Join our Team

Executive Director

The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Directors, helps realize and strengthen HCL's mission by setting and executing its strategic vision and planning. The Executive Director has primary responsibility for financial stability (i.e., Grants, Development, and Finance), administrative operations (including developing and implementing organizational policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements), communications, and development strategies. The ED will also support HCL artists and programs by guiding staff, providing organizational planning, and managing resources.

Work Scope

The primary job responsibilities of the Executive Director are as follows:

Planning and Development

  • Lead strategic planning processes with the Board and staff

  • Monitor and evaluate organizational performance against strategic goals

  • Identify opportunities for growth and development

  • Ensure the sustainability and long-term viability of the organization

  • Work with the Board of Directors to plan, develop, and implement the current and future organizational objectives

  • Develop and execute grant strategy to secure funding, aligning proposals with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability goals

  • Research, prepare, and submit grants, coordinating with program staff as needed

  • Seek cash and in-kind contributions to support HCL

  • Work with the board of directors on all fundraising campaigns, including time- or purpose-based campaigns

External Relations

  • Represent the organization to external stakeholders

  • Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and broad community

  • Serve as primary spokesperson for the organization

  • Maintain CRM database and media list

Financial Management

  • Manage the finances, budgeting, and cash flow of HCL to ensure and maintain a fiscally healthy organization

  • Manage on-time payments of bills

  • Process payroll.

  • Work with Board Treasurer and/or Finance Committee to develop, monitor, and present budgets and reports.

  • Implement and manage financial procedures; ensure employees with financial responsibilities understand and follow them.

Personnel and Operations

  • Work with and organize regular meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees of the Board, and maintain timely communications with the Board and Committees.

  • Oversee recruitment, supervision, professional development, and performance evaluation of all team members, including staff and interns, to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

  • Hire and supervise contractors and consultants for projects and/or ongoing work, based on approved plans and budgets. Manage contracts and agreements with artists, organizational partners, lessors, vendors, and other contracted services.

  • Lead strategy and infrastructure for volunteer engagement.

  • Manage tenant leases, venue agreements, and insurance policies.

  • Maintain support for web server and office equipment.

  • Manage HR functions for the organization; Generally, oversee all employee paperwork.

  • Maintain general communication with HCL via email, phone, and other means.

  • Oversee website management and content.

Programming

  • Define HCL’s overall programmatic vision, goals, and long-term direction

  • Direct and oversee the Program Manager on not only the administrative ‘what’ but also the ‘how’ of the residency program.

  • Supports the Program Manager in the onboarding and offboarding of resident artists

  • Work with the Program Manager to support events and performances

  • Maintain artist agreements, including contracts, stipends, and organization policies

  • Lead the strategy and administration of program assessment, with support from the Program Manager

 Key Skills & Qualifications:

  • 3+ years in non-profit arts administration, especially leadership roles, or equivalent experience

  • Experience in non-profit fundraising

  • Experience in budgeting, cash flow, and financial management

  • Experience in public relations, digital marketing, and managing social media tools and platforms

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Working knowledge of QuickBooks, G-Suite, and MS Office

  • Familiarity with web content management and email communication programs

  • Must be willing to adhere to the Company's workplace safety policies and protocols.

  • Understands and supports contemporary artists and the processes of creative exploration and growth.

  • Committed to advancing equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion.

  • Prioritizes and manages time well, meets deadlines and commitments, and is a self-starter with the capacity to work under pressure.

  • Takes ownership of responsibilities and is a team player with a roll-up-your-sleeves approach.

  • Communicates with confidence, calm, and tact, with an ability to work with a wide variety of people

  • Comfortable in a shared office environment and working remotely, adapts to change and new ideas.

Compensation & Benefits:

Annual salary is $60,000 - $75,000, commensurate with experience and availability (30 - 40 hours a week). Benefits include paid holidays, paid personal time off, and a stipend to cover healthcare and home office expenses.

To apply, submit a resume and a one-page cover letter to apply@highconceptlabs.org. Applications review will begin April 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

We are committed to providing a diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive workplace. High Concept Labs does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing staff, selecting volunteers and vendors, and providing services.