NXTHVN Executive Director

The Organization NXTHVN was founded in 2018 by acclaimed artist Titus Kaphar and impact investor Jason Price. NXTHVN stands as a groundbreaking institution that uniquely combines the best of arts and entrepreneurship. Through access, education, programming, and impact investing, NXTHVN launches the careers of artists and curators while simultaneously strengthening the livelihood of its local community. The organization operates with a $1.5 million annual budget and is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors.

The Mission Create groundbreaking educational and professional opportunities; and deliver resources, knowledge, and capital to underrepresented professional artists, curators, and members of the surrounding Dixwell community.

The Opportunity The Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for NXTHVN, ensuring a strong and sustainable business model to fulfill its mission and expand its impact. The ED will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization, including fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational development.

NXTHVN is in a critical stage of development, and the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the organization is fiscally and administratively sound by aligning operations, communications, programs, partnerships, and development efforts with the mission, Board policies, and community needs. The ED will serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, representing the organization to donors, partners, community members, business leaders, and the broader arts and cultural sector.

The ideal Executive Director must effectively balance internal organizational requirements with external relationship building. The ED should also be an outstanding facilitator, collaborator, and communicator who can gain the trust and confidence of founders, staff, Board members, program participants, partners (both existing and potential), funders, and other stakeholders.

Compensation The salary for this position is $175,000-$200,000 annually. NXTHVN provides comprehensive benefits, including health/dental insurance (employee contributory), and PTO and holidays in addition to a supportive and dynamic work environment. NXTHVN is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership, parental status, military status, or any other non-merit factor.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision The ED will lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment between programs, operations, and organizational mission. A key aspect of this role involves fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. The ED will also build and maintain strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s goals and enhance its impact in the arts community and beyond.

Financial Management and Fundraising The Executive Director will oversee the organization’s financial health, including budget development, financial planning, and fiscal management. The ED will steward NXTHVN’s strong, existing institutional and individual funder relationships and cultivate new relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow the organization. Developing and implementing strategies to diversify and expand revenue streams will be essential to ensuring NXTHVN’s long-term sustainability.

The ED will ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements and best practices, working with the Board of Directors to develop and implement sound financial policies and procedures, including development of clearly articulated key performance indicators (KPIs).

Community Engagement and External Relations As the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, the Executive Director will build and…