This is a full-time leadership position. Some evening and weekend availability will be required for board meetings, fundraising events, exhibitions, community events, and special programs.
Work Location
Kaleidoscope School of Fine Art
316 W. Main Street
Barrington, Illinois
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
