Executive Director

Louisville Ballet; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid work schedule

Generous vacation and holidays

Job summary

Create Birmingham seeks an Executive Director to advance its mission, steer strategic priorities, and ensure sustainable operation. Working with the Board, the ED leads fundraising, communications, and program delivery while building relationships with arts stakeholders in Birmingham.

The successful candidate will oversee staff, manage finances, cultivate donors, and expand the organization’s impact on the local creative economy.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years of leadership within a mission-driven org.
• Proven ability to set strategy, grow the organization and lead operations.
• Knowledge of Birmingham’s arts, culture and creative economy highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of the strategic plan with the Board.
• Oversee finances, budgets and donor reporting to ensure sustainability.
• Cultivate major donors, foundations and public funding relationships.
• Recruit, develop and manage a high-performing staff team.
• Oversee programs, partnerships and engagement in the community.

Skills

Strategic Planning

Fundraising

Board relations

Operations management

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ORGANIZATION

Create Birmingham’s mission is to invest in economic development in the nonprofit and commercial creative sectors including performing arts, visual arts and crafts, culture and heritage, media and film, design, and culinary arts. As the only agency in the region exclusively devoted to the creative industries, it is Create Birmingham’s privilege to collaborate with individuals, businesses, and organizations to identify opportunities, overcome barriers, and strengthen communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Create Birmingham Executive Director (ED) is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long‑term sustainability of the organization. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED provides visionary leadership, oversees daily operations, ensures financial stewardship, leads fundraising and community engagement efforts, develops and supports a high‑performing staff team, and ensures the effective delivery of programs and services. As the organization’s primary ambassador, the ED builds relationships with creatives, funders, community leaders, and civic partners while fostering growth in Birmingham’s creative economy and strengthening the organization’s impact throughout the community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with public, private, philanthropic, and community stakeholders to advance organizational goals.
• Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges impacting Birmingham’s creative economy and nonprofit sector.
• Ensure organizational resources are aligned with strategic priorities and community needs.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Ensure the financial stability, sustainability, and long‑term viability of the organization.
• Develop annual operating and capital budgets for board approval and oversee budget execution.
• Maintain sound financial controls, policies, and reporting practices consistent with nonprofit best practices and compliance requirements.
• Steward organizational assets and ensure resources are used effectively, responsibly, and in accordance with donor intent.

Donor Cultivation & Engagement

• Serve as the chief fundraiser and lead relationship manager for major donors, foundations, corporations, and public funding entities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders and find opportunities for deeper collaborations.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to advance fundraising goals and strengthen donor engagement.
• Ensure timely and meaningful donor recognition, communication, and impact reporting.

Employee Engagement & Development

• Recruit, retain, develop, and evaluate a small but high‑performing and mission‑driven team.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Provide the team with the necessary support, work environment and resources to help them succeed.

Programming & Service Delivery

• Ensure programs and services effectively advance the organization’s strategic priorities and respond to the needs of the community.
• Oversee grant‑funded program implementation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Communicate program impact and outcomes to stakeholders, funders, and the Board of Directors.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and key operational partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal ED will have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience within a mission‑driven organization. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of strategic leadership, organizational growth, and operational excellence in environments that require innovation, collaboration, and resourcefulness. As the leader of a small but impactful organization, the ED must possess an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to think strategically while also executing tactically and managing day‑to‑day operations when needed. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem‑solver who thrives in a dynamic environment and can effectively balance vision with implementation. Knowledge of and passion for Birmingham’s creative economy, arts and culture sector, and creative entrepreneurs is strongly preferred. Established relationships within Birmingham’s creative community and experience convening diverse stakeholders are highly desirable. A bachelor’s degree is preferred; equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, and demonstrated leadership success will be considered.

As the key representative of the organization, this full‑time leadership role requires regular engagement with community stakeholders and may require flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend events, meetings, and organizational functions.

COMPENSATION

Create Birmingham provides an equitable and competitive compensation package that includes:

• Salary range of $95,000 – $100,000/year commensurate with experience
• Health and dental insurance provided by the organization
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Hybrid work schedule, generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities

As the key representative of the organization, this full‑time leadership role requires regular engagement with community stakeholders and may require flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend events, meetings, and organizational functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider

Create Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote/serve persons without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, political ideology, veteran status, or any other classification protected by local, state or federal law.