Philadelphia Folklore Project Seeks Executive Director

Philadelphia Folklore Project seeks an Executive Director who will work closely with a small, dedicated, and caring Board of Directors. The Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for PFP’s programs, partnerships, funding, and the execution of their mission. They are an influential, energetic, relational, culturally competent leader who delivers on organizational goals by planning strategically, building authentic relationships, publicly representing PFP, managing all operations, and raising funds.

The next ED will guide the organization in defining its vision, strategic direction and the optimal structure, staffing, and governance model to support the strategic direction. While the organizational goals remain the same, this is an opportunity for a new perspective on how to reach those goals and to energize and extend PFP’s reach.

The ED has a solid foundation on which to build their work. PFP has deep trust in the community, meaningful relationships with artists, and decades of good work in a city rich in culture and folk traditions. While candidates with a background in folk arts or cultural heritage are preferred, the next ED must be experienced engaging diverse cultural communities, building connections, and sustaining relationships. They are responsible for addressing underserved and underrepresented identities and perspectives in the field of folklore today.

This is an ideal position for a person who has a background in both the arts and nonprofit management. The generous leave policy (including an annual month-long sabbatical) allows the candidate to focus on the success of PFP and, during the sabbatical, pursue their personal goals.

The organization: For nearly 40 years, the Philadelphia Folklore Project has documented, supported, and promoted Philadelphia-area folk arts and culture, including the arts of people who have been here for generations and those who have just arrived. In collaboration with local artists and community groups, we preserve and strengthen Philadelphia’s folk cultural life because of its power to be transformative in community-level social change. Learn more at folkloreproject.org.

Location: PFP is headquartered in Philadelphia and is a hybrid workplace with work required in the office. The candidate will need to live in or be willing to relocate to the Philadelphia region.

Compensation: The starting salary for the ED is $80,000. Generous leave time includes an annual month-long sabbatical plus an additional 41 paid days off. Compensation package includes a medical insurance contribution and a 5% employer contribution to a Retirement Savings Account.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of five years of nonprofit or other management experience in increasingly more responsible positions.
• Skills and experience to deliver on key responsibilities.
• Background, education, knowledge and/or deep appreciation of folklore, folk arts, and/or cultural arts.
• Ability to raise funds through diverse channels including grants, sponsorships, individual donors, etc.
• Deep understanding of the needs of artists and communities that have been under-resourced due to varying kinds of oppression.
• Experience building the capacity of small nonprofits.

The anticipated interview process includes:

• Email and telephone screenings
• Two interviews, the first virtual and the second in person with travel subsidized if necessary
• Position-appropriate exercise

To apply, submit your cover letter, resumé, and two work samples to  [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

To make recommendations, please contact Lori Blair (Vice President, Fairmount Ventures) at [email protected].

Learn more about this job on the AFS Career Center and on the Philadelphia Folklore Project website.