Executive Director

Artists Archives Of The Western Reserve

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director is responsible for the visionary leadership and enlightened administration of the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve, supervising financial management and operations, collections stewardship and exhibitions, community engagement, and implementation of the organization's strategic goals. The next Executive Director must be a convener and effective delegator who will lead the AAWR into its next phase of growth. The Executive Director currently manages a staff of five and reports directly to the eighteen member Board of Directors through the Board Chair.

The organization is at an important crossroad in its history. It has expanded to three beautiful gallery spaces and recently installed state-of-the-art storage facilities. Its scope and reputation have extended beyond the preservation of the works of its Archives Artists, mounting award-winning exhibitions of member artists and artists from other regions of the country. The next Executive Director must build on the accomplishments of the recent past to envision a heightened importance, establishing AAWR as a cultural destination, joining the arts leadership of the region and collaborating with peer institutions regionally and across the United States.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, in the range of $65,000 – $70,000.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement the strategic planning initiated by the board and exercise visionary leadership
• Execute financial oversight of an approximately $400,000 budget
• Conceive and execute exhibitions and public programming in consultation with curators and community partners
• Supervise staff and delegate responsibilities with consistency, clarity, and sensitivity, further developing their skills and roles within the organization
• Maintain robust relationships with current donors
• Expand the donor base of patrons, foundations and businesses
• Promote the accomplishments of the Artists Archives and maintain the organization’s public profile
• Build and maintain bridges with the cultural Institutions of the region and beyond
• Work collaboratively with the AAWR Board, its chair and standing committees, respecting the Board’s governance responsibilities
• Establish and maintain a cohort of dedicated volunteers

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution required. A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership accomplishments in an art-related field, linking strong vision to tangible results.
• Five to ten years of administrative experience required, including financial management and human resources, with a basic understanding of nonprofit accounting regulations and best practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as social and emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrated success with fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience of collaboration with peer organizations.
• Knowledge of the Northeast Ohio cultural environment is preferred.

APPLICATIONS

Please upload a current CV, cover letter, and names and contact information for three references via the link on the AAWR website.

One single PDF with all the information above is preferred for the upload.

• The application deadline is September 1, 2026