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(Boston, MA) The New England Foundation for the Arts announced the search for a Chief Impact Officer (CIO), a new leadership role at the nearly 50-year-old cultural grantmaking nonprofit. This role will be instrumental in implementing NEFA’s recently released strategic plan.
In September, NEFA released its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, A Mission Forged in Collaboration, a landmark framework that reaffirms NEFA’s identity as a social impact organization. The plan embraces a bold agenda for the future of the cultural sector as NEFA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. The resulting framework reflects not only NEFA’s legacy but also the urgent realities facing the arts and culture ecosystem today.
The CIO will be responsible for driving the strategic design, implementation, and evaluation of NEFA’s portfolio of grantmaking programs and services and developing a compelling and comprehensive storytelling strategy about the impact of NEFA’s work. The CIO will enhance NEFA’s ability to weather change, navigate short and long-term risk, and contribute to building the sustainability of the arts and culture sector in shifting financial, social, and political landscapes. “The CIO will play a key role on the executive team and will affect program strategy, evaluation, communications, and more,” said NEFA executive director Harold Steward. “This is the opportunity to ensure that NEFA continues to serve the field in dynamic and relevant ways for the next 50 years.”
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and an introductory letter of interest by Friday, January 2, 2025. NEFA also welcomes nominations, which are due December 17, 2025. Candidates requiring assistance to fully participate in the hiring process may request an accommodation by contacting NEFA’s co-accessibility coordinator at accessibility@nefa.org or tel/tty 617-423-1390.
Learn more about the role and the application/nomination process
About NEFA
As a social impact organization, NEFA builds, sustains, and fights for arts and culture through grantmaking, partnerships, and advocacy in New England, the nation, and beyond. Founded in 1976, NEFA has grown into a vital national and international leader, advancing opportunities for artists and strengthening the arts infrastructure through grantmaking, partnerships, convenings, and knowledge sharing.
NEFA’s work is made possible through generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the six New England state arts agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individual donors. As NEFA approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, it continues to lead with creativity, resilience, and vision, affirming the vital role of the arts in civic life and advancing a cultural landscape where all people have equitable access to artistic expression. www.nefa.org.
Contact: Ann Wicks | 617-423-1390