Executive Director

The Situation

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) Foundation is at an exciting juncture. While government support for the school is focused on the academic programs, the LACHSA Foundation has assumed increasing responsibility for the arts programs and is now the largest funder of the schools arts curriculum.  Their mission is to bridge the gap between funds received from the State of California and the actual cost of operating the arts programs.  Those same programs earned LACHSA the ranking as one of America's five best arts high schools.

The LACHSA Foundation is looking for an Executive Director who will lead be the lead staff member responsible for strategic planning and all aspects of the operations of the Foundation.

The Position

The Executive Director reports directly to the Executive Committee of the LACHSA Foundation Board of Trustees and coordinates with the LACHSA Foundation Director of Development.

The Executive Director will manage the comprehensive operations of the LACHSA Foundation including administration, budget, finance, marketing, public relations, policy development, strategic planning, and records functions.  This person will be responsible for the development and execution of a strategic plan designed to achieve ongoing self-sufficiency for the LACHSA Foundation and adequate support for the arts programs of the High School.

The Company

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA) Foundation was incorporated in 1984 to promote the arts and the advancement of young artists by raising and distributing funds for the establishment and operation of a public arts high school in Los Angeles County. The Foundation works closely with the staff of LACHSA and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to identify funding and program priorities. The Foundation primarily raises funds to support the arts curriculum portion of the school budget.  However, the Foundation does not serve as the governing body of the school.

The Ideal Candidate

LACHSA Foundation is seeking a candidate who has 8-10 years experience in a senior level position in an arts or educational organization.  Successful candidates will have experience managing public relations and marketing, and working with a board.  Must understand the dynamics of working with nonprofits and educational institutions.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting time to join the (LACHSA) Foundation as major entertainment corporations have expressed an interest in developing long-term relations with the school and the Foundation. Since its inception, the LACHSA Foundation has steadily increased private funding for the arts programs to meet the needs of the students and colleges and to ensure that the quality of the arts programs could be sustained.  In 2005-2006, the LACHSA Foundation is contributing a total of $1,600,000 in arts program support and scholarships.  In addition, in 2002 the Foundation helped the school to win a $750,000 challenge grant for a performing arts endowment from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.  Charged with matching that gift locally, one dollar for one dollar at the rate of $150,000 a year for five years, the Foundation received the final funding on June 30.  In addition to being one of the top 5 arts high schools in the nation, it is a Grammy Signature School with a zero drop out rate.

The Compensation

The LACHSA Foundation offers a competitive salary based on experience.