SPOKANE ART SCHOOL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Job Description
Mission statement: Teaching Spokane to Make and Enjoy Art
Background: The Spokane Art School is a non-profit corporation originally established in 1968. We provide quality art education taught by professional artists, and we strive to remove barriers, both financial and otherwise, to hands-on arts education. We offer art classes to the general public in a variety of studio genres, and most are held in our eclectic space in Spokane’s Garland District. Off-site classes are also offered through our ArtReach program to underserved groups including schoolchildren, Crosswalk clients, library patrons and those served by community centers. The School maintains an active gallery exhibition program that provides educational programming for viewers, as well as exposure and financial support for local artists and teachers.
Position Available: The Spokane Art School seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as its first Executive Director in more than 15 years in order to advance the mission and agenda of the organization. This will begin as a half-time position with hopes that it will evolve into full-time within two years.
Responsibilities: The Executive Director serves as the chief operating officer of the Spokane Art School, working closely with and reporting to the President and the Board of Directors. The Executive Director oversees and administers all programs, operations and policies in addition to supervising a seasoned permanent staff of three and a growing group of professional artists who serve the school as part-time instructors.
Primary areas of responsibility include:
- Strategic Advocacy – serves as the chief spokesperson for the Spokane Art School in the community; articulates and communicates the value of arts education in improving our quality of life and promotes community support of the Spokane Art School.
- Fund Development/Grant Oversight and Fiscal Management – together with the Board, develops and manages the fundraising and financial strategies of the organization; develops an annual budget for approval by the Board; oversees the management of all funds, consistent with the organization’s accounting system. Development of fundraising programs (events, solicitations, grant writing) will be key.
- Planning – develops and implements the organization’s Strategic Plan and annual action plans in conjunction with the Board.
Program Development and Management – develops, implements and supervises programs and services that are consistent with the organization’s mission and Strategic Plan and that meet the needs of constituents. - Staff Leadership and Management – motivates and develops the professional management team; hires, supervises and evaluates staff; coordinates work with the Board’s committees, volunteers and partner organizations.
- Community Relations – develops effective working relationships within the community (both within the arts community and elsewhere) to ensure that the school is well-represented in the greater Spokane region.
- Conducts all business at the highest standard of integrity ensuring that all activities are legal and ethical.
Experience/Qualifications: College graduate with at least three years management experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization, with significant experience in the arts or a related area; prior experience as President or Executive Director is preferred.
- Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus.
- Knowledge of the Spokane area arts community is a plus.
- Proven record as a successful fundraiser. Successful grant-writing experience preferred.
- Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills.
- Ability to positively motivate and develop staff, board, and volunteers and build consensus.
- Visionary and innovative thinker.
- Ability to work collaboratively with all sectors of the community, the Board of Directors and staff.
Compensation: Salary range, $18,000-24,000, commensurate with experience, for .5 position. Starting Date: February 2020 (Application review will begin in January 2020. Position to remain open until filled.)
Procedure for Applying: Qualified candidates should e-mail a current resume, together with a cover letter indicating interest in the position and salary requirements to Tad Wisenor, Board President, at twisenor@whitworth.edu.