Interim Executive Director

Overview: Remote contract position (must be based in or near Durham, Chapel Hill, or Raleigh, NC); Grant-funded 6-12 months, with possible extension); 32 hours/week, flexible hours.

About The Beautiful Project

The Beautiful Project is an arts-based nonprofit that uses storytelling and visual arts to advance the healing, representation, and justice of Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and women. Through collective artistic creation—including photography, film, visual art, and narrative projects—we respond to our needs for recognition, healing, and dreams for ourselves and our communities. We train youth to use the arts as a tool for activism, sharing their work through online campaigns, museum exhibitions, and other productions.

Our mission is rooted in mutual care, self-determination, and collective power, as we fight to reclaim the narrative around our lives. We cultivate a culture of growth through collaboration, listening, ongoing learning, reflection, and risk-taking.

Position Overview

The Beautiful Project is seeking an experienced Interim Executive Director to lead the organization through a transitional period of 6 to 12 months. The Interim Executive Director will play a key role in sustaining and strengthening the organization’s mission by managing day-to-day operations, leading fundraising efforts, and driving strategic growth. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact by ensuring that The Beautiful Project continues its work while transitioning to a more sustainable future.

As Interim Executive Director, you will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders to assess and advance the organization’s strategic goals, fundraising activities, and overall impact. You will be responsible for overseeing all organizational operations, including financial management, program development, and donor relations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Management:

• Lead the organization through a 6–12-month transitional period, overseeing day-to-day operations.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of organizational strengths and weaknesses, developing strategic recommendations for sustainable growth, enhanced programming, and staffing.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with current stakeholders, including donors, community members, and partners.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization, communicating the mission, vision, and goals effectively to stakeholders and the public.

Fundraising & Development:

• Lead and implement fundraising strategy, with a focus on maintaining and growing revenue streams to ensure organizational sustainability.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders.
• Ensure timely grant reporting and collaborate with development consultants to support fundraising activities.
• Oversee donor stewardship and lead fundraising campaigns, events, and community engagement efforts.

Operations & Financial Management:

• Supervise day-to-day operations, including bookkeeping, payroll, grant reporting, and managing administrative tasks such as email correspondence and mail.
• Oversee budget and financial planning in collaboration with the Board and staff, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and organizational requirements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be:

• A proven fundraiser with at least 5 years of experience in nonprofit development, particularly for arts and cultural organizations.
• Skilled in donor database management and proficient with relevant software.
• A strong communicator with demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Experienced in nonprofit management, including budgeting, program development, and team leadership.
• Committed to advancing the voice and power of Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and women, with a deep understanding of racial and gender justice.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experienced in event coordination, communications, and public relations.

The ideal candidate will also:

• Demonstrate a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, able to engage staff and stakeholders in meaningful decision-making processes.
• Have the ability to think strategically and manage complex challenges in a dynamic environment.
• Exhibit a strong sense of mutual care, with an emphasis on supporting staff and fostering a positive, values-driven workplace culture.
• Be self-directed, accountable, and solution-oriented in their approach to work.

Work Environment & Compensation

• Remote Work: This position is primarily remote, but candidates must be based in or near Durham, Chapel Hill, or Raleigh, NC, for occasional in-person meetings and office visits.
• Compensation: Monthly rate up to $6250, commensurate with experience. The role is a contract position and is funded through grants for a 6-12 month term, with the potential for extension based on funding and performance.
• Schedule: The Interim Executive Director is expected to work 32 hours per week, with flexible hours.
• Desired start date - Jan. 6, 2025

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Beautiful Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the

basis of race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender preference, and any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We particularly encourage Black nonbinary people, femmes, and women to apply.