Executive Director

Philadelphia, PA, United States

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.

Areas of Responsibility

Responsibilities :

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.

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.

● Signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization.

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.

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.

Skills/Experience

Core Professional Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in arts administration/education/nonprofit management or related fields

Transparent and high-integrity leadership

7-10 years of nonprofit management experience

Deep knowledge of Arab culture, arts, and history

Experience in arts presentations, arts education, and arts-propelled civic engagement

Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting

Strong organizational abilities including planning, program development, staff, volunteers and board motivation

Proven visionary and strategic abilities

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

Familiarity with the Arab American experience

Strong written and oral communication skills

Strong public speaking ability

Desired Professional Qualifications

Fluency in Arabic language

Experience in living or extensively traveling in the Middle East

Advanced Degree in Arts Administration/Education/Social Services

Familiarity with the Philadelphia arts/culture scene

● 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.

Additional Information

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.

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.

Programs

Performances, Presentations, and Exhibitions :

From pop concerts, to stained glass exhibitions, to animation movie screenings, to murals Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture’s arts programming bridges the past and the future and generatively connects Arab culture to those of other peoples.

Arts and Language Courses for Kids and Adults

Al-Bustan offers in-person and remote arts and Arabic language courses, lectures, workshops, and participatory presentations throughout Greater Philadelphia, both in conjunction with other organizations and independently, including our signature youth education program Al-Bustan Summer Camp.

Community Partnerships

Working with individuals and institutions in pursuit of synergies and programming potentialities, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has worked with community centers, schools, libraries, museums, social service organizations, faith-based organizations, government departments, concerned citizens, and others in pursuit of enriching engagements that bring together peoples and communities.

Al-Bustan Camp provides a fun, welcoming, and enriching environment that brings together campers, artists, educators, and families.

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