Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Executive Director serves as the operations lead for the North Carolina Azalea Festival and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, financial sustainability, and operational excellence of the organization. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances the Festival’s mission, strengthens its community impact, ensures sound governance and fiscal stewardship, and builds a high-performing staff and volunteer culture.

The Executive Director acts as the primary ambassador of the Festival, cultivating relationships with sponsors, donors, partners, civic leaders, and the broader community.

• Lead the implementation, and evaluation of the Festival’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Translate Board-approved strategic and tactical goals into actionable, measurable operational plans.
• Monitor organizational performance and ensure alignment with strategic objectives and community impact goals.
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks and proactively recommend strategies to the Board.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, fostering a strong, transparent, and collaborative relationship.
• Support effective Board governance by preparing meeting agendas, materials, and reports.
• Partner with Board committees and leadership to advance organizational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with all Board-approved policies, bylaws, and governance best practices.
• Collaborate with the Finance Committee to develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Ensure the organization operates within approved financial parameters and maintains sound fiscal controls.
• Provide accurate, timely financial and operational reporting to the Board.
• Oversee contract negotiations, RFPs, and vendor agreements to maximize value and minimize risk.

• Lead and support fundraising, sponsorship, and revenue-generation efforts in partnership with the Board.
• Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with sponsors, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
• Serve as a visible and credible spokesperson for the Festival, protecting and promoting its brand and public image.

• Provide leadership and oversight of all staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture.
• Oversee all human resource functions, including recruitment, retention, performance management, professional development, compensation, benefits, compliance, and employee relations.
• Ensure clear roles, accountability, and effective internal communication across the organization.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethical practices throughout the organization.

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for the planning and execution of all Festival activities and operations.
• Ensure operational excellence, safety, and a high-quality experience for attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and partners.
• Oversee day-to-day administrative and office operations.

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Board of Directors in support of the organization’s mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, or community-based organization.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning.
• Strong relationship-building skills with boards, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Excellent communication and public-speaking skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and foster a positive organizational culture.
• Proficiency with modern office technology, financial systems, and HR platforms.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the organization’s mission.