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THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1981, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is the North Bay’s premier arts and events center, offering world-class performances, nationally acclaimed education programs, contemporary visual art, and many popular community events. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Center, a leading performing arts center, hosts performances in music, theatre, dance, comedy, family programming, and renowned speaker events; and serves more than 50,000 children and adults annually through its Education Through the Arts programs.

Located in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country, the Center is owned and operated by the Luther Burbank Memorial Foundation and relies on the generosity of members, donors, and sponsors to fulfill its mission to enrich, educate, and entertain the North Bay community.

Mission:

The mission of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is to enrich, educate and entertain children and adults of the North Bay through accessible and outstanding presentations of arts, family and entertainment performances, education programs, visual arts, and community use of our facility.

Vision:

To be the community’s premier arts center that makes the northern California region vibrant through live performance and visual arts and serves as a central gathering place. To develop, produce, and present nationally recognized arts-integrated education programs that build creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills in our children and classrooms. To be recognized for organizational excellence throughout the community.

THE POSITION

The President & CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for advancing its values, vision, and strategic direction of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (the Center). This role requires informed, insightful, and inspirational leadership to unite the Board, staff, and stakeholders around a shared purpose. The President & CEO ensures a high-performing, mission-driven, and financially stable organization that serves as a cornerstone of the arts in the community.

The President & CEO oversees external and community relations, fundraising, strategic planning, as well as operational, financial, and administrative management. This role includes oversight of artistic and programmatic policies. In partnership with the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team, the President & CEO defines and sustains a strategic vision supported by sound financial practices and operational excellence.

Visionary Leadership

• Provide consistent, forward-thinking leadership in strategic direction, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development.
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, conduct annual review and long-term planning for the organization.
• Ensure the Center is fiscally healthy, effectively managed, and transparent and ethical in its financial and business dealings.
• Lead efforts to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging into the Center’s culture.

Financial Stability and Sustainability

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices and responsible budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with the staff, the Executive Committee, and the Board in preparing and managing the annual budget; ensure the organization operates within established financial guidelines.
• Maintain official records and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., audits, tax filings, payroll withholding).

Fundraising and External Relations

• Lead philanthropic initiatives and promote a culture of giving embraced by all stakeholders.
• Partner with the Board and the Director of Development to meet annual and long-term financial goals through both earned and contributed revenue.
• Integrate fundraising strategy into board meetings, leadership discussions, and strategic planning efforts.
• Oversee membership, philanthropy programs, and potential capital or endowment campaigns.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Center, expanding visibility and cultivating partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and groups.
• Develop and implement cohesive marketing strategies to strengthen earned and contributed revenue streams while positioning the Center as a premier arts institution. 

Communication

• Ensure transparent and timely communication with members and constituents on key initiatives and public policy efforts via e-newsletter, emails, webinars, and other channels, as appropriate. 
• Represent the Center at conferences and other member-related events.
• Oversee the development and strategic utilization of the website and social media platforms. 
• Serve as the voice and face of the organization to the media and the broader public. 
• Leverage media opportunities to advance the Center.  

Organizational Management

• Maintain a well-structured, efficient organization focused on operational excellence and programmatic impact.
• Inspire a collaborative culture rooted in artistic quality, customer service, and measurable outcomes.
• Lead and support senior leadership and direct reports, fostering professional development and organizational growth.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through goal setting, strategic implementation, and performance evaluation. 

Artistic and Program Leadership

• Oversee the creation and implementation of innovative programs aligned with the Center’s vision and community needs.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Programming and Marketing, and Director of Education and Community Engagement to expand the Center’s artistic and educational reach.
• Champion diverse artistic disciplines and ensure the Center reflects the richness and diversity of the community it serves.

Personnel Management

• With a hybrid/remote staff, ensure all staff remain connected to the mission and supported by the Center.
• Ensure the Center attracts, retains, and develops talented, and skilled staff, volunteers, and consultants who advance the mission effectively.
• Lead by example, managing personnel with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. 

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS DESIRED 

The President & CEO must be a visionary, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader with high energy, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving the organization and its community. The ideal candidate will embody a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to inspire and unite diverse teams around a shared vision.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, including public speaking experience and the ability to clearly articulate the Center’s mission to a wide range of stakeholders. The President & CEO must possess strong fundraising capabilities, financial acumen, and a talent for building authentic relationships that advance the organization’s goals. 

A transparent, ethical, and empathetic leader, the President & CEO will demonstrate sound judgment, a consistent management approach, and the ability to make decisions with clarity and accountability. They will balance strategic thinking with practical implementation and manage multiple priorities with focus and urgency.

A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is critical, along with the ability to build consensus, engage meaningfully with staff and community partners, and lead with humility, confidence, and purpose.

CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION  

The successful candidate will bring senior-level leadership experience from a complex nonprofit organization or a performing arts center. A strong understanding of nonprofit management, strategic planning, fiscal management, and visitor experience, along with a demonstrated ability to build broad-based support through collaboration is essential. Prior experience or meaningful exposure to core functions of a performing arts center, including membership, budgeting, programming, education, fundraising, and community engagement is strongly preferred.

COMPENSATION & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

The annual salary range for this position is $250,000-300,000. Relocation assistance, if needed, is negotiable. A comprehensive and competitive benefits package will be provided.

The President & CEO is expected to maintain a regular presence in the office and be available for frequent in-person meetings with staff, board members, and community members, as well as attend events during evenings and weekends.