Indigo Arts Alliance Seeks a Deputy Director

Indigo Arts Alliance, a 501(c3) organization, is seeking a Deputy Director. Our mission is to connect Black and Brown artists from around the world with Maine’s artists of African descent through a multidisciplinary artist-in-residency program that embodies a Black-led approach to creativity, mentoring and community-building. We provide artists in residence with the time and space necessary for the development of new work, as well as focused public programming that brings communities in close contact with creative processes and practices that broaden cultural awareness.  

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director has both internal and externally facing responsibilities. These range from team management to project management (i.e.developing key goals and strategies that result in high-quality deliverables such as operational process design, program planning, data reporting, facilities oversight, HR—recruiting, mentoring, succession planning.

The Deputy Director ensures high engagement from staff and partners to resolve day-to-day issues before they reach the Executive Director. The Deputy Director, in partnership with the Executive Director, plays a critical role in shaping and implementing the organization’s Strategic Plan. The Deputy Director assists the Executive Director in creating, overseeing and ensuring the effective implementation of the annual budget and overall financial management in alignment with the organization's strategic and operational goals.

The Deputy Director will engage in fundraising efforts. They will serve as a point person to the public and the media on externally facing communications. The right candidate will be a mission-focused, seasoned, strategic, and process-minded arts leader with experience developing a culture of learning and continuous improvement among a group of diverse, talented individuals. 

The ideal candidate must be independent, highly organized, possess excellent verbal and written communication skills with a keen attention to detail. They must be able to effectively manage multiple projects at a time. The successful candidate will be an inclusive, results-oriented leader whose work is grounded by a commitment to equity, inclusion, and empowerment of people. They will be a proven, caring leader with a career history that demonstrates outstanding leadership.

Reports To: Executive Director 

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt; (Not a remote position) 

Salary: $80,000 annually 

• This is an exempt position that requires 40 hours per week and select weekends (as needed) to support IAA’s programming and events.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Retirement  
• Workers Comp
• Professional development opportunities 

Paid Time Off:

• 1 week of vacation 
• 3 Personal days 
• 11 paid federal holidays 
• 14 days for IAA Winter break
• Fridays in August off (4 days)

Leadership Responsibilities

• Strategic and collaborative leadership and team development across all areas of the organization
• Provide direction and oversight of all programs
• Strengthen organizational impact, communications, information management
• Act as spokesperson for the organization as required
• Support fundraising efforts by identifying grants,analyzing funding opportunities, developing fundraising materials, and representing the organization at external events and meetings. 
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and projects. Collaborate with the IAA team to refine and develop program offerings, establishing clear metrics that align with strategic plan and advance the organization's mission, to increase depth and breadth of impact. 
• Develop long-term strategies for organizational staffing and structure that ensure IAA’s current and future needs are met.
• Ensure excellence of our Artists-in-Residency program by engaging and supporting the needs of visiting artists, helping to create a positive, productive and rewarding residency
• Lead the cultivation of professional affiliations and alliances, develop new collaborations with relevant individual or corporate partners who further our mission
• Direct the implementation and coordination large-scale public events, including performances, lectures, masterclasses, workshops, symposia/panels and fundraising events;
• Lead IAA’s implementation of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy; foster diverse, equitable and inclusive practices to create a work environment where each person can contribute towards our impact.

Operational Responsibilities

• Implement and develop systems, methodologies and processes that bring structure and efficiency to daily operations and activities (e.g. archiving, documenting, organizing databases)
• Direct and support growth initiatives, utilizing knowledge of fundraising best practices and strategies
• Support the preparation of materials to the stakeholders, partners, board members and the Circle of Advisors
• Reporting director for Studio and Programs Manager, Interns and specified contractors

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ arts administration experience with knowledge of contemporary arts practices.
• Bachelors in Arts Administration, Nonprofit Management or related field; advance degree a plus
• Experience working with artists, arts organizations and local communities
• Excellent writing and verbal communication.
• Proven project management skills to execute programming plans/events
• Nonprofit experience or training with knowledge in grants management or grants administration
• Demonstrated success working in cross-functional teams in a dynamic organization 
• The ability to adjust work style to match audiences for unique business solutions and changing and/or conflicting priorities.
• Marketing acumen, awareness of marketing/advertising best practices
• Ability to work with a variety of people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and be adaptable. 
• Capability to prioritize, focus and achieve results. Attention to detail and delivery of high-quality work products.
• Solid interpersonal capacity to build trust and rapport, be a team player, motivate and educate colleagues.

Indigo Arts Alliance Seeks a Development Director

Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA) seeks an experienced, innovative, and driven Development Director to ensure the financial sustainability of our vibrant, rapidly growing organization. With an annual operating budget of $1.4 million—representing a 400% increase since 2019—this position offers the opportunity to shape the future of IAA’s development strategy and long-term impact. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will design, lead and implement  a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grant writing, donor relations, and database management.

The Development Director will be expected to execute a holistic development strategy that refines existing processes while building pathways for growth. The ideal candidate will be responsible for executing and providing oversight on; planning, organizing, and implementation of a fundraising program that includes grants strategy and writing, major gifts, individual giving, corporate sponsorship, planned giving, and special events revenue. The Director will have the exciting responsibility of overseeing and expanding IAA’s sustainability fund. 

The successful candidate should be committed to social equity and justice, along with having a vision for shaping innovations in philanthropy for small arts nonprofits. This role requires a dynamic leader who can cultivate strong relationships with funders, leverage data-driven fundraising strategies and ensure long-term financial resilience in an evolving cultural philanthropy and policy landscape.

Position Summary

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (Not a remote position)

Salary: $70,000 annually 

• This is an exempt position that requires 40 hours per week and select weekends (as needed) to support IAA’s programming and events.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, Vision, and Retirement  
• Workers Comp
• Professional development opportunities 

Paid Time Off:

• 1 week of vacation 
• 3 Personal days 
• Observes 11 paid federal holidays 
• 14 days for IAA Winter break
• Fridays in August off (4 days)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development Strategy and Operations

• Design and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, incorporating individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and special events.
• Oversee IAA’s sustainability fund, ensuring long-term financial stability.
• Work with database consultants to manage donor databases (Little Green Light), ensuring accurate data entry, tracking, and acknowledgments in collaboration with the Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper.
• Develop and execute creative campaigns to cultivate individual donors, including high-net-worth individuals.
• Monitor fundraising progress, analyze data, and adjust strategies to meet annual revenue goals.

Fundraising and Grant Management

• Lead annual fundraising campaigns, including direct mail solicitations, email solicitations, social media solicitations, and stewardship events.
• Plan and execute special events to engage donors and raise revenue.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities, write persuasive proposals, and manage timelines for submissions and reports.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing institutional funders while identifying new grant opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts.

Community and Donor Engagement

• Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional funders at local and national levels.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to create effective donor communications and marketing materials.
• Represent Indigo Arts Alliance at events and in the community to build awareness and foster relationships.

Board and Team Collaboration

• Liaise with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to foster a culture of philanthropy and support their fundraising efforts.
• Provide training and guidance to board members and staff to ensure cohesive fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee development contractors, including CRM/LGL consultants, as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including donor cultivation, major gift solicitation, and grant management.
• Proven track record of raising $2+ million annually, with experience in major gifts and corporate sponsorships.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle complex initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Little Green Light), spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office Suite/Google Suite.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong grant writing abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the fundraising landscape in New England, with national and international experience as a plus.

Leadership experience in planning and executing capital campaigns or endowment initiatives.

Demonstrated commitment to antiracism, equity, and inclusion.

Personal Attributes

A creative, self-starting individual who thrives in collaborative environments.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Passion for the arts and empowering BIPOC artists and communities.

The Communication and Marketing Administration Intern provides support to Indigo Arts Alliance through the creation, implementation and support of internal and external communication efforts. The selected interns are given projects that span across the organization, and grow transferable skills such as project management, copywriting, graphic design, and more. They play a valuable role by creating new ways and assisting in maintaining methods for our audiences to remain engaged through social media efforts, newsletters, and printed materials.

Roles and Responsibilities:
  - Assist Marketing and Communications Coordinator in streamlining internal/external communications software
  - Assist in researching and setting up new communications
  - Assist communications team in maintaining active social media presence for the organization with guidance from Executive Director (utilizing guidelines and branding elements provided).
  - Assist in the design and creation of various printed materials
  - Maintain and organize internal IAA Google Drive
  - Assist in internal/external communication document creation (Information Templates, Studio Guidelines, Artist in Residence Handbook, etc)
  - Sourcing, researching, and creating content to be used for our various social media platforms
  - Maintaining the IAA content archives
  - Assist in writing social media post copy, and keeping all communication tools consistent and up to date

Qualifications:
  - Currently enrolled, or recently graduated from a college or university - Positive attitude and strong work ethic
  - Strong written and verbal communication skills
  - Strong technical skills in computer literacy
  - Aptitude in digital/social media and all its platforms
  - Good organization skills with attention to detail
  - Ability to receive feedback and critique with humility, modesty, and respect - Exceptional attention to detail
  - Desire to find creative solutions to all challenges and problems
  - Personal qualities of kindness, integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission - Art education or experience (painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking experience preferred but not required)
  - Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow specific step-by-step instructions

Staffing
IAA is currently led by co-founder and Chief Officer of Strategic Growth and Innovation, Marcia Minter; co-founder and  Artist Director, Daniel Minter; Executive Director, Jordia Benjamin; Studio and Programs Manager, Ashley Page; and Veronica Perez, Administrative Assistant.

 
Compensation and Hours
Spanning 135 hours, this internship accounts for 3 credits and has also been funded a total of $1500. This internship is possible through the generous philanthropy of our community organizations to help foster and grow young brown and black artists that are emerging within their careers. While introducing young students to established, mid-career and budding POC artists in the local Portland community, and hosting space for talking about work from a different perspective, this opportunity allows for artists of all kinds to learn and grow. This internship is now available for recent graduates who graduated within a year of applying. The rate of compensation does not change with graduate status.
 

The Studio and Programming Administration Intern provides support to Indigo Arts Alliance by executing day to day tasks and representing Indigo in a positive manner to the community. Our interns play a valuable role in implementing our programming and utilizing skill sets such as program planning, event set up & breakdown, archive management, and more! They get hands-on learning in nonprofit management and are exposed to a wide range of artists, creative professionals, and project management tools that help fuel an exciting career in the arts. This position is available to currently enrolled students pursuing an undergraduate, or graduate degree as well as recent graduates who graduated within a year of the application period and offers a hybrid internship model (virtual and in-person), dependent on COVID-19 and CDC guidelines.

Roles and Responsibilities:
    - Research relevant studio facilities to better inform the IAA print/studio community workshop
    - Regularly audit and populate studio supplies inventory documents
    - Assist in researching and setting up new studio furniture/equipment
    - Maintain the general organization and cleanliness of all Indigo Arts Alliance facilities
    - Maintain and organize internal IAA Google Drive
    - Assist in internal/external communication document creation (Information Templates, Studio Guidelines, Artist in Residence Handbook, etc)

Qualifications:
    - Currently enrolled, or recently graduated from a college or university
    - Positive attitude and strong work ethic
    - Strong written and verbal communication skills
    - Strong technical skills in computer literacy
    - Aptitude in digital/social media and all its platforms
    - Good organization skills with attention to detail
    - Ability to receive feedback and critique with humility, modesty, and respect
    - Exceptional attention to detail
    - Desire to find creative solutions to all challenges and problems
    - Personal qualities of kindness, integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission
    - Art education and/or experience (painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking experience preferred but not required)
    - Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to follow specific step-by-step instructions
    - Must be able to lift 50-75 lbs.

Staffing IAA is currently led by co-founder and Chief Officer of Strategic Growth and Innovation, Marcia Minter; co-founder and  Artist Director, Daniel Minter; Executive Director, Jordia Benjamin; Studio and Programs Manager, Ashley Page; and Veronica Perez, Administrative Assistant.

 Compensation and Hours  Spanning 135 hours, this internship accounts for 3 credits and has also been funded a total of $1500. This internship is possible through the generous philanthropy of our community organizations to help foster and grow young brown and black artists that are emerging within their careers. While introducing young students to established, mid-career and budding POC artists in the local Portland community, and hosting space for talking about work from a different perspective, this opportunity allows for artists of all kinds to learn and grow. This internship is now available for recent graduates who graduated within a year of applying. The rate of compensation does not change with graduate status.  

Indigo Arts Alliance provides an environment for the production of artwork in all media across disciplines. It is intended for professional, mid-career and emerging artists to explore and grow their work in a creative atmosphere. Our residency aims to connect Black and Brown artists from across the globe to local artists of African descent. In this way, we facilitate working opportunities for critical feedback, relationship building and increased awareness of creative practices and resources. Selected artists offer and participate in public talks, symposiums and workshops, increasing their visibility and disseminating intellectual discourse.

The Mentorship Residency Program is a pioneering residency concept that serves as an arts incubator with generous workspace and modern facilities enabling the creative work of visual artists across disciplines. We foster mentorship by pairing two artists together during a residency period to cultivate rich conversation, collaboration, and exchange experiences, knowledge, art industry information and technical skills. The artist-pairing consists of a National or International artist who is traveling to the state of Maine from their respective homes to be in residence with a Local/Regional artist. The goal of the pairing is to build positive relationships that enhance the individual artists as human beings and thought leaders. We want to create healthy relationships for artists of color who are navigating their art practice and create avenues of success that build networks.


About Mentorship:
We situate mentoring as a dialogue between and among artists who share cultural histories and experiences. Essentially, a co-mentorship, as the dialogue is one that goes both ways and equally enriches the artist pairing. While in residence, the mentorship pairing shall also receive 1:1 feedback and support by the Indigo Arts Alliance staff and will participate in studio visits with a selection of artists, curators, cultural workers, scholars, and community organizers. To be in residence with Indigo Arts Alliance is to enter into an ecosystem of sustained community building, intellectual development and cultural production.


The Mentorship Relationship:
We encourage our two paired artists to work independently in their practice, however we ask each to dedicate a minimum of 8-10 hours a week to work together. This commitment often looks like:
- An equal exchange of creative practices while increasing awareness of the skill and thought leadership of diverse talent; and an opportunity to advance skills outside of traditional mediums.
- Joint community engagement connecting the artists to the general public
- Joint projects; artistic collaborations; conceptual exchange


Please Note: We are currently accepting rolling applications from artists based in the Northeastern region (also known as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island).
- We do not provide housing for Local/Regional artists. IAA Staff will assist as best we can to support the search for housing. However, ultimately it is the responsibility of the candidate to finance and book their housing accommodations should they need it. 

 - Submission of an application does not guarantee selection as an artist in resident. Your name will go directly into our Local/Regional artist pool which we will pull from as the right Mentorship opportunity arises.


Eligibility:
- Applicants must be a descendent from any of the African nations, African-American, Afro-Latin, Caribbean, i.e., the communities inhabiting the geographic breadth of all the places where Africans were displaced as a result of the transatlantic slave trade, Indigenous Peoples, Latinx, Southeast Asian (i.e African/Indian oceanic world), the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim. It is important to our mission to serve communities that have been impacted by colonialism and cultural erasure.
- Applicants must be 21+ at the time of the proposed residency.
- Artists of all disciplines are encouraged (Painting, sculpture, illustration, writing, dance, music, theater/performance, photography, fiber/textiles, etc).
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in a full-time academic program at the time of the residency.
- Applicants must have the most up to date COVID-19 vaccination at least 3 months prior to the start of their proposed residency. You may learn more about our COVID-19 policy here.


Please visit our Artist Residency FAQ page for more information. Should you have any direct questions please email ashley@indigoartsalliance.me.