Telluride Arts Executive Director
The Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities (TCAH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts in the Town of Telluride, Colorado. As the first non-profit in the region, TCAH has been serving to incubate and support a local creative culture that has come to define Telluride, leading, inspiring and promoting for over 50 years excellence in and access to the creation, experience and active support of the arts for all community members.
TCAH is now searching for its next Executive Director to lead a dynamic organization that has been central to Telluride's vibrant cultural identity for over 50 years. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of arts and culture in one of Colorado's most distinctive creative communities while overseeing the restoration of a National Historic Landmark.
Our unique concern is to elevate and promote all the arts in the Telluride Arts District, comprising numerous institutions, activities and events that engage extraordinary artists in town and from around the region. Providing facility space, grant and support, employment, exhibition and performance opportunities, training, advocacy, and information services for artists and arts and cultural organizations, TCAH designs, directs and implements programming that helps create access to the arts in Telluride. (See below.) Additionally, TCAH is the owner and principal steward of the Telluride Transfer Warehouse, a National Historic Landmark built in 1906 currently under restoration as a community and cultural center.
As the administrator of the town’s Colorado Creative District designation, TCAH advocates for the arts in town and on behalf of Telluride in regional and state matters.
POSITION SUMMARY
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Reports To: Board of Directors
Position Supervises: Programs Manager, Office Manager, Full Charge Bookkeeper, Grant Writer & Marketing/Communications Specialist
Positions Status: Full Time, Exempt Employee
The Executive Director (ED) guides the strategic vision and direction of TCAH and serves as the organization’s chief operating officer. The ED leads and administers all programs, operations and policies and is responsible for all aspects of strategic planning, fundraising, public visibility, and operational and financial oversight. The ED will serve as the public face of the organization, representing its values and vision in the community, public events and strategic partnerships. Reporting to the Board of Directors (BOD), the ED leads and mentors a professional staff, navigating change, building relationships, and fostering an environment of excellence in the arts.
TCAH is an equal opportunity employer and strives to create an environment for career advancement and professional growth at all levels. The ED will cultivate TCAH’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, bringing diverse groups together towards a common goal and creating a synergistic community impact.
PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPECTATIONS
The ED is an essential component to the success of TCAH. This position is expected to prioritize time and responsibilities in the following manner:
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Provide the vision and strategy for TCAH to ensure the citizens of Telluride and Mountain Village have access to and engagement with a thriving arts culture enhancing the region’s quality of life and economic vibrancy.
Foster a culture of innovation at TCAH to realize new ideas, concepts and strategies that amplify the cultural vitality of the Telluride region. Cultivate a collaborative organizational structure and culture with cohesive, creative, communicative and productive partnerships for internal and external stakeholders, and build upon the significant growth and success that has been achieved by TCAH.
Conduct periodic assessments of strategic priorities, resources, and direction, with analysis of program success, performance, financial position, ongoing relevance, and mission achievement.
As an ex-officio member of the TCAH Board of Directors, participate in strategic planning and development of institutional, operational, programming and fiscal planning objectives to meet short- and long-term goals, as well as all board-level committees, as directed. Implement pillars, goals, and measurable outcomes of the TCAH operating and strategic plans.
Build a deep partnership with the Board of Directors and staff to support the advancement of TCAH while honoring its legacy and charting a course for a dynamic future.
Compile annual performance data of TCAH and ensure that appropriate reports are generated, including annual reports and major funder reports.
Demonstrate a commitment to engaging authentically in the communities TCAH serves and to attract and retain high-performing staff, visual and performing artists and volunteers that represent those same communities.
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Oversee and direct financial operations for TCAH, ensuring that accurate and timely financial procedures, monthly and year-end reporting, and audit processes are accomplished. Direct cash flow management and resource allocation.
Develop and monitor annual organizational and department budgets working with department staff and contracted personnel. Ensure TCAH is appropriately insured for all operations, facilities, and programs.
Coordinate all audit activities and proper filing of tax returns and ensure legal and regulatory compliance regarding all financial functions.
Recruit, screen, hire, train, and evaluate TCAH salaried and contracted personnel, ensuring appropriate policies, benefits, practices, and training are implemented and supported. Perform routine evaluations of personnel performance, administering coaching and professional development support. Execute performance improvement plans and termination proceeding, when required.
Initiate and negotiate multi-year facility management contracts and extensions with Town of Telluride and private ownership for the Transfer Warehouse and TCAH Headquarters, respectively, and ensure that all aspects of facility management and facility maintenance plan are accomplished for TCAH properties.
Participate in the development of business plans and budgets for grant applications. Provide budget and contract analysis and monitor contract compliance required by funding sources.
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Assess and prioritize fundraising capacity and needs of TCAH while structuring contributed and earned revenue goals, including donor campaigns, major gifts, sponsorships, fundraising events, grants, work-place campaigns, local, state and federal government funding, and other fund development activities.
With the Board of Directors, staff and contracted personnel, execute strategies through fundraising, resource development, marketing and communications to enhance revenue and create a wider base of philanthropic support in the community.
Oversee and manage endowed and restricted funds and execute related reporting to fulfill donor directives.
Participate in the development of business plans and budgets for grant applications. Provide budget and contract analysis and monitor contract compliance required by funding sources.
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Provide leadership and overall direction in the development and delivery of major organization-wide programs and initiatives to include Heart of the Arts gallery exhibitions; Telluride ArtWalks, held on the first Thursday of the month ten times a year; Telluride Artist Grants and Flash Grants; Art in Public Places exhibitions and installations; Summer and Holiday Arts Bazaars; Live at the Library concert series; Talking Gourds online spoken word series; fiscal sponsorship (umbrella) program and, when activated, programming at the Telluride Transfer Warehouse. TCAH also publishes the Morning Journal and What’s On eNewsletters, which help connect artists, creatives and cultural workers, while promoting local arts programming.
Work with staff to support the engagement of visual, performing, and literary artists, ensuring that all appropriate recruitment, background checks, and contract procedures are followed.
Conduct regular cadence of assessments of program success, performance, financial position, ongoing relevance and mission achievement. Ensure that appropriate permits, risk management, resources, volunteers, and staffing teams are secured and directed appropriately.
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Serve as chief spokesperson and advocate for TCAH and the value and needs of the organization and the arts and cultural sector more broadly, speaking passionately about the power of the arts to positively change lives within engaged and underserved segments of our community.
Lead and support community-wide planning initiatives for the arts and cultural sector, fostering collaborations with local artists, nonprofit and commercial organizations, local schools and the Town of Telluride, as well as representative entities in surrounding communities to include Norwood, Sawpit and Rico in the establishment of a regional creative district.
Create annual strategies for marketing campaigns through social media and other digital platforms, website, email newsletters, press releases, and other tools for communication.
Ideal Candidate
A creative, collaborative, and visionary leader, the ED will be recognized for their ability to engage with a broad and diverse group of stakeholders, driving action that advances the impact of the Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities. An effective consensus builder, communicator, and negotiator, the ED will inspire trust and confidence with a respectful and diplomatic approach to varying points of view. The ED will value collaboration, have a history of personal involvement in and appreciation for local and regional arts councils, and possess a deep awareness of issues and trends impacting the arts and culture sector regionally and nationally. Other key competencies include:
Leadership and personal accountability – The clarity to use positional and relational influence to organize people to pursue a collective vision, managed with a sense of purpose and direction.
Diplomacy and interpersonal skills – The integrity to uphold the highest ethical standards while exhibiting tact when communicating with all members of the TCAH and Telluride community.
Problem solving and time and priority management – The resilience to solve problems from a variety of vantage points while understanding the limited capacity of the organization and that resources must be allocated to solve these issues in a planned, measured, and orderly fashion.
Teamwork and employee development/coaching – The dexterity to organize and motivate staff members, mentoring and assisting in professional development throughout the organization.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Proven track record of strategic leadership with experience in strategic fundraising, program planning and implementation in comparable grant making and community service organizations.
Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible management of financial and bookkeeping systems, e.g. QuickBooks, and experience in accounting and budgeting functions for small to medium-sized nonprofits.
Demonstrated knowledge of visual and performing arts, festival and event planning, fundraising, community engagement, arts education, human relations, nonprofit financial management and governance practices.
Documented achievements in fundraising: grant writing, private funding sources, donor development, city, state, federal fundsourcing for operational budget and capital projects.
Superior oral and written communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders at every level of local, regional, statewide, and national influence is needed.
Established relationships with Telluride and surrounding areas such as Mountain Village business, arts and civic leaders highly desirable, as well as evidence of successful collaborations with local, state and regional organizations. Knowledge of the Telluride region, culture, lifestyle required.
Seven to 10 years of increasing responsibility in nonprofit administration.
Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in nonprofit management, or another related field preferred
There will be opportunities for other duties as this position may evolve and policies and training may change. Reasonable accommodation will be reviewed, and modifications may be made according to ADA guidelines. This position utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques, and appropriate equipment to minimize fall risk or injury to self.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to sit for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per workday.
Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift and move items up to 20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files).
Sufficient visual acuity to read documents, computer screens, and other communications.
Ability to hear and communicate clearly in person, over the phone, and via electronic communication.
Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching as needed within the office environment.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle for local travel as required; must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record.
Compensation and Benefits
In compliance with Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA) we are disclosing the range of compensation for this position, which is an exempt, at-will position. The Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including an annual salary range of $120,000 to $145,000. TCAH offers a generous benefits package (after 90 days) for full time employees:
Health insurance stipend employees (up to $500/mo).
10 days Paid Vacation.
Retirement IRA with employer match.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested candidates, please email resume and cover letter explaining why you believe your experiences meet the requirements of the role to Stacey Follon at search@telluridearts.org.
TCAH will be taking applications beginning May 5, 2025, through May 16, 2025, exclusively for local area candidates. The job posting will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as established to meet the ongoing needs of the business. Telluride Arts is an “at-will” employer.
Telluride Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, or status as a U.S. Veteran.
