Deputy Director

The Deputy Director serves as the President & CEO's strategic partner and operational leader, driving Arts New Orleans' growth and organizational excellence. This role combines high-level strategic oversight with hands-on people management, leading our team culture while ensuring effective implementation of our five-year strategic plan. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who thrives on developing staff, building systems, and advancing our mission through both internal leadership and external relationship-building.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience

• 5+ years of management experience, preferably in nonprofit or arts organizations

• Proven track record of managing multiple direct reports and developing high-performing teams

• Demonstrated ability to create compelling reports, such as Annual Reports or Impact Reports, that effectively communicate organizational outcomes

• Experience with strategic planning implementation and organizational development

• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with boards, funders, and community partners

Preferred:

• Experience in arts, culture, or community development sectors

• Grant writing and/or grant management experience

• Public speaking and presentation experience

• Knowledge of New Orleans arts and culture landscape or similar urban environments

Job Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership, Strategy and Development

• Serve as strategic partner to the President & CEO

• Lead implementation of the newly adopted 5-year strategic plan, focusing on five strategic priorities: advancing art as a public priority, expanding team capacity, strengthening resource generation, delivering exemplary programs and scaling impact through innovations

• Collaborate with the President & CEO and Arts New Orleans Development Team to diversify revenue streams across the organization

• Cultivate strong relationships with the Board of Directors and strategic partners

• Prepare presentations for quarterly Board of Directors meetings for the President & CEO, attend Board of Directors committee meetings, and take meeting minutes

• Represent Arts New Orleans at key organizational events

• Lead efforts to identify and secure programming space and office space to support increased in-person collaboration and team cohesion

• Partner with the Director of Grantmaking & Operations to identify and implement operational improvements

Staff Leadership & Culture Development

• Supervise three department directors: Public Art and Commissions, Grantmaking & Operations, and Youth Programs

• Foster a positive, collaborative staff culture through meaningful staff meetings, annual retreats, and team-building opportunities that connect staff with each other and local culture

• Design and implement professional development opportunities tailored to organizational and individual growth needs

• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide ongoing support for staff development

• Respond promptly and effectively to staff needs and concerns

Program & Financial Oversight

• Partner with the President & CEO and department directors to develop annual budgets and monitor fiscal performance throughout the year

• Develop program improvement frameworks and establish annual goals that balance ambition with feasibility

• Evaluate and optimize data collection systems for measuring organizational impact, establishing protocols and accountability measures to ensure consistent data quality across all programs and staff

• Lead the development of the Annual Impact Report

• Oversee implementation of Monday.com project management software organization-wide

• Maintain up-to-date program records in SharePoint to support marketing, communications, and grant reporting

• Oversee reporting for key municipal and state contracts, including the Percent for Art, Gentilly Resilience District, Juvenile Diversion and Grantmaking contracts

• Review and approve all organizational contracts, involving the President & CEO as necessary

• Keep copies of all receipts and document all expenses

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. While general office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Deputy Director is expected to be fully committed to the organization’s mission and available to work evenings and weekends as necessary. This is not a standard 9-to-5 role and requires flexibility and a willingness to work beyond regular hours during peak periods or in support of key events.

Salary & Benefits

This is a full-time exempt employee position (40 hours/week). The salary is $78,000 – $95,000, commensurate with leadership experience and qualifications. Starting salary determination considers:

• Progressive leadership experience in arts administration or nonprofit management (5+ years preferred)

• Strategic planning and organizational development experience

• Supervisory experience managing multiple departments or diverse teams

• Grant management and budget oversight capabilities

• Board relations and community partnership development experience

• Experience with organizational growth, policy development, or operational improvement

• Educational background in arts administration, nonprofit management, or related field

We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Arts New Orleans pays 100% of team members' health insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan through Mutual of America, with Arts New Orleans matching 2% of your total salary

• Flexible vacation

How We Work

The Arts New Orleans team primarily works remotely, although we have a studio where team members often work and staff meetings are held. Soon, the organization plans to transition to a hybrid work model, with all staff expected to work in person at least two days per week. This job requires attendance at evening and/or weekend meetings, events or workshops. Arts New Orleans is involved in numerous community activations, including monthly art markets and public art unveilings. Additionally, team members regularly attend performances, gallery openings, art festivals, and other cultural activities!

Is Deputy Director Role a Good Fit for You?

If you are passionate about making a difference in the arts, possess the outlined skills and qualifications, and thrive in a remote-first environment that values autonomy and connection, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter (no more than two pages), resume, and three references to [email protected]. Include your name and Deputy Director in the subject line. Resumes submitted without a cover letter or sent by a job service will not be reviewed.