Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) of Alberta Abbey Foundation (AAF) is a dynamic and strategic leadership role at the intersection of arts, community, and venue management. The ED is responsible for ensuring that the Abbey fulfills its mission of nurturing the creative, visual, and performing arts in N/NE Portland by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities.This role blends nonprofit leadership, fundraising, cultural stewardship, program vision, and entrepreneurial drive. The ED leads resource development, external relations, vision/strategy, and oversees programming to build authentic partnerships with artists, audiences, tenants, and community members.The successful candidate will be equally comfortable leading a donor meeting, negotiating a rental contract, or rolling up their sleeves to ensure a major performance goes smoothly.Founded in 2015 (and launched in 2018), Alberta Abbey Foundation was created to address the critical need for affordable arts space in Portland by activating a historic church—Mallory Avenue Christian Church—into a nonprofit performing arts center.The Abbey campus includes:A 350-seat theater with a large stage, professional sound, and lightingA café/bar serving beverages, food, and snacks during eventsA Ballroom with hardwood floors, a raised stage, and historic light fixtures12+ office and studio spaces rented to artists, musicians, and cultural workersIn 2020, the board added a specific focus to amplify Black and underrepresented communities.Mission: Alberta Abbey nurtures the creative, visual, and performing arts in N/NE Portland by amplifying opportunities for Black and underrepresented communities.Vision: A local arts ecosystem where diverse artists and community members thrive, supported by affordable space, strong relationships, and equitable opportunities.AAF has recently emerged from a period of rapid growth and professionalization, achieving the strongest financial and operational stability in its history. With a 2025 operating budget of $1.4M, AAF sustains two full-time staff (including the ED), several part-time staff and contractors, and over 100+ artists per year.Event revenue (ticket sales, food & beverage, rentals)Grants (including City of Portland General Operating Support program)Key challenges and opportunities:Diversifying funding by establishing an individual giving program and cultivating major donorsLeading potential capital campaign to purchase the building (AAF currently holds a master lease through 2028 with a below-market purchase option)Maintaining and improving a historic 23,000 sq ft building while sustaining affordability for tenants and artistsBuilding on the financial and operational progress made in the past year and supporting intentional change managementStrengthening community alignment and deepening relationships with Black and historically marginalized communitiesProgramsCommunity Arts Access Program – Provides free/low-cost venue space for youth-focused and community-based arts organizations.Visual Arts Program – Affordable artist studios and free gallery exhibitions.Signature Programming – AAF produces and co-produces music, theater, film, hip-hop, and multidisciplinary shows year-round, with a strong focus during Black History Month and Black Music Month.AAF currently self-produces approximately 55% of its programming, with the remainder presented by outside promoters and community partners.Position & ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:Mission Alignment & Community EngagementServe as the public face of AAF, building trust and authentic partnerships with artists, neighbors, and community stakeholdersEnsure programs and partnerships advance mission, vision, and values (Seek Diversity, Support Artists, Cultivate Trust & Generosity, Be a Good Neighbor, Stay Affordable).Center equity by actively engaging Black and underrepresented artists and communities.Lead strategic planning; set annual goals and impact metrics in collaboration with staff and Board.Lead the development of an individual giving program, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitationGrow institutional funding (grants/sponsorships) and mission-aligned collaboration with the Board, prepare for and potentially lead a capital campaign for building purchase/renovation (case, campaign plan, leadership gifts).Finance & Organizational Stewardship (oversight)With the Board Treasurer, oversee budgeting, financial strategy, and risk management; ensure accurate reporting and compliance.Maintain a sustainable business model balancing earned and contributed revenue.Approve major contracts and policies; ensure nonprofit/legal compliance.Venue & Property Management (oversight)Oversight of day-to-day operations of a complex, multi-use arts facilityOversee bar operations, food & beverage compliance, and event safetySupervise building maintenance, tenant relations, and lease obligationsStaff Leadership & Organizational CultureDirectly supervise the Operations Manager, Facilities Manager, and program/administrative leadsSupervise and mentor staff, contractors, and volunteersServe as leader of staff and culture, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplaceBuild and improve systems and policies that support growth, accountability, and equityProgramming OversightSupport the curation and execution of mission-aligned events and programsBalance AAF-produced programming with rentals that sustain affordability and accessCollaborate with staff and artists to ensure high artistic and professional standardsBoard Relations & GovernancePartner closely with the Board by providing detailed monthly reports, actively participating in meetings, and supporting Board recruitment and development.We highly encourage applications from BIPOC leaders and individuals with lived experience related to AAF’s mission. While no candidate will have every qualification, the ideal ED candidate will demonstrate the following:Leadership & ExperienceSuccessful nonprofit, arts, or cultural organization leadership experienceFundraising track record, including major donors, grants, or sponsorshipsExperience with capital campaigns (preferred, not required)Strong financial management and organizational stewardshipUnderstanding of the nonprofit arts ecosystem and/or for-profit music/entertainment industriesExcellent communicator and relationship-builderSkilled manager of people and a commitment to equityExperience leading personnel management, including hiring, evaluations, and staff transitionsStrong project management, systems-building, and problem-solving abilitiesVenue, hospitality, or property management experience (preferred, not required)Comfortable with public speaking and community representationPersonal QualitiesPassion for music, arts, and cultureWarm, caring, and collaborative spiritEntrepreneurial mindset with the ability to execute visionA sense of humor and grounded perspectiveApplication ProcessPlease submit:ResumeCover letter (1–2 pages) describing your relevant experience and how you would engage the communities we serve.Send materials and questions to are due by October 17. Final decision by November and a start date in December 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06