Executive Director
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture was founded in 2003. Organization’s mission: Rooted in Arab arts and language, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches understanding and celebrates diversity, while supporting the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity and playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.
Operating Budget: $700k
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, its staff, programs, administration, and execution of its mission. Other key duties include fundraising, project direction, and stakeholder outreach.
Responsibilities:
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Organization Mission and Strategy Fulfillment: Works with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic plan creation and implementation, as well as stakeholder outreach and is responsible for:
● Developing and directing Al-Bustan’s programs that carry out the organization’s mission.
● Envisioning and managing the implementation of Al-Bustan’s marketing initiatives, in-house or in collaboration with hired PR firms.
● Working with curators to strategize, schedule, and deliver arts presentations and exhibitions.
● Growing Al-Bustan’s reputation by cultivating relationships and maintaining its visibility in the community and by impressing partners, funders, donors, and other stakeholders.
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Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate and is responsible for:
● Effective administration of Al-Bustan’s space (the Hub).
● Hiring, retention and management of competent, qualified staff.
● Overseeing independent contractors.
● Signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.
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Financial Performance and Viability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization and is responsible for:
● Maintaining the fiscal integrity of Al-Bustan to include developing, managing, and submitting for the Board’s approval the annual budget.
● Overseeing the preparation of and submission of all required tax-related documents.
● Tracking and assessing finances weekly with Al-Bustan’s accountant and annually with its CPA.
● Overseeing and managing payroll, employee benefits, insurance, and support services.
● Fundraising, inclusive of grant writing and grant management, and developing other revenue sources necessary to support Al-Bustan’s operations and programs.
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Board Governance: Works with the Board to fulfill the organization’s mission and is responsible for:
● Leading Al-Bustan in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
● Communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
Core Professional Qualifications:
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A bachelor’s degree in arts administration/education/nonprofit management or related fields
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Transparent and high-integrity leadership
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7-10 years of nonprofit management experience
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Deep knowledge of Arab culture, arts, and history
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Experience in arts presentations, arts education, and arts-propelled civic engagement
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Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting
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Strong organizational abilities including planning, program development, staff, volunteers and board motivation
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Proven visionary and strategic abilities
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Successful track record and experience in fundraising from various sources (institutional, corporate, and individual donors). Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector
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Familiarity with the Arab American experience
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Strong written and oral communication skills
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Strong public speaking ability
Desired Professional Qualifications
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Fluency in Arabic language
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Experience in living or extensively traveling in the Middle East
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Advanced Degree in Arts Administration/Education/Social Services
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Familiarity with the Philadelphia arts/culture scene
Please submit the following materials to [email protected]
● Resume
● Cover Letter
● Contact information for two professional references (to be contacted at a later stage of the interview process)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To ensure full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by July 15, 2024.
Al-Bustan is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.