S.C. Arts Alliance begins search for new leader

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, June 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. ET

Advocacy Day 2016

Founded in 1979, the S.C. Arts Alliance is the only statewide arts service organization in South Carolina and focuses on advocacy (above), leadership development, and public awareness for the arts industry.

The leading advocacy organization in the state for the arts, the SCAA has a long history of successful efforts to increase public support for the arts and arts education at the state and federal level. Additionally, the organization convenes the industry throughout the year with trainings, workshops, and networking events. It also communicates the public value of the arts to the general public through various means such as online content, public forums, and more.

In April, GP McLeer announced that he would step down after six years as executive director this month. The search for a new leader officially began today. Keep reading for important information.


About the position

The executive director will become the third individual to fulfill this full-time role in the organization’s 40+ year history. Working with a board of 35+ individuals across the state, the ED is critical to the operations and successful implementation of programs for the organization. Acting as the organization’s only employee, the ED is responsible for managing all aspects of the organization’s operations, programs, and planning.

The ED should be able to efficiently and effectively manage several projects and priorities at any given time with professionalism and accuracy. Being the public face for the organization, and at times, the entire South Carolina arts industry – including in front of elected officials at the local, state, and federal level – the ED should be affable and approachable. An ability to navigate political environments with ease and surety is a must, as well as an interest in perfecting their ability to do so.

Above all, the ED should show keen interest in the health, success, and future of the creative industry in South Carolina and demonstrate a passion for serving creative professionals in communities of all sizes.


General responsibilities

The executive director of the SCAA will develop and administer the overall operations of the SCAA in fulfillment of the organization’s mission to advance the arts for all South Carolinians through advocacy, leadership development, and public awareness—in accordance with the plans and policies set forth by the SCAA board of directors.

The ED is employed by and reports to the resident of the SCAA; the executive committee, as deemed appropriate; and is accountable to the full board for overall management and coordination of the SCAA’s activities, services, grant contracts, and any office facilities.

BOARD MANAGEMENT

  • Oversee and coordinate with the president, the various activities of the board of directors and their committees.
  • Assist the president in coordinating board meetings, planning agendas—including logistics and communications—and the planning and implementation of an annual work plan and long-term strategic plans.

CORE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Provide central administration for all projects, activities and day-to-day operations of the SCAA organization and office.
  • Manage all budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
  • Initiate accounting procedures in compliance with accepted standards and accountability measures, along with the Treasurer and bookkeeper.
  • Manage all grant writing, reporting, and funder relationships.
  • Negotiate and execute all legal documents, such as insurance needs, renewal of annual registration with the Secretary of State, and audit and tax filing services.
  • Manage all correspondence and communications including the SCAA website, newsletters, social media, and other outlets.

PROGRAM DUTIES

  • Coordinate all leadership development efforts, providing services and information to the artists, organizations, statewide associations, and arts educators.
  • Monitor and provide updates on legislative activity as it relates to the arts industry and provide materials that inform the organization’s members of the impacts of public policy on the field.
  • Coordinate all advocacy initiatives and communications with constituents and in collaboration with various partners including state agencies and build and maintain an arts advocacy network of interested citizens. This includes the Arts Advocacy Week, the SC Arts Summit and Legislative Action Day as well as attendance and/or leadership in national advocacy events.
  • Set meetings and maintain relationships with elected officials, SC Arts Commission leadership, and industry leaders to keep them informed about the state of the arts in South Carolina
  • Represent the Alliance, providing visibility statewide and nationally by collaborating with and serving as a resource for such organizations as local arts agencies, state agencies, federal agencies, national organizations and coalitions, and local arts groups.
  • Maintain a professional awareness and interest in the field through attendance at seminars, conferences, and workshops; advising Board members of developments and trends in the field and of changes in the agency’s operations and/or membership needs; providing advocacy workshops, speeches, etc.

Key qualifications and knowledge

  • Proven leadership abilities, particularly in the areas of board management and network or coalition building.
  • Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision.
  • Flexibility in work environments.
  • Experience in grant management and financial reporting.
  • Comfortable and confident with online and computer-based software. The ideal candidate will have experience or familiarity with Google Workspace, Squarespace, Quickbooks, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media, and Apple product environments.
  • Reliable transportation within the state, and ability to travel.
  • Deep understanding of the arts industry (for-profit and nonprofit), and arts education.
  • Working knowledge of governmental, legislative, and political processes.
  • Skilled in nonprofit management best practices and industry trends.

Application process details

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a one-page cover letter, in PDF format, via email to SCAAdvocacy@gmail.com.

Deadline for submission is by 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 6, 2022.

  • Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email no later than June 17.
  • The interview and selection process will take place at the end of June.
  • Target start date: Immediate upon successful hire.