Durango Creative District (DCD)

Executive Director Job Description

Position:

Executive Director

Hours:

Part-time, 32 hours per week

Location:

Durango, Colorado

Reports to:

DCD Board of Directors

Salary:

$48,000-$55,000, depending on experience and qualifications, with opportunity for growth based on fundraising potentials (final salary subject to Board approval)

Benefits:

Flexible schedule with hybrid in-person and remote work options, flexible PTO as long as work requirements are met, health care stipend, federal holidays, opportunity to help shape a community-focused organization

Start Date:

January 4, 2027, or as negotiated

The Opportunity

The Durango Creative District is seeking a resourceful, detail-oriented leader to serve as its part-time Executive Director. The Durango Creative District (DCD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 2019 with a mission to “unite, evolve, and celebrate our local creative economy by providing resources, advocacy, and community building opportunities.” The successful candidate will bring a strong record of fundraising and financial administration, sound judgment in running a lean organization, and a genuine commitment to the local creative economy.

Qualifications and Expertise

Reporting to the DCD Board of Directors, the ideal candidate will bring all or most of the following professional and personal qualities:

  • A team-oriented leader who is flexible and adaptable, who encourages a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters communication, cooperation, and openness, and who respects and fosters board, volunteer, and contractor expertise.

  • At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit administration or fundraising, with clear and measurable accomplishments.

  • Strong financial management and administrative skills, including budgeting, bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, and preparing financial reports for board review.

  • Demonstrated success building and maintaining donor relationships and strategic partnerships, with strong grant research, writing, and compliance-reporting skills.

  • Experience managing the full grant lifecycle: researching opportunities, writing applications, tracking deadlines, and completing renewal and compliance reporting.

  • Strong organizational skills, including recordkeeping, contract administration, and donor database or CRM maintenance.

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of representing DCD’s mission to donors, partners, government, media, and the community.

  •  A professional, collaborative approach to working with a small board and a limited pool of contractors and volunteers.

Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have:

  • Experience with nonprofit bookkeeping or accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks).

  • A track record of grant writing and fundraising that has produced measurable revenue growth.

  • Familiarity with donor management or CRM platforms.

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a field related to Nonprofit Management or Business Administration.

  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a board of directors

Responsibilities

Leadership

  • Responsible for executing the DCD’s Mission and Values.

  • Coordinates with the Board of Directors to ensure organizational and administrative requirements are met.

  • Maintains awareness of opportunities for the board and volunteers to support diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Administrative and Financial Oversight

  • Administers fiscal budgets, financial policies, and internal controls.

  • Maintains accurate financial records, including accounts payable/receivable, and provides monthly financial reporting to the Board.

  • Oversees grant compliance, reporting deadlines, and required documentation.

  • Coordinates day-to-day office administration, billing, and recordkeeping.

  • Ensures compliance with all applicable government regulations and DCD internal policies.

  • Oversees all obligations to the City of Durango outlined in 2027 Scope of Work.

Fundraising

  • Leads fundraising for the DCD, including creating and executing an annual fundraising plan that reduces reliance on city funding.

  • Cultivates and maintains donor relationships across individual, corporate, and foundation supporters to ensure continued financial support of DCD.

  • Researches, writes, and manages grant applications and associated compliance reporting.

  • Maintains an organized fundraising and grant calendar to track deadlines, renewals, and reporting requirements.

  • Manages donor acknowledgment, recordkeeping, and CRM or database upkeep.

  • Works with the Board-appointed Development/Fundraising Committee, attending meetings when possible and supporting special fundraising activities.

Oversight of Contract Personnel and Volunteers

  • Supervises and communicates with any contract personnel or volunteers supporting DCD operations.

  • Recruits, trains, and supports volunteers as needed.

  • Coordinates volunteer scheduling for board-approved activities.

General Oversight

  • Communicates regularly with the DCD Board, including monthly written ED reports.

  • Collaborates with the Board Chair on the creation and support of the DCD Board.

  • Maintains ongoing relationships with Colorado Creative Industries and neighboring Creative District networks.

  • Oversees basic maintenance and administration of DCD’s physical office space.

  • Serves as a primary point of contact for DCD within the community.

  • Complies with all personnel policies and procedures.

Application Process

Applications for the Executive Director position will be accepted immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. The target start date for this position is January 4, 2026.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit the following in a single PDF:

  • Cover letter, including the reason the position is attractive to you and how your fundraising and administrative experience relates to the position. Please limit the length of your cover letter to no more than 2 pages.

  • Resume.

  • Three (3) professional references with contact information (email addresses and phone numbers).

The application packet should have the applicant’s name in the file name and should be emailed to: board@durangocreativedistrict.org.

Applicants will receive confirmation of their submission via the email address provided in their application, as well as updates regarding the review and interview process.