Executive Director Coalition African Americans Performing Arts; CAAPA)

Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) Position – Executive Director

Job Description

Reports to:

Board of Directors

Supervises:
Staff, contractors, consultants, and volunteers, as applicable

The Executive Director serves as CAAPA’s Chief Executive Officer and strategic leader, working in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission of increasing access, opportunity, and representation for African Americans in the performing arts.

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for strategy, programming, fundraising, financial stewardship, organizational development, community partnerships, and external relations. The Executive Director assures that CAAPA operates with strong governance, sound financial management, and measurable impact while positioning the organization for sustainable long-term growth. Success in this role is measured by organizational impact, financial sustainability, strategic execution, and strong relationships with artists, educators, donors, partners, and the Board.

For more information about CAAPA visit https://4caapa.org

• Lead creation and implementation of CAAPA’s strategic vision and annual operating plan.
• Work closely with the Board to establish priorities, evaluate opportunities, and measure organizational performance.
• Identify emerging opportunities that expand CAAPA’s impact throughout the region and nationally.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee CAAPA’s programs to ensure mission alignment, measurable impact, fiscal responsibility, and organizational sustainability.
• Work with staff and artistic partners to develop programs that balance mission, quality, audience engagement, and financial responsibility.

• Lead and expand CAAPA’s fundraising and advancement efforts by:
• Developing and implementing an annual fundraising strategy.
• Cultivating relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Working with the Board to strengthen its fundraising capacity.
• Identifying new revenue opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Ensuring grant development and stewardship.

• Provide sound financial stewardship by:
• Developing annual budgets with Board approval.
• Monitoring financial performance and cash flow.
• Ensuring appropriate financial controls and reporting.
• Managing resources responsibly to achieve strategic priorities.
• Presenting clear financial information to the Board.

• Partner with the Board to support governance, strategic planning, committee operations, policy implementation, and informed decision-making.
• Implement Board policies and priorities.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board.

• Serve as CAAPA’s chief ambassador and spokesperson, building relationships with community stakeholders, donors, educators, arts organizations, government agencies, and corporate partners; representing the organization publicly; strengthening visibility; and developing strategic partnerships.

• Lead the organization by:
• Recruiting, developing, and supervising staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Establishing clear goals and accountability.
• Creating an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.
• Ensuring compliance with legal, financial, and nonprofit best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit, arts, education, or related leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success leading organizations or major initiatives.
• Experi…