Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer

Title: Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer
Employer: The Cosanti Foundation, an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Status: 1.0 FTE (full-time, exempt); occasional evenings and weekends
Reports to: Board of Directors
Annual Compensation: Negotiable; Opportunity for additional compensation based on fundraising and performance, benefits include full medical & dental, life insurance, 4 weeks paid holiday & vacation, travel & expense budget, onsite housing at Arcosanti.
Posted: 11/21/23
Expected Start Date: ASAP

ABOUT THE COSANTI FOUNDATION

Founded in 1965 by Paolo and Colly Soleri , the Cosanti Foundation (TCF) is an Arizona-based nonprofit educational 501(c)(3) organization that operates two world-famous, open-to-the-public locations: Cosanti in Paradise Valley and Arcosanti near Mayer. The Cosanti Foundation also owns and operates the for-profit Cosanti Originals, where we make our world-famous bronze and ceramic wind bells and other artisan items which supports our ongoing efforts. Originally established to support Paolo Soleri’s noted architectural and urban planning concepts and research, the Foundation exists to explore the theory of arcology (architecture+ecology). TCF’s current mission is “to inspire a reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world.” TCF is seeking a new Executive Director to build on the rich history and values that underlie this Arizona landmark that is uniquely positioned to lead by example in a changing world.

The Executive Director/CEO, in partnership with the Board, staff, volunteers, resident community, and alumni, will play a lead role in implementing our new strategy to position the organization for its successful next chapter. TCF and Cosanti Originals are creating a decentralized management structure, and the successful candidate would be expected to support and nurture this form of governance. This leader will work to expand TCF’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, building on values belonging at the heart of the mission. The Foundation’s next leader should enjoy guiding and providing oversight to a dedicated team, enhancing systems and approaches as appropriate to strengthen the organization both internally and externally, while living and working with the residential community at Arcosanti.

Primary Duties

• Implement strategic and well-balanced programs that further our educational goals.
• Lead a fundraising effort that ensures the financial stability of the organization in alignment with our strategic plan.
• Work with the board to continuously refine strategic direction and goals of TCF.
• Oversees and manages a system of financial management and reporting. Oversees development of an annual budget to be adopted by the board.
• Ensure annual audit is conducted and submitted to the board.
• Oversee the Cosanti Originals for-profit enterprise to ensure stability and growth.
• Collaborate with the organization’s residential community at Arcosanti to cultivate and support a strong practice of engaging on TCF goals in an inclusive manner.
• Provide guidance, support and oversight of the staff and leverage their experience and insights.
• Develop formal mechanisms for and maintain ongoing practices of deep community engagement and relationship-building to ensure that the organization’s strategies are executed.
  • Maintain a strong external presence in the local/statewide community, participating in relevant local policy meetings and legislative activity as well as enhancing the visibility of the sites to local, national, and international visitors.
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with policy makers, nonprofit leaders, public and private stakeholders, and funders; build reciprocal trust with land use advocates and leaders; serve as a facilitator, convener, and connector to further the organization’s strategic goals.
  • Allocate a minimum time commitment of 50% to the Arcosanti site, leadership, and community; be present and accessible to residents at Arcosanti and workers at Cosanti.
• Leverage the TCF archives through exhibitions, displays and other special events that feature the collection of iconic works and ideas.
• Represent TCF in public forums on the architectural concept and philosophy known as Arcology, a combination of the words Architecture and Ecology.
• Cultivate opportunities for educational and cultural conferences, as well as performing arts events, on a regular basis.
• Ensure the care and maintenance of Arcosanti, Cosanti and their natural surroundings consistent with the principles of arcology. A critical function of the ED/CEO is to ensure that the historical importance and integrity of these sites are maintained.

The Ideal Candidate – Experience and Capabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provides strategic direction to the organization in collaboration with the Board, staff, volunteers, and others. Draws on extensive nonprofit experience, fundraising skills, and emotional intelligence to lead initiatives to strengthen and improve TCF.
• Management and Organization: Supports and mentors staff, appreciates the skills and experience they bring, nurtures a high-performing team culture, and ensures that the organization has the capacity needed to deliver on goals and commitments. Plays an active role in budgeting and financial oversight, and oversees COO management of operations, site, and facilities.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Fosters a welcoming and positive culture of engagement that is reflected in our programs, management practices and policies. Our culture honors the diversity of our workforce, and our guests by providing a safe and welcoming space for all.
• Communications and Collaboration: Serves as a dynamic and compelling spokesperson for TCF. Expands the visibility and influence of TCF by raising awareness among thought leaders and the public. Has the ability to listen well and build trust and relationships with a wide range of people. Appreciates the complexity of the “live-where-you-work” community at Arcosanti. Displays interpersonal savvy in bridging differences among people, conducting difficult conversations, resolving conflict and shaping solutions.
• Commitment and Respect: Displays personal integrity, transparency, a calm presence, and a commitment to the values and ideals of the TCF mission and a respect for the history of the organization.
• Education and Experience: We are seeking an experienced leader with a minimum of 10 years of nonprofit experience and a track record of successful management, programming, outreach, and development. Other important skills include strong public speaking and the ability to weave a compelling, motivating, and persuasive message to all constituents and stakeholders. A bachelor’s degree or above is required and certification or advanced degrees in the areas of architecture, ecology, business, education, and/or land management is desired.
• Culture: Demonstrate and facilitate strong communication among board members, staff, and residents. Shows strong personal commitment to the values, mission and vision of the Cosanti Foundation, as a way of maintaining a healthy organization focused on a shared vision.

TO APPLY

This is a US-based position with a home base in Arizona and open to all candidates authorized to work in the US If this position sounds appealing to you and you would like to learn more about TCF and discuss the opportunity further, please forward your résumé and/or CV along with a cover letter to: apply@arcosanti.org

EEO STATEMENT

The Cosanti Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.