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THE ORGANIZATION

Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit provider of work readiness training and career placement services for one of the most underemployed groups: people with autism. Based in Los Angeles, where entertainment and digital media make up about two-thirds of the county’s huge creative economy, Exceptional Minds helps people with autism pursue career tracks in digital arts – including animation, visual effects, 3D gaming, and more. The flagship program, the Academy, offers sequential training that leaves young artists with autism fully qualified to work in these fields.

For over a decade, the award-winning nonprofit academy and production studios have empowered young adults on the autism spectrum to build careers in animation and digital arts. Exceptional Minds fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce of skilled and creative professionals who were once on the margins, who now have what every young professional seeks – a command of skills and tools to successfully lead careers with the dignity of knowing they can work with co-workers and employers and deliver results. Today, they thrive with the confidence to deliver results, the expertise to succeed, and the respect of their peers and employers.

Mission, Vision, and Goals

Exceptional Minds’ mission is to address unemployment, social isolation, and other challenges that affect adults on the autism spectrum. Exceptional Minds offers a sequential program that develops job skills in entertainment and adjacent fields, followed by high-touch career services that connect participants to meaningful career opportunities in the entertainment industry. Throughout all services, Exceptional Minds facilitates a sense of community and belonging among people with autism.

Exceptional Minds’ vision is one of a world where people with autism are equitably represented in the economy, contributing to a more inclusive and more representative society. Further, this vision extends to artists with autism who lack access to educational and training opportunities.

The overarching goal is to establish for people with autism pathways toward employability and meaningful careers that provide financial and personal independence, build self-esteem, and increase social capital.

Exceptional Minds now serves more than 300 individuals with autism each year. Its Academy achieves a 98 percent graduation rate; its Studio directly employs 15-25 artists at any given time; and all graduates have access to ongoing continuing education, career coaching services, and the Exceptional Minds Alumni Association.

Since 2017, Exceptional Minds has offered more than $1.4 million in tuition assistance to low-income families – making participation in Exceptional Minds programming possible for over 2,000 individual artists with autism, whose talents may otherwise have gone undeveloped. The annual operating budget is about $4.5 million.

For more information about Exceptional Minds, visit: https://exceptional-minds.org/.

THE POSITION

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive responsible for the overall success of Exceptional Minds. Reporting to a 12-member Board of Directors, the CEO will oversee the Academy and the Studios including a full-time team of 30 employees. The direct reports to the CEO are the Directors of Finance, Development, Academic Programs, Studio Programs – VFX, Studio Programs – Animation, and People and Culture.

Strategic Leadership:

• Advance the acceptance and hiring of neurodiverse digital artists.
• Develop, communicate, and execute the organization’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities to expand the organization’s impact and reach.
• Partner with thought leaders in the digital media and technology sectors to connect staff with the latest trends, keeping the organization at the forefront of innovation.
• Support and enhance an effective, passionate leadership staff committed to EM's Vision and embracing its core Values: Transparency and Communication, Co-creating Safe Spaces; Advocacy and Learning; Collaboration and Celebrating Diversity.
• Collaborate with neurodiverse communities, educators, and industry leaders to design innovative strategies that prioritize inclusion and career readiness.

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• With the support of the Advancement Committee and in concert with the Director of External Affairs, develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and events.
• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors to secure sustainable funding streams.
• Oversee organization’s financial team and ensure fiscal health, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation. 

Partnerships and Community Engagement:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with industry leaders, donors, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Act as the primary spokesperson and advocate for EM, building awareness of the organization’s mission and impact.
• Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and media opportunities. 

Operational and Programmatic Oversight:

• Manage leadership team responsible for all aspects of the organization’s programmatic, operational, and financial oversight, ensuring alignment with the mission and goals.
• Collaborate with corporate partners to align programs with current and future workforce needs and create workforce pathways that are inclusive and adaptive to neurodiverse talents.
• Ensure the delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality training and career development programs for students.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to measure success and identify areas for improvement.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, excellence, and accountability among staff and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. 

Governance:

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Regularly update the Board on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Support the Board in recruiting, onboarding, and engaging new members.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED 

The CEO will be a visionary leader with a passion for advancing opportunities for autistic artists. They will bring strong organizational leadership, fundraising acumen, and the ability to forge impactful partnerships. A track record of driving strategic growth, fostering inclusion, and building sustainable funding models is essential. This individual must be an exceptional communicator, capable of inspiring and engaging diverse stakeholders, including students, staff, donors, corporate partners, and neurodiverse communities. Strong financial and operational management skills are critical to ensuring fiscal sustainability and programmatic success. The CEO will be a collaborative and transparent leader who fosters trust, accountability, and a culture of learning. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging must be embedded in their leadership approach. The ideal candidate will be results-driven, resourceful, and a thought leader in the autism ecosystem, with a clear vision for the organization’s future potential. 

CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION 

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain complex and multifaceted strategic and financial partnerships.
• An understanding of how to collaborate with the entertainment industry and adjacent fields.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and fundraising efforts.
• Proven leadership and management experience in a mission-driven organization, preferably in autism, education, and/or media and technology sectors.
• Relevant experience and commitment to workforce development or career training for individuals on the autism spectrum or underrepresented communities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage authentically with, and advocate for, neurodiverse communities, ensuring their voices inform strategic and programmatic decisions. 

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

The annual salary range for this position is $225,000-250,000. Relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable. A comprehensive and competitive benefits package will be provided.

Exceptional Minds is an equal-opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Exceptional Minds will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform critical job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.