Creative Acts - Executive Director → Los Angeles, CA

Who We Are: We are a Black-founded organization that centers those with lived experience of incarceration and the global majority (BIPOC) in decision-making positions.

Our Impact

• Voter Turnout:
  Our “Art Attacks” program yielded a 100% voter turnout from incarcerated youth during the 2020 election.
• First Program in Security Housing Unit:
  Our “Virtual Reality Reentry” program is the first of its kind to operate in a Security Housing Unit at a maximum-security prison. These sessions decreased in-person infractions by 96% within the first year.
• 15+ Alumni Create Our Programs:
  Our brain trust and our foundation for all programs and training comes from the development work of our alumni community who have served a total of 200+ years behind bars.

Executive Director

Creative Acts is an exciting, fast-paced organization undergoing an important transformation. Its Founder—who has led the organization over the last six years—with the support and approval of the entire Creative Acts organization, is enthusiastic to transition and assume the role of Director of Engagement. The organization seeks a new motivated/visionary leader to partner with the Founder, Board of Directors, and staff to take Creative Acts to its next level of programmatic reach, philanthropic support, and field leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall vision, direction, and daily operations with a focus on infrastructure development and strategic planning, including operational, financial, administrative, and personnel management.
• In close partnership with the COO, assess current staffing requirements and develop a plan to build a strong team and sustainable infrastructure aligned with the goals and vision of the organization.
• Lead efforts to expand fundraising capacity for Creative Acts, working in concert with the Director of Engagement, Director of Development, COO, and Board of Directors to enhance existing donor relationships and expand efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new individual and foundation donors.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs, Alumni Lab and other program developers to create, pilot, and launch programming to advance the mission and impact of Creative Acts, including collaborations and partnerships with other social justice and art-focused organizations.
• In partnership with the Director of Programs and in collaboration with the Alumni Lab, contribute in the development and implementation of Creative Acts’ workshops and presentations, including training and educational experiences.
• Work in close alignment with the COO to oversee financial planning, reporting, and budgeting, and establish policies, benchmarks, and evaluative tools to ensure accountability and consistency.
• Manage the organization's resources within budget guidelines and in accordance with current laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to the Board of Directors; ensure they are fully informed about significant organizational developments, organizational health, and strategic direction.
• In cooperation with the Board Secretary and Chair, prepare, coordinate, and facilitate Board of Directors meetings.
• Represent Creative Acts as the face of the organization and participate in industry-group conferences, professional associations, and other public venues and events.

Qualifications

• Nonprofit leadership and administration, preferably as an Executive Director
• Significant organizing, advocacy, nonprofit, and/or policy experience
• Deep community relationships within Southern California and the incarceration system
• Comprehension and commitment to the power of the arts and creativity in the social justice space
• Personal or lived experience within the incarceration system
• Previous management of cash flow and assisting with budget-planning
• Firsthand knowledge of fundraising strategies, tactics, and best practices
• Desired Qualities:
• Depth of perspective…