Chief Executive Officer

The Van Wezel Foundation

Sarasota, Florida

www.vwfoundation.org   

The Van Wezel Foundation (the Foundation), established in 1987, is a charitable non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.  The Foundation is dedicated to the support of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (the Van Wezel)’s capital improvements and ongoing youth and disadvantaged community educational programs.  While the Foundation and the Van Wezel are separate legal entities, they are united in purpose—to provide world-class performing arts that enriches the community, supports arts education, and inspires young lives. 

The Foundation is entering a new period of philanthropic growth and will embark on a capital campaign to raise funds to support building a new performing arts center.   As part of this exciting time, the Foundation Board of Directors is actively seeking an entrepreneurial, collegial fundraising leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  This role offers the unparalleled opportunity to raise funds to directly enhance and develop a world-class cultural complex for Florida’s Gulf Coast.  This innovative leader will report to the Foundation Board of Directors and further the mission through the continual development of new strategies, community partners, and allies.

The ideal candidate will have the stature and proven ability to develop meaningful relationships with the Foundation Board, Executive Director of the Van Wezel, the City, philanthropists, volunteers, and the community. In addition to leading the campaign, s/he will advance philanthropy, community understanding, and goodwill for the Foundation. The successful candidate will serve as a key ambassador and advocate for the Foundation, inspire support, and promote public awareness about the achievements and success of the campaign.

The CEO will have primary responsibility for the ongoing success and strategic growth of the capital campaign, annual fund, and the Gala.   As such, the successful candidate will have the acumen, collaborative style, and innovative approach to drive extraordinary results.  S/he will maintain a portfolio of prospects.

The CEO will guide the identification and development of strategic partnerships that align the Foundation’s mission, programming, and educational priorities with the desires of philanthropic individuals, corporations, and foundations. S/he will maintain a targeted portfolio of prospects and create innovative marketing opportunities and exposure for donors and sponsors. In order to best position the Foundation for philanthropic partnerships, the successful candidate will build strong relationships both externally and internally.

The Van Wezel Foundation has retained Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC to facilitate this executive recruitment. Please send confidential inquiries and applications directly to Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC via e-mail at VanWezel@glfreeman.com.