Executive Director/Coordinator

 Executive Director & Creative District Coordinator The Golden Husk Theatre & Valley County Creative District 
 

Creative Community Leader 

The Golden Husk Theatre and Valley County Creative District are seeking a collaborative, motivated leader ready to grow into a dynamic role at the intersection of arts, community, and rural development. This is a unique opportunity to lead a community arts organization while helping shape a countywide creative district—building connections, organizing events and volunteers, and strengthening quality of life across Valley County. 

About the Community 

Located in the scenic Loup Rivers Valley, Valley County includes the communities of Ord, North Loup, Arcadia, and Elyria. The region is known for its strong sense of community, local pride, and growing investment in arts and culture. The Golden Husk Theatre serves as a welcoming hub for performances, events, and creative engagement, while the Creative District connects people and opportunities across the county. 

​Position Overview 

This full-time position blends nonprofit leadership and administration with community-based creative development. While initially structured as a 50/50 split, time allocation may shift seasonally based on programming, events, and community priorities. This role is designed for someone excited to shape programming, strengthen partnerships, and cultivate creativity. The position titles are: 

● Executive Director, The Golden Husk Theatre (nonprofit) 

● Coordinator, Valley County Creative District (community-based) 

Key Responsibilities 

Executive Director, The Golden Husk Theatre 

● Oversee day-to-day nonprofit operations, including finances, fundraising, and communications 

● Serve as a visible and engaged community ambassador 

● Build relationships with patrons, donors, and key stakeholders 

● Coordinate volunteers and events 

● Collaborate with the Artistic Director of The Golden Husk Theatre on annual programming and season planning 

● Support grant projects in partnership with the Artistic Director 

Coordinator, Valley County Creative District 

● Support and lead a countywide art and culture network among artists, organizations, and partners 

● Coordinate collaborative initiatives, including the Big Give to Valley County-24-hour Giving Day 

● Maintain and expand a creative asset map (people, places, programs, events) 

● Represent Valley County at local, regional, and statewide events 

Shared Leadership Priorities 

● Strengthen arts and culture collaboration across sectors: arts, tourism, economic development, and philanthropy 

● Support community engagement and steward arts and cultural programming 

● Identify opportunities for growth and sustainability 

Support Structure 

This role is supported by: 

● An engaged The Golden Husk Theatre nonprofit board and Valley County Creative District committee. 

● An Artistic Director of The Golden Husk Theatre 

● Community volunteers and regional stakeholders 

● Contract support (e.g., grant writer, production directors, technology specialists) 

Position Phasing 

Phase 1 (First 3–6 months): 

● Onboarding, relationship-building, and community engagement 

● Support existing operations and programming of The Golden Husk Theatre 

● Learn systems and build familiarity with countywide stakeholders 

Phase 2 (6–12 months): 

● Expand Valley County Creative District initiatives and visibility 

● Strengthen fundraising and partnerships 

● Begin shaping systems and identify long-term priorities 

Phase 3 (Year 1+): 

● Explore new or expanded arts and cultural programming 

● Continue building long-term sustainability and impact in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

Qualifications 

Required 

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field 

● Strong communication, organization, and relationship-building skills 

● Interest in nonprofit leadership, creative placemaking, and rural community development 

● Ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively 

Preferred 

● Experience in nonprofit work and community initiatives 

● Familiarity with marketing and fundraising 

● Willingness to learn basic technical theatre systems (lighting, sound, projection) 

Compensation & Benefits 

● Full-time: Dual-role position (Executive Director + Creative District Coordinator) 

● Estimated Annual Compensation: $52,000-$65,000 

● Benefits include: o Flexible scheduling 

o Professional development support 

o Theatre event access (family pass available) 

o Paid time off (10 days plus the following recognized holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day) 

How to Apply and Timeline 

● Application Deadline: Rolling 

● Interviews: Mid June to Early July, 2026 

● Start Date: Upon Hiring 

● Submit the following: Resume, Letter of Interest, and Three references (1 letter of reference and 2 contacts) 

Email (PDF documents preferred): goldenhuskarts@gmail.com and katiewalmsley@ordnebraska.com 

Mail: The Golden Husk-Valley County Creative District c/o Ryan Flynn & Katie Walmsley 129 S. 16th Street, PO Box 56, Ord, NE 68862