In 1977, the Black Theatre Alliance was founded by Abena Joan Brown, Okoro Harold Johnson, Useni Perkins, and Pemon Rami focused on providing resources, community support, and visibility for the Black Theater in Chicago. In 1990, the Black Theatre Alliance changed its name to the African American Arts Alliance to expand its reach in the arts community however, they ceased operations shortly thereafter. Seeing a gap and a great need for community interaction and development, Jackie Taylor, Joan Gray, Chuck Smith, and Ron O.J. Parsons came together and, in 1997, incorporated a new African American Arts Alliance to continue the work of the original Alliance to serve the needs of Black performing, visual, literary, technical and design art forms. Since then, these incredible leaders and artists cultivated and supported Black artists and organizations by providing programs and services to increase the interaction, collaboration, and communication within the Black Arts Community. The vision that these leaders saw is why we are here today. In the same way that they were the voice of the time for our community, the board of directors was ready to pass on the torch of leadership to continue the legacy of the Alliance for the next generation. The new President and Vice-President of the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago are Charlique C. Rolle and Vershawn Sanders-Ward, respectively.
Chicago, IL
United States
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Our Executive Director will be truly exceptional on two related fronts – successful fundraising and vision execution and resourceful nonprofit leadership.
We're seeking someone with a proven track record of securing grants and donations, transforming vision into tangible impact. Your success in navigating the complexities of fundraising will be instrumental in fueling our growth and empowering us to realize our ambitious goals.
As a seasoned leader in nonprofit management, you'll thrive in an environment where resourcefulness is paramount. With experience managing small budgets, you'll wield your financial acumen to maximize every dollar, ensuring our initiatives are executed efficiently and efficaciously.
Your mastery of marketing will be a game-changer, amplifying our message and attracting support from donors and partners alike. Drawing upon your working knowledge of grant writing and fundraising principles, you'll work with the team to craft compelling proposals that captivate hearts and minds, forging lasting connections with our supporters.
Your ability to conceptualize and implement innovative strategies for donor identification and cultivation will set us apart, propelling us toward new heights of success. With excellent written and oral communication skills, you'll work with the team to articulate our vision with clarity and conviction, inspiring action and igniting change.
Your interpersonal skills will be invaluable as you collaborate harmoniously with colleagues, artists, leaders, donors, and volunteers alike. Together, we'll harness the power of collective action to create a brighter future for all.
What Our Executive Director Will Handle Directly
The BACA Chicago team brings many capabilities to the table, but there are specific tasks and responsibilities that our Executive Director will have to handle personally.
These include:
As the chief administrator of the BACA Chicago, the Executive Director embodies inspired leadership and unwavering commitment to our mission. With a relentless focus on efficiency and effectiveness, they steer the organization in alignment with the visionary policies set by the Board of Directors.
At the helm of fundraising and development efforts, the Executive Director charts a bold course toward our collective aspirations, setting priorities for both the short and long term. They provide visionary guidance, oversee financial operations, and foster seamless communication with the Board, the cultural community, and the artistic community. Through strategic integration and coordination of activities, they propel us toward the realization of our strategic goals with unparalleled cohesion.
Central to their role is the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that serves as the lifeblood of our organization. With a hands-on approach, the Executive Director spearheads day-to-day operations, driving forward programming, marketing, and financial oversight with precision and purpose. They are at the forefront of proposal writing, crafting strategic long-term and annual fundraising plans, and evaluating progress toward our goals.
Moreover, the Executive Director cultivates and stewards relationships with major donors, embodying the essence of philanthropy and generosity. They forge meaningful connections with our membership, fostering a sense of belonging and community while devising innovative strategies to attract new members to our cause.
In their tireless pursuit of excellence, the Executive Director embodies our values, propelling us toward a future where the arts thrive and our collective vision becomes a vibrant reality.