NXTHVN via TOC Arts Partners
JOB DESCRIPTION:
NXTHVN seeks an Executive Director to provide visionary leadership at a defining moment in the organization’s evolution. Founded in 2018 by acclaimed artist Titus Kaphar and impact investor Jason Price, NXTHVN has grown rapidly into a nationally recognized institution that weaves together residencies and fellowships for visual artists, professional advancement, exhibitions, and community-rooted economic development. The next Executive Director will partner with the founders, the Board of Directors, and a deeply committed staff to steward this distinctive model into its next chapter, deepening NXTHVN’s impact for artists and curators, for the Dixwell community, and for the broader arts and cultural sector.
This is a meaningful inflection point for the organization. NXTHVN has built a transformative Fellowship Program, a celebrated High School Apprenticeship Program, a robust exhibition slate, and a 40,000 square foot creative campus with adjacent fellows’ housing in the Dixwell neighborhood of New Haven. Over the past year, the organization has also expanded its Board of Directors to twelve members under the leadership of new Board Chair Hassan Smith, deepening governance capacity and broadening the networks available to support NXTHVN’s next phase of growth. The Executive Director will inherit that foundation and bring fresh strategic clarity, fundraising momentum, and operational discipline to support continued growth.
This is both an organizational stewardship opportunity and an organizational builder’s opportunity. The next Executive Director will serve as NXTHVN’s primary external ambassador and internal anchor, ensuring that the organization’s programs, partnerships, and resources are aligned with the mission, the founders’ vision, board policies, and community needs. The right candidate will bring a multi-million dollar fundraising track record, sound nonprofit financial stewardship, operational rigor, and an authentic connection to the role of the arts in advancing equity, opportunity, and community well-being.
The Executive Director will provide leadership and strategic direction for NXTHVN, ensuring a strong and sustainable business model that fulfills the mission and expands the organization’s impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors and partnering closely with the founders, the Executive Director oversees fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, programmatic alignment, community engagement, and organizational development. The Executive Director also serves as NXTHVN’s primary spokesperson and ambassador to donors, partners, community members, business leaders, and the broader arts and cultural sector.
The successful Executive Director will balance internal organizational stewardship with external relationship building. The role calls for an outstanding facilitator, collaborator, and communicator who can earn the trust and confidence of founders, staff, Board members, program participants, partners, funders, and other stakeholders, and who brings the discipline to translate vision into systems, plans, and measurable results.
Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors; frequent collaboration with all Board members
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, ensuring alignment between programs, operations, and organizational mission
Foster a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Build and maintain strategic partnerships that advance NXTHVN’s goals and enhance its impact within the arts community and beyond
Stay informed about trends and best practices in the arts, entrepreneurship, and community development to ensure NXTHVN remains at the forefront of innovation
Fundraising and Financial
Steward NXTHVN’s strong existing institutional and individual funder relationships and cultivate new relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, with the goal of sustaining and growing multi-million dollar revenue
Develop and implement strategies to diversify and expand revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainability
Oversee financial health, including budget development, financial planning, and fiscal management
Provide comprehensive management of the facility’s balance sheet, including debt service obligations, ensuring long-term financial stability while maintaining programs and community access
Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements and best practices, working with the Board to develop and implement sound financial policies, procedures, and clearly articulated key performance indicators
Community Engagement and External Relations
Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for NXTHVN, representing the organization at community events, conferences, and other forums
Build and maintain strong relationships with the Dixwell community, with deep respect for the neighborhood’s history, current dynamics, and aspirations
Develop and maintain partnerships with arts organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community groups to expand NXTHVN’s reach
Oversee communications and marketing efforts to raise NXTHVN’s profile locally and nationally, ensuring consistent messaging that effectively communicates the organization’s value
Operational and Administrative Leadership
Oversee day-to-day operations of the 40,000 square foot creative campus and adjacent fellows’ housing, ensuring these facilities support programmatic goals and provide an inspiring environment for artists, curators, and the community
Develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations across all aspects of the organization
Recruit, supervise, and evaluate staff, providing opportunities for professional development and growth to build a high-performing team
Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative organizational culture that reflects NXTHVN’s values
Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
Programmatic Leadership
Working closely with the Director of Programs and Exhibitions, oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs
Ensure programs align with NXTHVN’s mission and meet the needs of artists, curators, and the community
Identify opportunities to enhance existing programs and develop new initiatives that further the mission
Board Relations
Work closely with the twelve-member Board of Directors to advance the organization’s mission, providing regular reports on activities, finances, and strategic initiatives
Support continued Board development and engagement, helping to build a strong governance structure that enhances NXTHVN’s effectiveness and sustainability
Implement Board policies and decisions, ensure clear communication between the Board and staff, and leverage Board members’ expertise and networks to benefit the organization
Key Priorities for the First Two to Three Years
Develop a comprehensive understanding of NXTHVN’s history, mission, values, culture, programs, and community impact
Strengthen the organization’s financial position by enhancing existing revenue streams and diversifying funding through expanded fundraising initiatives
Create a comprehensive business development and fundraising plan that includes pipeline expansion, stewardship of existing donors, and broader reach across key fundraising verticals
Provide comprehensive management of the facility’s balance sheet to ensure long-term financial stability while maintaining programs and community access
Conduct a thoughtful assessment of organizational strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan to guide impact, community initiatives, operations, and overall vision
Build strong, trust-based relationships with staff, the Board, fellows, alumni, program participants, donors, community partners, and other key stakeholders
Strengthen operational systems and processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness across the organization
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Qualifications
Demonstrated senior leadership experience, with at least ten years of increasing responsibility and direct management of staff and teams
Track record of success in nonprofit management, ideally in arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organizations
Established multi-million dollar fundraising track record across institutional and individual donor communities, with the proven ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at meaningful levels
Fluency in nonprofit finance, including budgeting, cash flow management, audit oversight, and the financial dimensions of capital and facilities
Experience overseeing capital projects, physical facilities, and the operational realities of a campus environment
Demonstrated success aligning resources with strategic goals in an organization known for innovative artistic, educational, or community-based programs
Genuine connection to the arts and to the role of arts in community life, with cultural fluency and an appreciation for the creative process
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
The Successful Candidate Will Bring
Genuine passion for NXTHVN’s mission and a deep belief in the transformative power of art
A commitment to cultivating belonging for people of all backgrounds, with humility and a track record of fostering inclusive environments
A collaborative leadership approach that empowers staff, partners, and stakeholders, paired with the willingness to make decisive calls when needed
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and discipline to build, test, and refine programs, partnerships, and revenue streams
A hands-on leadership style and the willingness to engage with challenges across the organization
Emotional intelligence and steadiness, with patience, sound judgment, and a calm, thoughtful approach in complex moments
Clear and transparent communication, providing context, rationale, and follow-through to build understanding and confidence across the organization
The ability to balance compassion with accountability, offering warmth and support while making thoughtful, sometimes difficult, decisions in service of the mission and budget realities
Infectious energy, enthusiasm, and resilience to guide NXTHVN through its next phase of growth
Highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all interactions
Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel domestically and internationally as required
TO APPLY:
The Executive Director search is being conducted on behalf of NXTHVN by TOC Arts Partners, a national consultancy aligning strategies, structures, and leadership toward a thriving cultural sector. The search is being led by Edie Demas, in consultation with the TOC Arts Partners search team.
To apply, please submit your materials through the online application. Your cover letter should include any training or experience relevant to the position profile that you would like to highlight, why you consider yourself a strong fit for this opportunity, and anything else you would like us to know about your qualifications that may not be evident in your resume. Applications will be accepted until the role is filled.
COMPENSATION:
$175,000 – $200,000
To apply for this job please visit tocartspartners.com.