South Arts posts executive position
‘Shape the future of South Arts’
Headquartered in Atlanta, South Arts is a regional arts organization whose work responds to the arts environment and cultural trends with a regional perspective.
In partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the state arts agencies of AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, and TN— with additional funding from other public and private donors such as the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Mellon Foundation—South Arts supports artists and organizations through a rich and responsive portfolio of grants, fellowships and programs.
In 2024, more than $4.6 million was granted to 226 artists and 200 organizations in the region.
About the position
Working closely with the board, staff and a diverse group of partners, the CEO will be responsible for shaping the future of South Arts. This includes the implementation of its new strategic plan, adapting and rethinking the current business model to ensure future sustainability, diversifying revenue streams, identifying new ways to serve its constituents, promoting all avenues for impact in the sector, advocating for the arts and artists at large and fostering growth through visibility, engagement and thought leadership in the sector.
Candidate Profiles
We are interested in connecting with leaders from a range of backgrounds in the nonprofit, government and/or private sectors. A multidisciplinary career within the arts and experience working with artists are required. Candidates can come from local, regional or national arts organizations, museums and cultural institutions, foundations, arts service organizations, arts consulting, education, policymaking and beyond. Experience engaging state arts agencies is desired but not required. The ideal candidate must bring a deep appreciation of the South – its history, values and traditions – and a commitment to embedding the warmth and integrity of southern heritage into everything South Arts does.
Location
While there is a preference for this person to be based in Atlanta, the Search Committee is open to a hybrid model of leadership within the nine-state region for the right candidate. If the successful candidate is based outside Atlanta, they must be able to travel to, and have a significant presence in, Atlanta.
Compensation
The starting compensation for this position begins at $225,000 based on experience and ability to have broad impact early and can range to $275,000. If you are interested in learning more, but the salary feels prohibitive, please let us know. We do not want salary alone to be the reason exceptional candidates do not engage.
For potential candidates
To express interest in the role, make suggestions or nominate candidates, please contact the team at southartsceo@koyapartners.com. All interest is confidential. Potential candidates are encouraged to express interest here.