Chief Impact Officer

The Chief Impact Officer (CIO) is a dynamic, analytical, and collaborative leader responsible for driving the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of NEFA’s portfolio of programs, and developing a compelling and comprehensive storytelling strategy about the impact of NEFA’s work.

As a member of NEFA’s Executive Team, the CIO reports to the Executive Director (ED) and partners with the Chief Operating Officer (COO). As a team, they are collectively responsible for developing, stewarding, and deploying the resources that power the organization’s work and service to the field. The executive team is charged with designing and implementing policies and plans that enhance NEFA’s ability to weather change, navigate short and long-term risk, and contribute to building the sustainability of the arts and culture sector in shifting financial, social, and political landscapes.

The ideal candidate is a systems thinker and equity-focused leader who will bring a deep understanding of arts programming, grantmaking, research methods, data-driven decision-making, collaborative design, and communications strategy. As the organization’s primary architect for evaluation and assessment, the Chief Impact Officer will play a critical role ensuring NEFA’s programs are aligned with the strategic plan, A Mission Forged in Collaboration, that they remain relevant in the current arts and culture landscape, are intentionally informed by constituents needs, and deliver impactful outcomes.

The Chief Impact Officer supervises staff and work across programs, including grantmaking and services, advocacy and communications; identifying themes and trends, creating opportunities for connection, and fostering and enhancing collaboration across teams and the organization. Externally, the Chief Impact Officer will identify and leverage public opportunities to enhance the visibility of NEFA’s impact and promote its leadership in the field. They will be committed to building and strengthening external relationships with constituents, peers, and networks to further inform, connect and expand NEFA’s work.

This is a new position that will evolve over time.