Mission: Creative Acts is a non-profit organization that seeks to transform urgent social justice issues through the revolutionary power of the arts to heal trauma, build community, raise power, and center the voices of those who are or have been incarcerated.

Who We Are: We are a Black-founded organization that centers those with lived experience of incarceration and the global majority (BIPOC) in decision-making positions.

Our Impact

• Voter Turnout: Our “Art Attacks” program yielded a 100% voter turnout from incarcerated youth during the 2020 election.
• First Program in Security Housing Unit: Our “Virtual Reality Reentry” program is the first of its kind to operate in a Security Housing Unit at a maximum-security prison. These sessions decreased in-person infractions by 96% within the first year.
• 15+ Alumni Create Our Programs: Our brain trust and our foundation for all programs and training comes from the development work of our alumni community who have served a total of 200+ years behind bars.

Executive Director

Creative Acts is an exciting, fast-paced organization undergoing an important transformation. Its Founder—who has led the organization over the last six years—with the support and approval of the entire Creative Acts organization, is enthusiastic to transition and assume the role of Director of Engagement. The organization seeks a new motivated/visionary leader to partner with the Founder, Board of Directors, and staff to take Creative Acts to its next level of programmatic reach, philanthropic support, and field leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall vision, direction, and daily operations with a focus on infrastructure development and strategic planning, including operational, financial, administrative, and personnel management.
• In close partnership with the COO, assess current staffing requirements and develop a plan to build a strong team and sustainable infrastructure aligned with the goals and vision of the organization.
• Lead efforts to expand fundraising capacity for Creative Acts, working in concert with the Director of Engagement, Director of Development, COO, and Board of Directors to enhance existing donor relationships and expand efforts to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new individual and foundation donors.
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs, Alumni Lab and other program developers to create, pilot, and launch programming to advance the mission and impact of Creative Acts, including collaborations and partnerships with other social justice and art-focused organizations.
• In partnership with the Director of Programs and in collaboration with the Alumni Lab, contribute in the development and implementation of Creative Acts’ workshops and presentations, including training and educational experiences.
• Work in close alignment with the COO to oversee financial planning, reporting, and budgeting, and establish policies, benchmarks, and evaluative tools to ensure accountability and consistency.
• Manage the organization's resources within budget guidelines and in accordance with current laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Serve as the primary point of contact to the Board of Directors; ensure they are fully informed about significant organizational developments, organizational health, and strategic direction.
• In cooperation with the Board Secretary and Chair, prepare, coordinate, and facilitate Board of Directors meetings.
• Represent Creative Acts as the face of the organization and participate in industry-group conferences, professional associations, and other public venues and events.
• Qualifications
• Nonprofit leadership and administration, preferably as an Executive Director
• Significant organizing, advocacy, nonprofit, and/or policy experience
• Deep community relationships within Southern California and the incarceration system
• Comprehension and commitment to the power of the arts and creativity in the social justice space
• Personal or lived experience within the incarceration system
• Previous management of cash flow and assisting with budget-planning
• Firsthand knowledge of fundraising strategies, tactics, and best practices
• Desired Qualities:
• Depth of perspective and knowledge about the incarceration system
• Commitment to social justice, women’s issues, LGBTQ persons, youth, and indigenous populations
• Motivation to build a healthy and collaborative work environment; ability to establish and maintain a spirit of cooperation and respect while consistently demonstrating professional and ethical conduct
• Experience and desire to build and invest in relationships with partner organizations, philanthropists, and community members
• Ability to operate with a calm demeanor and sound judgement during difficult and stressful situations
• Good acumen and operation of software and systems
• Inclination for data-informed decision-making
• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
• How You Benefit:
• The salary for this position is $94,640. We offer and pay in full health benefits to all staff with a dedicated 20 hours or more per week to the organization, two weeks paid vacation, an annual holiday break, free mental health services, and an optional 401K.
• The Creative Acts pay structure is a shared power model with tiered bands. All staff within the Director Band (including the Executive Director) work at the same salary level, commensurate with hours expected. The Management Band staff work at another level. Teaching Artists and Program Providers—considered subject matter experts—receive equal hourly rates.
• We are a small team, dedicated to the mission of the organization, with a collaborative and flexible work environment. We value quality and consistency of work over formalities.
• Creative Acts is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.
• To Apply, visit HERE.