Deputy Director at Oxford American

May 18, 2023
Conway, Arkansas

Reports to Executive Director
Conway, Arkansas

The Oxford American, a literary arts organization founded in 1992, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced non-profit project manager and fundraiser. The Deputy Director (DD) will assist the Executive Director in overseeing operations, finance, and major gifts.

The OA produces an award-winning quarterly magazine along with live events, a podcast, and short films, with robust digital programming on OxfordAmerican.org.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about our mission to explore the complexity and vitality of the South. The ideal candidate understands both the challenges and joys of championing the arts. Our new DD will be both collaborative and autonomous—and eager to project manage several ongoing initiatives.

The DD will serve as a thought partner, along with the Executive Director and Outreach Team, as we overhaul donor communications and circulation strategy in order to increase our reach and ensure long-term sustainability.

This position is based in our offices in Conway, Arkansas. While telecommuting is not an option, hybrid work arrangements can be made for a candidate with previous success working remotely.

Like the Executive Director, the DD will have responsibilities across several departments. The DD may spend one day assembling a grant report, the next day speaking with major donors, and the following day helping the Executive Director prepare for a board meeting. This role is ideal for someone with broad experience and skills who wants to support independent media, amplify underrepresented voices, and serve those most in need of arts and culture programming.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting + Finance

Support Executive Director to:

  • Plan budgets and revenue goals for each department
  • Review balance sheets and monthly financials
  • Set annual budgets for board approval

Advertising

  • Assist ad team in securing major corporate support

Development

  • Develop relationships with foundations and major donors
  • Manage grant budgets and reports
  • Represent the OA at events and fundraisers
  • Offer feedback and strategic insight on fundraising campaigns

Outreach

  • Set goals and metrics for audience growth and retention
  • Project manage CRM transition
  • Support outreach efforts to meet underserved audiences

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years experience in fundraising, development, and project management
  • Minimum 3 years experience in a management and/or finance position
  • Arts, humanities, literary, and/or publishing background
  • Experience working with a diverse team and promoting a mission
  • Demonstrated success in grant management and major fundraising
  • Proficiency in donor databases or CRMs
  • Familiarity with project management platforms like Basecamp, Google Drive, Dropbox
  • Enthusiastic about developing relationships with current and potential donors
  • Ability to work closely with multiple departments
  • Ability to manage several ongoing projects at once
  • Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to generate interest in the organization and serve as a steward for our mission
  • Ability to work autonomously and solve problems
  • Some travel for OA events and meetings will be required. (< 5% of appointment)

Additional information

Application review will begin immediately with a projected start date of mid June.

The OA is committed to empowering voices underserved by the publishing arena and those with the lived experience to serve our mission. Applicants of color and/or those who identify as LGBTQ+ or disabled are encouraged to apply. We invite applicants to voluntarily disclose any non-dominant identities in their materials.

Compensation

$60,000 annualized salary plus benefits including health, vision, and dental; 401k; unlimited vacation.

To apply, email a résumé and one-page letter of interest to [email protected], subject line: Deputy Director.

For more information, click here.