President and CEO [ArtsKC, Kansas City, MO]

ORGANIZATION

ArtsKC (Metropolitan Arts Council of Greater Kansas City) is a leading cultural agency for the greater Kansas City area created to support, promote, and advocate for the entire arts and culture sector. Following its move, one year ago, to a newly renovated building in the thriving Crossroads arts district, the organization has rebranded itself as ArtsKC and is poised to move forward and embrace its vision to unleash the power of the arts. Founded in 1999, the arts council was formed in conjunction with the attempt to gain regional funding from local tax sources. Though the public funding did not come to fruition, the Arts Council of Kansas City was formed by a pioneering group of individuals, led by Chair Shirley Bush Helzberg, who saw the need for advocacy and general funding for the regional cultural sector.

ArtsKC currently serves five counties in the bi-state region: Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Arts in this region account for $250 million in economic impact, and the area boasts over 250 arts nonprofits and 350 arts related businesses. The creative economy accounts for 4.3% of all business, twice the national average. Internationally acclaimed arts venues and performance organizations include:  the 285,000-square foot Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Kansas City Ballet, The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the American Jazz Museum, and the Kansas City Art Institute. In an article for the Kansas City Star, Reynold Levy, the president of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City wrote, “The sheer variety of visual and performing arts activity emanating from a town the size of Kansas City and the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations necessary to support it are simply outstanding. Few cities can match this track record, at least those situated between America’s east and west coasts.”

The vision of ArtsKC is to build a city of great dreams and vigorous life, where everyone participates in and benefits from the arts. ArtsKC will accomplish this by bringing together people, resources and ideas through our many initiatives, events and programs.ArtsKC funds and advocates for organizations of all sizes as it serves to strengthen the arts ecology of the region through programs including: the ArtsKC Fund, ArtsKC Advocacy, Now Showing, ArtsKC Awards, and community convenings.

• In FY13 & FY14, the ArtsKC Fund awarded 168 grants worth over $600,000 in three funding categories: Ovation, Catalyst, and Inspirations Grants. 70% of the ArtsKC Fund is awarded through the Ovation Grants Program to well-managed, firmly established not-for-profit arts organizations that have a broad reach and impact throughout the metropolitan area. All current Ovation recipients serve a regional audience with performances, programs, and exhibitions that have a combined attendance of 2 million annually. Catalyst grants are designed to reach a broader range of organizations and programs than those funded in the Ovation category of the ArtsKC Fund. Many of these organizations who receive funding are likely to be growing and changing in more fundamental ways than the Ovation grant recipients. Accordingly, Catalyst grants are often used to accelerate or enable important changes, either in these organizations or in the communities which they serve. Approximately 25% of the ArtsKC Fund is awarded through the Catalyst category. Inspiration Grants from the ArtsKC Fund are an investment in human capital, providing direct support to individual artists and arts professionals for projects and activities that have the potential to advance their careers and build their capacity for future work. In FY15, the distribution of ArtsKC Fund grant monies increased by 43%.
• ArtsKC Advocacy ensures that the arts sector is seen as a viable solution to community challenges and a key ingredient to economic development. Initiatives include partnering with the Kansas City, Missouri Office of Culture and Creative Services, actively leading OneArtsKC, the cultural plan for the Kansas City region that sets forth a vision for successful cultural development, and cohosting Arts Advocacy Day at the Missouri State Capital.
• Now Showing is a program designed to foster partnerships between individual artists and businesses by providing opportunities for metro-area artists to display their work in the conference rooms, lobbies, and office spaces of local companies.  The partnership benefits the artist who is exposed to a potential new audience, as well as the company that is exposed to new elements of creativity and inspiration.
• Considered one of Kansas City’s most inspiring business events of the year, the ArtsKC Awards Luncheon is attended by more than 600 leaders in the business, civic, and arts communities. This annual event recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the individuals and businesses who are the driving force behind the region’s thriving arts community.

ArtsKC’s annual operating budget is approximately $2 million, which is expected to grow 5%-10% annually. Currently, contributed income accounts for 90% of total income ($1.7 million). The goal for 2018 is to increase the ArtsKC Fund from $500,000 to $1 million. ArtsKC’s professional and support staff of 10 is supplemented by interns and more than 200 volunteers. The President & CEO reports to the 15-member Board of Directors.

COMMUNITY

Kansas City, Missouri is known as “The City of Fountains” with more streams of sparkling water than Rome, Italy. Metropolitan Kansas City has a population of 2.1 million in the bi-state area. Geographically, it is located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers and is the closest major city to the geographic center of the lower 48 states. Known for its Jazz roots and world-famous barbeque, the city has become a cultural center for the arts at all levels, a sports mecca, and is enjoying a renaissance in design and entrepreneurship.

Dinner and entertainment go hand-in-hand, and Kansas City has over 100 barbeque establishments and nationally renowned competitions every year. From the roaring 20’s onward, jazz reigned supreme in Kansas City and its presence is still felt today. The18th & Vine Historic Jazz District has clubs that are packed every night and a 17-foot bronze memorial to Charlie Parker; the Mutual Musicians Foundation has fierce, late-night jam sessions; and the American Jazz Museum features legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.

Adding to the excitement of the urban center is the unique Country Club Plaza, a beautiful 14-block shopping area that is modeled after Seville, Spain. This extraordinary area is filled with romantic Moorish architecture, outdoor artwork and intricate fountains. The Crown Center is just one more example of KC’s exemplary creative spirit coming alive.  Part international headquarters for Hallmark Cards, part entertainment complex, it is a must for families as there is fun and inspiration throughout the entire structure. In the Crossroads District, old warehouses now house locally owned boutiques, restaurants and a thriving arts scene. During First Fridays, you will find thousands flocking to the district to tour the 60 galleries and shops that are open late on the first Friday of each month.
Metropolitan Kansas City is home to one of the nation’s largest federal government centers with over 30,000 federal government employees including a Federal Reserve Bank. Additionally, many major US corporations have their headquarters in the city, including Hallmark Cards, Sprint, AMC Theaters, H&R Block, American Century Investments, and Garmin. It has two major auto assembly plants (Ford and GM), as well as a Harley Davidson motorcycle assembly plant. One little known center of entrepreneurship is the SubTropolis, the world’s largest underground business complex. Underground, the temperature remains a constant 65 degrees, a savings of 85% in heating and cooling costs for companies. More than 10 percent of the industrial space in greater Kansas City is located “down under,” covering about 25 million square feet—an area bigger than the downtown business district.

In addition to being one of America’s top 10 cities for arts and culture (according to Kiplinger magazine), with the Kansas City Chiefs (National Football League), the Kansas City Royals (Major League Baseball), and Sporting Kansas City (Major League Soccer), there is something for even the most die-hard sports fans. Opportunities for families abound including the Kansas City Zoo, Worlds of Fun, and the Lakeside Nature Center. The cost of living in the region is well below the national average, there are excellent public and private schools, and there is a wide-variety of affordable housing in Kansas City and the neighboring region.

Sources: www.Forbes.com, www.visitKC.com, www.city-data.com, www.Kiplinger.com, www.tripadvisor.com

POSITION SUMMARY

As a high-level representative for the arts, the President & CEO will seek out opportunities to shine the light on the diverse Kansas City Arts community and its exceptional cultural entities. S/he will be responsible for clearly articulating and publicizing ArtsKC’s mission to “support, promote, and advocate” to the greater community. S/he will work with the Board to refine strategic goals, initiatives and measures established by the board in 2015, and create a long-term strategic plan that will strengthen the infrastructure of the organization, and build community-wide relationships with both non-profit and for-profit partners. The President & CEO will direct the implementation of OneArtsKC, the regional cultural plan, grant-making activities, fundraising, partnership development, and the overall administrative management of the organization.

Leadership & Advocacy

• Position ArtsKC as the Region’s “cheerleader for the arts”, leading efforts to ensure that the general public, funders, business leaders, and elected officials understand the breadth and depth of arts and culture and its importance to the quality of life in the region.
• Advocate with state and local agencies to promote the arts as a significant strategy for cultural tourism and economic development.
• Collaborate with large and small arts organizations to develop consistent messaging about the tangible and intangible value and impact of the arts and culture as a collective positive influence on life in the region.

• Initiate, lead and engage in broad based arts and culture advocacy initiatives at the local, regional, and statewide level that raise the profile of all arts organizations.
• Serve as the face of the organization, representing ArtsKC and the entire regional culture sector at meetings, conventions, and public forums in the business, philanthropic, and civic sectors.
• Advance local and statewide initiatives and legislation to consider public support for cultural tourism and the arts sector.

Strategy & Branding

• Strengthen the regional public relations and institutional branding programs, ensuring that the general public, funders, arts organizations, business leaders, and elected officials understand the role of ArtsKC and its value and impact in the community.
• Initiate formal and informal conversations and gatherings with arts organizations of all sizes to better understand their needs and expectations of ArtsKC in a greater cultural context.
• Seek opportunities to develop strategic partnerships and collaborate with arts organization to deliver relevant and timely programming to diverse communities throughout the region.
• Pursue creative and engaging ways to expand ArtsKC’s reach and impact in the community by presenting programs and activities to attract new audiences, while continuing to strengthen relationships with traditional audiences.
• Institute messaging through marketing to demonstrate the positive economic and community impact of the entire spectrum of arts and cultural activities and the power of the arts.
• Create greater access to and availability of arts education experiences and advocate for greater curricular integration of the arts.  Support professional development for artists and artistic organizations.

• Lead the ArtsKC’s utilization of OneArtsKC, the regional cultural plan, and create a long-term strategic plan for ArtsKC, in conjunction with the Board of Directors.

Financial Oversight & Resource Development

• Develop and diversify the financial resources necessary to fulfill ArtsKC’s strategic plan and ensure future stability and sustainability.
• Oversee all financial reporting to ensure transparency and accuracy; work with Finance Director and Board Finance Committee on all reporting.
• Lead fund development efforts that secure philanthropic contributions; attract corporate support; and generate earned income.
• Cultivate, maintain, and enhance relationships with current and potential contributors.

Governance

• Partner with the Board to ensure that ArtsKC is a mission-driven, responsible organization that clearly articulates its purpose, goals and objectives to the larger community.
• Engage in the identification, recruitment, on-boarding, and training of new Board Members.
• Examine the goals of the Board in the short- and long-term to better align ArtsKC with the business, philanthropic, and arts community.

• Motivate the Board to maximize their participation in ArtsKC and their contribution toward its success and growth.
• Craft Board strategies for effective evaluation, and celebration of ArtsKC staff and Board successes.
• Prepare written and oral reports for presentation to the Board at regular meetings.
• Meet with the Board Committees on a regular basis to establish protocol, processes and implement Board objectives.

Administrative & Human Resources

• Examine the current use of Human Resources to assure the maximization of the current strengths on the staff. Hire and train as necessary to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Provide guidance to all administrative staff to maximize effectiveness and productivity, administering fiscal and organizational leadership.

• Develop human resource policies, practices, and procedures as appropriate, ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws and regulations.

• Establish an administrative presence and internal relations that promote a professionally kind working atmosphere and attainment of mutually established goals.
• Supply learning opportunities and professional development for staff, encouraging continuous career development and growth.
• Oversee all grant-making activities, re-examining the current grant structure and formula, working with the staff to develop more opportunities for grant seekers, and manage the grant-making process.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

The President & CEO must be a diplomatic leader who will be able to communicate with diverse stakeholders and engage at every level of the greater Kansas City community. Politically savvy and charming, s/he will understand the operating structure of a granting organization and the many constituents who benefit from a strong regional arts council. Ready to participate with the Board at strategic meetings, the staff in the operational details, and public policy makers in advocacy, the President & CEO enjoys a wide variety of tasks and varying agendas from everyone s/he meets. An excellent listener and perceptive collaborator, the selected individual will possess exceptional communication skills and be a courageous representative of ArtsKC with a highly visible presence in the five county bi-state region.

The President & CEO will be a high-level professional with knowledge of industry standards and organizational management. In addition, s/the will possess the following competencies:

• Diplomacy and Interpersonal Skills: The capacity to embrace different points of view constructively, resolve conflicts, and bring cohesion to a wide array of stakeholders while interacting with them in a positive manner, treating them fairly, and listening carefully to what they have to say.
• Leadership and Flexibility: The ability to organize and motivate other people to accomplish goals while understanding that plans may need to be altered, and therefore, also have the agility and adaptability to embrace and implement change.
• Decision-making and Personal Accountability: The ability to effectively utilize processes to make informed decisions and then assume accountability for business and personal actions.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree preferred, and a minimum of 7-10 years of increasing leadership experience in a nonprofit or private/public partnership organization. This includes nonprofit arts and culture organizations; local, state, or national cultural agencies; foundations or other grant-making organizations, and other similar institutions. A passion for art in its myriad of forms is expected. Experience working with nonprofit boards is necessary, as are excellent written and verbal presentation and computer (Microsoft Office) skills.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Generous compensation package commensurate with experience, including health, life, vision, and dental insurance; vacation, holiday, and sick pay; an employee retirement plan; as well as access to discounted and complimentary tickets to arts and culture events throughout the region.

APPLICATIONS AND INQUIRIES

Please submit a letter and resume by electronic submission with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to:

Ms. Pamela A. Pantos

Arts Consulting Group, Inc.

292 Newbury Street, Suite 315

Boston, MA 02115-2836

Cell      (617) 335.6920

Fax      (888) 284.6651

E-mail  ArtsKC@ArtsConsulting.com

It is the fundamental policy of ArtsKC to provide equal opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, sex,

sexual orientation, national origin, age, Veteran status or disability status.