Executive Director

Executive Director - Wild Goose Creative

Columbus, Ohio - Hybrid | Full-time, salaried position | Requires flexible work hours, including some evenings and weekends | Reports to Board of Directors.

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of Wild Goose Creative (WGC) and is responsible for overall leadership, strategic execution, financial stewardship, fundraising, operations, and community engagement. The ED partners closely with the Board of Directors to advance WGC’s mission and ensure organizational sustainability, transparency, and growth.

The ED ensures that WGC operates with strong systems, clear documentation, responsible financial management, and a collaborative, inclusive culture, and acts as a creative ambassador within Columbus’s arts ecosystem. This role requires a hands‑on leader comfortable working within a lean organizational structure and actively engaging in both strategic and day‑to‑day operational work.

• Staff structure: 1 part‑time staff member, supported by rotating interns and volunteers.
• Governance model: volunteer Board of Directors with active committee engagement.
• Program model: community‑centered, artist‑driven programming with rental revenue support.

• Execute the strategic plan in partnership with the Board.
• Develop annual operating goals aligned with strategic priorities.
• Attend all board & committee meetings, provide monthly written reports to the Board, including a director’s report and committee reports, and an annual report to be published.
• Identify risks and proactively communicate challenges.
• Maintain compliance with nonprofit governance standards.
• Develop annual operating budget in collaboration with the Executive and Governance & Finance Committees, and achieve approved budget targets.
• Monitor budget‑to‑actual performance monthly.
• Manage cash flow, financial forecasting, and ensure the organization maintains responsible cash reserves and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and maintain internal financial controls and oversee payroll, contracts, and vendor management.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan.
• Cultivate and steward donors, members, sponsors, and grantors.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals and required reports.
• Maintain donor CRM with accurate records and communication tracking.
• Identify and pursue new revenue streams.

• Curate and oversee gallery exhibitions, performances, public programs, and space rentals.
• Implement structured planning systems for all programs and events.
• Ensure contracts are executed and documented.
• Maintain strong relationships with artists and community partners.

• Develop, document, and maintain SOPs.
• Maintain organized digital file systems.
• Ensure proper technology and systems management.
• Oversee website accuracy and marketing calendar.
• Maintain insurance, licenses, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee relocation strategy and facility management (as applicable).

• Develop and execute marketing strategy aligned with brand and mission.
• Maintain consistent external communications (email, social, press).
• Track marketing metrics and engagement.
• Supervise staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Provide clear direction, accountability, and performance feedback.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment.

The ED will:

• Maintain open, timely communication with the Board.
• Receive and integrate constructive feedback.
• Provide requested documentation in a timely and organized manner.
• Collaborate with committees as needed.
  
  Uphold transparency and accountability in all operations.
• Strategic thinker with operational discipline.
• Strong financial literacy (budgeting, forecasting, reporting).
• Demonstrated fundraising success.
• Systems-oriented, detail‑driven, and technologically proficient.
• Ability to manage, organize, and delegate multiple priorities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional maturity.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
• Comfort…