Position Summary

The Executive Director will set Hayti Heritage Center’s strategic vision. This role will require a results-driven leader with a proven record in fundraising, donor cultivation, and major investment, as well as the vision to expand Hayti Heritage Center’s presence locally, regionally, and nationally. The executive director will oversee all operations, finances, programming, and staff while serving as the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador. Key priorities will include increasing revenue, building strong community and stakeholder partnerships, elevating Hayti Heritage Center’s profile, and ensuring the preservation and enhancement of its facilities. This position will offer an opportunity for a leader deeply committed to investing in both the history and the future of the Hayti neighborhood, strengthening its role as a cultural and economic anchor in Durham. Roles and Responsibilities Visionary Leadership and Fiscal Management Provide the vision and strategy for Hayti Heritage Center to expand its reach locally, regionally, and Foster a culture of innovation to generate new ideas, concepts, and strategies that amplify the heritage and culture of historic Hayti and the African American experience. Inspire a collaborative organizational structure that cultivates cohesive, creative, communicative, and productive partnerships among internal and external stakeholders. Assess strategic priorities, resources, and direction thorough analysis of program success, performance, financial position, ongoing relevance, and mission achievement. Guide the artistic director in developing and delivering high-quality, mission-based programs and services that respond to the needs of the Hayti community. Partner with the bookkeeper to oversee financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely procedures, monthly and year-end reporting, and audit compliance. Direct cash-flow management and resource allocation. Develop and monitor annual organizational and departmental budgets in collaboration with the board of directors and staff. Embrace other visionary leadership and fiscal management responsibilities as needed. Fundraising and Stewardship Provide strategic oversight and leadership for fundraising activities, ensuring alignment with mission and growth goals. Construct development strategies in partnership with the director of development to create an ambitious and comprehensive development plan and calendar with clearly defined goals, objectives, timelines, and assigned responsibilities. Maintain a personal portfolio of donors and successfully cultivate and solicit major gifts from diverse groups of individuals, corporations, and foundations, ensuring appropriate stewardship of donors at all levels. Establish and model clear standards that ensure donors see the value and impact of their support through stewardship, donor recognition, with particular emphasis on the goal of donor retention. Understand and clearly articulate Hayti Heritage Center’s mission, history, programs, values, and policies to cultivate and enhance authentic relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships throughout the region. Embrace other fundraising and stewardship responsibilities as needed. Community Engagement Serve as a spokesperson engaging with a wide variety of constituents, including business owners; schools and colleges; elected city, county, and state officials; and the media to promote Hayti Heritage Center’s vision, brand, and reputation, both locally and nationally. Collaborate and cultivate relationships with community organizations, cultural institutions, individuals, business owners, schools and colleges, elected officials, and community leaders in creating meaningful and long-lasting partnerships to reinforce the center’s role as a regional asset. Raise awareness, contribute to community revitalization, and assist in a change of perception in the broader Durham community of the culture and the people of Hayti through innovative programming and experiences. Embrace other community engagement duties as needed. Board Development and Governance Build a deep partnership with the Board of Directors and staff to support the advancement of the Hayti Heritage Center while honoring its legacy and charting a course for a dynamic future. Work with the board and staff to engineer and drive strategies in fundraising, resource development, marketing, and communications to significantly enhance revenues and create a wider base of support from the community. Provide accurate, timely performance data and reports for the board, funders, and stakeholders. Embrace other board development and governance duties as needed. Personnel and Facilities Management Recruit, screen, hire, train, and evaluate staff and specialized contract teams, ensuring that all personnel policies, benefits, practices, and training are implemented and supported. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and attract and retain high-performing staff and volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Lead the development and implementation of innovative strategies to secure funding and resources for major capital upgrades, ensuring that Hayti Heritage Center’s facilities remain state-of-the-art and fully equipped to serve the community’s needs. Embrace other personnel and facilities management responsibilities as needed. Traits and Characteristics The Executive Director will be a charismatic unifier who collaborates and connects with the community, staff, board, and stakeholders. This mission-driven individual will bring rigor and self-starting finesse to the role, along with a high degree of diplomacy, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to innovation. The Executive Director will be a thought leader in Durham and beyond, inspiring the team and the region through a public, visible presence. Other key competencies include the following: Personal Accountability and Self-starting – The ability to demonstrate initiative and a willingness to pursue a vision while being answerable for personal actions. Project Management & Time and Priority Management – The dexterity to identify and oversee tasks, systems, and people while allocating time and resources to deliver desired outcomes within planned and measured time. Diplomacy and Flexibility – The integrity to work effectively with diverse constituents, handling competing priorities while readily modifying, responding, and adapting to change. Understanding Others – An affinity for and strong commitment to uplifting African American and underserved communities, serving as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.