Executive Director

People Architects is proud to partner with Art House Inc. in the search for its next Executive Director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of Cleveland's most respected community arts organizations as it builds upon decades of impact and enters an exciting new chapter of growth, innovation, and community engagement.

About Art House

Art House Inc. is a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to arts education and community engagement. For decades, Art House has been a creative anchor in its urban neighborhood- offering programs that connect youth and adults to the visual arts and to each other. As the organization enters an exciting new chapter of growth, the board is seeking a dynamic leader who can execute on a strong strategic foundation, deepen community roots, and carry Art House boldly into its next era.

The Opportunity

Art House is at a pivotal moment. With a solid financial footing, a Cleveland Foundation-funded strategic plan in place, and a passionate, dedicated staff, the organization is poised for meaningful growth. The incoming Executive Director will step into a stable organization with a strong foundation and the opportunity to build on that momentum by executing the strategic plan, strengthening community partnerships, and leading thoughtful innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a mission-driven leader who thrives at the intersection of arts, community, and nonprofit management.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy-

● Partner with the Board of Directors to implement and advance the organization's strategic plan

● Serve as Art House's primary spokesperson and champion in the community and the broader Cleveland arts sector

● Identify emerging opportunities and risks; advise the Board on internal and external issues affecting the organization

● Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, funders, media, and civic partners

● Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture among staff, volunteers, the board and its committees, teaching artists, funders, donors and the community

Operations & Programs-

● Oversee the efficient, effective day-to-day management of all Art House operations

● Ensure programs and services align with the organizational mission, board priorities, and approved budget

● Develop and maintain organizational policies and procedures; conduct annual policy reviews

● Lead the completion of the Creative Garden project and support planning for future facility expansion and related capital campaign(s)

● Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal reporting and filing requirements

Financial Management & Fund Development-

● Lead the development of the annual budget in collaboration with staff and the Board

● Actively pursue and diversify funding sources: grants, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and fundraising campaigns

● Manage and report on grant relationships; ensure compliance with funder requirements

● Monitor monthly cash flow and provide the Board with regular, comprehensive financial reports

● Build relationships with new funders while stewarding existing ones

Human Resources-

● Recruit, onboard, and retain talented staff who share the organization's mission and values

● Establish and maintain a positive, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace

● Provide ongoing coaching and conduct annual performance reviews

● Oversee the eventual hiring of a development director (in coordination with the Board), ensuring the role is structured to complement the ED's strengths

Technology & Innovation-

● Champion the organization's technology transition, including implementation of a CRM and managed IT services

● Embrace and encourage the use of modern tools (including AI) to improve organizational efficiency and community outreach

● Leverage technology to free staff from manual processes so they can focus on mission-driven work

● Leverage technology to streamline and automate the reporting/surveys required by arts programs

Communications & Community Presence-

● Represent Art House visibly and authentically in Cleveland's arts and nonprofit community

● Oversee marketing, public relations, and brand-building efforts across print, web, and social channels

● Communicate regularly and transparently with all stakeholders

● Participate in and attend Art House events and functions

Qualifications (Required and Preferred):

● Preferred minimum 5 - 7 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, including direct responsibility for fund development, financial management, board relations, and staff supervision

● Preferred demonstrated success in grant writing, grant management, and diversified fundraising

● Required proven ability to manage budgets and maintain financial health

● Required strong strategic thinking skills; the ability to assess, plan, and execute

● Required experience working with or serving a Board of Directors

● Required successful completion of a background check (due to working with youth)

● Required comfort with working in an urban neighborhood environment

● Required passion for the arts and arts education

● Required background in or deep appreciation for the visual arts

● Preferred knowledge of and existing relationships within the Cleveland community and/or Cleveland's arts ecosystem

● Preferred experience with CRM platforms and Microsoft 365; openness to adopting new technology, including AI tools

● Preferred bilingual in English and Spanish

● Preferred ability to assist with general facilities upkeep; ability to identify and communicate facility issues that require attention

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. People Architects and our clients are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Applicants for employment with any of People Architects, clients will ever be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process.

*no external agencies/3rd parties.