About Indy Arts Council
Founded in 1987, Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency. Their mission is to champion arts & culture. Indy Arts Council believes every resident should experience arts & culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them. This vision of a creative life for all is central to the work they do to support artists, arts organizations, and the community.
Indy Arts Council advocates for the community funding and support necessary for a thriving arts scene. They connect artists, audiences, businesses, foundations, and organizations with opportunities to explore and expand central Indiana’s creative vitality.
Indy Arts Council operates two performance and exhibition spaces in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Artsgarden and Gallery 924. Their free online initiative Explore Indy Arts features a comprehensive arts & culture calendar, a non-juried directory of central Indiana artists, public art database, and more.
Some of the Arts Council’s successful initiatives have included:
- Administering the City of Indianapolis Annual Grants program, which in 2024 supported a record number of 91 arts organizations with $1.5M funding.
- The launch of #IndyKeepsCreating during the pandemic – raising $16M for artists and arts organizations.
- Supporting over 500 artists with Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship grants to give them time to travel, explore, and recharge.
- The annual Art & Soul program, focused on amplifying the careers of Black artists.
- Partnerships with the tourism and sports industries to incorporate a strong arts and culture component as an integral part of major Indianapolis events.
The Arts Council is also deeply engaged in providing professional leadership in public art for central Indiana. Housing the only institutional, full-time paid position dedicated to thinking about public art, the Arts Council develops and supports public art policy initiatives, manages public art projects and programs, and leads initiatives like the Legends Mural Series and the Public Art for Neighborhoods program (an ordinance-based City of Indianapolis program) as well as collaborates with other sectors and civic organizations to help bring art to as many people as possible in public spaces.
With an annual budget of $5.6M ($1.9M operating; $3.7M restricted), Indy Arts Council is supported by philanthropic contributions and grants, strategic partnerships and contracts, events, and sponsorships. The Arts Council is governed by an 18-member board and employs 14 dedicated full-time staff, all working to foster a strong arts community in Indianapolis.
Learn more about the Indy Arts Council at indyarts.org.
What’s Next
In 2023, Indy Arts Council kicked off its most comprehensive strategic planning process. To inform the plan, the Board and Staff focused on engaging community members through surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews to develop a strategic plan that is deeply informed by feedback from the Arts Council’s community of artists, arts organizations, residents, funders, and civic/business partners. This community input process included 2800+ participants and 125+ arts and culture organizations and identified gaps, needs, and opportunities facing the arts and culture sector throughout Indianapolis and the broader central Indiana region.
The final plan was approved by the Arts Council’s board in October 2024. As the Arts Council’s next leader takes the helm, this community-driven plan will be an important asset and guide for the organization’s future. TheArts Council team has begun the process of building out an implementation plan and will roll out the strategic plan to the broader community once the next President & CEO is onboard.
Through the strategic planning process, Indy Arts Council identified the following guiding principles for the organization:
- Vision: A Creative Life for All
- Mission: To champion arts and culture
- Pillars:
- Invest
- Advocate
- Connect
- Values:
- Care
- Community
- Creativity
In order to work towards this vision and mission, and to enact the values, the Arts Council further identified the following key priorities for the organization in its next chapter:
- Sustainable Funding: Expand and diversify sustainable funding for artists and arts organizations, with the goal of being a ‘top five’ funding source for artists and arts organizations in Indianapolis.
- Everyday Arts Access: Ensure that arts, culture, and creativity are accessible to all regional residents every day – leading to more art, for more people, in more places.
- Increase Awareness: Remove the lack of awareness of arts & culture offerings as a barrier to engagement, becoming the go-to information source on the regional arts and culture sector.
- Professional Development & Shared Resources: Increase professional development and services for regional artists and arts organizations, making Indianapolis a magnet for artists and creative businesses.
- Arts & Culture Destination: Catalyze investments for an Arts & Culture Hub/District & Festival, with the goal of Indianapolis becoming a top 10 arts & culture destination nationally.
The Opportunity
At this moment of evolution and tremendous opportunity, the Indy Arts Council will welcome its next leader. Reporting to the Board, the President & CEO will have the opportunity to build on the momentum and successes of the past few years, and lead the Arts Council into its next chapter of impact. A collaborative leader and enthusiastic champion for the arts across the city and the region, the President & CEO will be responsible for implementing the sector- and community-centered strategic vision, while overseeing programs, grant making, and overall administration of the organization. Responsibilities of the President & CEO include, but are not limited to:
Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, local artists, arts organizations, and key community stakeholders.
- Enhance the Arts Council’s visibility and impact by engaging with civic, professional, government, and private sectors to support cultural policies and tourism.
- Act as the primary liaison to the Mayor’s Office and other government officials.
- Represent the Arts Council in media, at meetings, and at arts events locally, regionally, and nationally.
- Foster transparency and continuous communication with stakeholders.
- Lead Indy Arts Council’s team of 14, including three direct reports (Vice President; Director of Finance; and Director of Marketing), while developing and sustaining a vibrant culture of active collaboration, deep respect, empathy, and an orientation towards results.
Advocacy and Fundraising/Resource Development
- Expand IAC’s capacity by cultivating, diversifying, and expanding revenue streams.
- Develop strong funder and donor relationships, securing unrestricted operational funding as well as funding for important ongoing programs.
- Stay informed on relevant national, state, and local arts initiatives and policies.
- Lead arts advocacy efforts to elevate the visibility of organizations of all sizes.
- Represent the Arts Council and the cultural sector at public forums, conferences, and industry events.
Strategic Planning and Operational Administration
- Lead the implementation of the strategic plan; lead the development and implementation of future strategic and annual work plans.
- Oversee the allocation of human, financial, and technological resources to meet organizational goals.
- Manage fiscal operations within the approved budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with nonprofit and governmental regulations.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment through transparent decision-making.
Program and Grant Management
- Develop strategic partnerships to deliver relevant programming to diverse communities.
- Oversee and evaluate existing programs, services, and communications.
- Manage all functions related to grants, marketing, programs, and operations at the Arts Council.
- Work with the board to set funding criteria, oversee grantmaking, and communicate process as well as final results.
Board Relations and Governance
- Provide timely and accurate information to the Board, supporting meetings and committees as needed.
- Partner with the Board Governance Committee to recruit and engage board members and support their education.
- Engage board members to maximize their involvement in Indy Arts Council’s strategic vision.
- Ensure fiscal integrity by providing budgets, financial statements, and audits.
Candidate Profile
While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality, and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:
A Skilled Fundraiser
The ideal candidate will:
- Have the ability to authentically, credibly, and enthusiastically convey the importance of the Arts Council’s work to funders, policymakers, community members, media, and other constituents.
- Have an executive and genuine presence, able to effectively promote and convey IAC’s mission to generate support and funding for the organization’s mission from local government, private donors, corporate sponsors, and beyond.
- Bring a creative and knowledgeable approach to further diversify funding streams and earned revenue.
A Compelling Ambassador
The ideal candidate will:
- Enjoy and excel at the external aspects of the role, serving as the ‘face’ of and primary ambassador for the organization.
- Be a dynamic communicator, skilled at leading with transparency.
- Be confident and comfortable presenting and interacting in a variety of settings and with a breadth of constituents.
- Have the ability to grow the Arts Council’s brand and communicate the value of arts and culture broadly.
An Exceptional Relationship Builder
The ideal candidate will:
- Be politically savvy, with a genuine interest in developing strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders including artists, local public officials, corporate stakeholders, and community organizations.
- Be an exceptional relationship builder and persuasive communicator and listener, with the ability to foster an atmosphere of collaboration, partnership, and trust.
- Be energized by the opportunity to build and maintain strong community relationships; effectively communicating organizational goals, challenges, and successes effectively to diverse stakeholders.
A Motivating, Empowering, & Collaborative Team Leader
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a dynamic leader, enthusiastic about the idea of serving as a proactive manager of IAC as it enters its next chapter.
- Have the ability to attract, cultivate, and retain diverse teams with a broad set of ideas and skills and achieve organizational impact by recognizing and leveraging individual strengths, expertise, and teamwork.
- Be able to develop a powerful sense of shared purpose and engagement in the future of IAC’s work and the possibilities ahead.
- Thoughtfully cultivate a culture of care, trust, transparency, and respect.
- Have a track record of embedding equity and inclusion in leadership and decision-making, with experience leading diverse teams and advancing equity in the arts.
- Be a collaborative leader, bringing others into decision-making and prioritizing the mission over personal ego.
An Ambitious and Strategic Leader with the Ability to Operationalize & Take Action
The ideal candidate will:
- Have a strong aptitude for translating ideas and goals into clear strategies and action plans.
- Be inherently resourceful and collaborative.
- Be a creative thinker with a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Be successful at leading a team to execute on organizational goals, ensuring accountability and high standards for deliverables.
A Commitment to Arts & Culture, Community, and Equity
The ideal candidate will:
- Be dedicated to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging – striving to ensure that all residents of Indianapolis and central Indiana have access to arts and culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them.
- Bring demonstrated experience prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging in the arts sector, and experience authentically engaging diverse populations, both internally and externally.
- Have a genuine passion for the arts and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the arts sector.
- Be an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values.
About Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the 14th largest city in the U.S., offers a dynamic blend of urban energy and Midwestern charm. With a population of over 2 million in the metro area, it’s a hub for business, culture, and sports. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” Indianapolis boasts excellent transportation connections, including an award winning airport, major interstate highways, a historic train station, and an expanding public transit system. The city is also home to three Fortune 500 companies and the headquarters of the NCAA.
The city is a vibrant cultural center, with thriving arts and entertainment scenes. Indianapolis is home to museums, theaters, festivals, and cultural districts that reflect its diverse community. Residents can enjoy year-round outdoor activities, from the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to the expansive Eagle Creek Park. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on professional major league teams, including the Colts, the USL Indy Eleven, Fever and Pacers basketball, or attend the world-renowned Indianapolis 500 race.
Indianapolis combines the energy of a major metropolitan area with the warmth of a close-knit community. It’s a great place to live, work, and explore, offering a variety of dining, entertainment, and recreational options, all at an affordable cost of living. Whether you’re drawn to its rich history, its growing tech and healthcare sectors, or its lively cultural scene, Indianapolis provides the perfect backdrop for both professional and personal growth.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary for the role is anticipated to range from $180,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes 100% coverage of employee health insurance (medical, vision, dental), 403b with 5% employer contribution, and a flexible work schedule (typically 3 days/office per week, with general flexibility to support work/life balance).
Contact
Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Cheryl Stevens and Claire Hunt. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at indyartscouncil_ceo@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group
Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm’s website.