Vice President of Community Impact

The Vice President of Community Impact (Vice President) at NACF is a pivotal leader who combines strong program management with strategic planning skills. The Vice President will spearhead the implementation and evaluation of culturally significant programs, utilizing expert grant management, financial oversight, and robust programmatic benchmarking. With a solid track record in nonprofit program development and a deep understanding of community dynamics, this leader will drive impactful collaborations and foster enduring relationships with diverse stakeholders. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, the Vice President will ensure the organization’s offerings not only resonate locally but also extend their reach nationally, reflecting the foundation's mission and strategic vision. This will be a hybrid position that includes working remotely and in person at the Portland, Oregon location. The Vice President can anticipate that 35% of this position’s time will include travel, either to NACF Portland headquarters or other locations nationally and internationally on behalf of NACF.

Roles and Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Design, develop, and oversee the delivery and monitoring of all programming in close collaboration with the President/CEO, catalyzing Native peoples, artists, and culture bearers to influence positive social, cultural, and environmental change.
• Oversee culturally appropriate project evaluation for funded projects, ensuring programmatic benchmarks link to NACF’s mission and strategic goals.
• Direct all grantmaking programs, including their application criteria, selection methodology, and monitoring.
• Articulate program vision, opportunities, and successes with the President/CEO, board of directors, funders, and other key partners as necessary.
• Generate strategy and oversee planning of all programmatic activities at the Center for Native Arts and Cultures facility, which includes exhibitions, performances, community outreach, and partnerships.
• Embrace other program leadership responsibilities, as needed.

Community Engagement and External Relations  

• Lead effective community outreach to promote NACF programming and strategic initiatives to potential applicants, supporters, and constituents.
• Generate positive collaborations and relationships regionally and nationally with Native and non-native artists, culture-bearers, tribal communities, funders, Native and non-native organizations, and Indigenous allies to further NACF’s program priorities.
• Forge close and trusted working relationships with external funders, foundations, and key stakeholders in partnership with the President/CEO.
• Manage community engagement and outreach strategies as it pertains to the Center for Native Arts and Cultures in collaboration with the President/CEO.
• Embrace other community engagement and external relations responsibilities, as needed.

Financial Resiliency and Team Leadership

• Develop fundraising related strategies for programming and events at the Center for Native Arts and Cultures alongside the Advancement team.
• Build, lead, and mentor the team, which includes the Director of Grantmaking, Director of Public Programming, and supporting staff.
• Create, manage, and oversee the Community Impact department budget, ensuring fiscal sustainability.
• Assess the research, writing, and development of grant proposals and reports for program activities in collaboration with the Advancement department.
• Embrace other financial resiliency and team leadership responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Vice President will be a dynamic leader with deep cultural competence, uniquely qualified to navigate the intricate landscape of Native arts and cultures. This visionary will harness their extensive knowledge of cultural nuances to ensure that all programming resonates broadly yet aligns precisely with NACF’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. A strategic thinker and effective communicator, they will foster collaboration and consensus, driving forward high-impact initiatives that inspire teams and engage diverse communities. The role demands exceptional organizational skills for managing complex projects and a proactive approach to anticipate future trends and opportunities in the arts sector. With a steadfast commitment to personal accountability and leadership, this leader will motivate a diverse team, ensuring that every program is not only relevant and impactful but also meticulously aligned with the foundation’s strategic objectives.

Key Competencies Include:

• Leadership and Personal Accountability – Demonstrates integrity and the ability to make responsible decisions that effectively shape the organization’s strategic direction while organizing resources to maximize outcomes.
• Futuristic Thinking and Problem Solving – Envisions future trends and opportunities, using strategic foresight to creatively solve problems and ensure the organization's adaptability and success in evolving environments.
• Teamwork and Diplomacy – Skillfully navigates sensitive interactions with tact and diplomacy, enhancing team cohesion and fostering respectful and effective communication across diverse groups to build consensus and facilitate cooperation.
• Flexibility, Planning, and Time Management – Prioritizes and manages time effectively, adapting plans to meet evolving organizational needs and achieving goals within designated timeframes.

Qualifications

The Vice President will have a demonstrated record of leadership in mission-driven arts and cultural organizations. They should have extensive experience in program development, grantmaking, and stakeholder engagement, with a deep understanding of Indigenous arts, cultures, and community priorities gained through lived and/or professional experience. The Vice President will be a strategic and adaptive leader with strong relationship-building skills, capable of engaging artists, tribal communities, donors, and key partners to advance NACF’s mission. They should possess exceptional communication and diplomacy skills, along with the ability to manage teams across multiple locations. While no specific educational credentials are required, candidates must have the expertise necessary to develop and sustain impactful programming. Residency near NACF headquarters is expected to support meaningful engagement with staff and communities. This role requires frequent travel, both locally and across Native communities nationwide, to foster relationships, assess program impact, and deepen NACF’s connection to the communities it serves.

Compensation and Benefits

NACF provides a competitive compensation package anticipated with a salary range of $110,000 to $125,000, commensurate with experience. NACF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including employer-supported health insurance, a retirement plan, paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick leave, and access to NACF programs and events.

Applications and Inquiries

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, along with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/native-arts-and-cultures-foundation-seeks-vice-president-of-community-impact/. NACF looks forward to your application and to exploring the potential contributions you could bring to the organization.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively work to advance equity in our programming and operations, ensuring meaningful opportunities for Native artists and culture bearers. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected statuses, promoting a supportive and respectful environment for all.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, along with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit https://artsconsulting.com/opensearches/native-arts-and-cultures-foundation-seeks-vice-president-of-community-impact/. NACF looks forward to your application and to exploring the potential contributions you could bring to the organization.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively work to advance equity in our programming and operations, ensuring meaningful opportunities for Native artists and culture bearers. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected statuses, promoting a supportive and respectful environment for all.