Careers

Chief Executive Officer (Click Here to View Job Description)

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer
Department: General Administration
Reports To: KCFAA Board of Directors
Hours Worked: Full Time, In Person
Primary Contacts: KCFAA Staff, Vendors, Donors, Visitors

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA)

KCFAA’s mission is to make dance accessible to all people by presenting the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, teaching young people critical life skills through dance, and modeling interracial and multi-cultural community partnerships. If you enjoy dance, diversity, and educating young minds through the arts, KCFAA could be the place for you!

Position Summary

The CEO will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for KCFAA, including strategic planning, Board governance, financial stability, community engagement, programming, and staff management. The KCFAA Board of Directors seeks an executive leader who will embrace the values of the organization – serving the entire community – while working collectively to set a future vision for KCFAA that will inspire and guide the Board and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer

The key elements of responsibilities include the following:

  • Fully embrace KCFAA’s three-part mission as a presenter, educator, and unifier.
  • Develop and maintain a strong collaborative relationship with the Chief Artistic Officer – working with them to develop a broad programmatic presence across the community.
  • Lead the process of development and drive implementation of KCFAA’s strategic plan, identifying opportunities for innovation and improving the long-term financial sustainability of KCFAA through stewardship of organizational resources.
  • Effectively forge important relationships externally, including funders and current / potential arts partners, as well as with the leadership and staff of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York.
  • Oversee and expand income streams, including both earned and contributed revenue.
  • In partnership with the Director of Development, develop and lead KCFAA’s fund-raising efforts.
  • Develop and maintain a positive and productive working culture that will enhance the staff’s ability to do their best work.
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board to engage their skills and commitments to governance and advocacy.
  • Maintain effective relationships with venue partners, local school districts, and the City, which owns the organization’s studio/office space.
  • Oversee all organizational, financial, and business affairs.

Qualifications

While no single individual may possess all of the following qualifications, the successful candidate for this role will possess many of these skills and experiences:

  • A deep love of and a demonstrable history with the performing arts, particularly dance.
  • A strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, evidenced in current and previous leadership roles.
  • Prior roles with organizations of comparable size or scope. The committee is open to candidates who have previously held the CEO position as well as those who have demonstrated leadership capacity but in secondary roles.
  • A true organizational leader and strategic thinker relative to vision and growth.
  • An understanding of all areas of income generation, including audience development and fundraising, and an ability to serve as a key leader of contributed revenue efforts.
  • A strong relationship builder.
  • Demonstrated success in building board membership and effectiveness.
  • Strong organizational management, financial management and budgeting skills.

Competencies

The following personal attributes are also important to the Committee:

  • Exceptional communication skills – both speaking and writing.
  • Taking satisfaction in serving as an ambassador in business and social settings.
  • A real passion for community and enhancing community with and through the arts.
  • A transparent, collaborative, and confident leadership style.
  • Satisfaction in achieving the best work in others.
  • A desire to be fully engaged in the Kansas City community.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply in complete confidence by providing materials requested below with these guidelines:

  • A cover letter of no more than 1.5 pages describing why this post is attractive to the applicant and what will make them a potentially strong leader for KCFAA.
  • Resumé or CV.
  • Names of four professional references, including email and phone contact information (recommendation letters are not required).
  • Each file should have the applicant’s name included as part of the file name and submitted as separate .pdf documents.

Use this link to submit application materials: https://mcaonline.com/searches/ceo-friends-ailey-kansas

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.