Job: Executive Director

Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) seeks an experienced, collaborative, and community-minded leader to serve as its next Executive Director. Working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, artists, volunteers, and community partners, the Executive Director will guide the organization through a new period of growth as ACA advances its strategic plan and implements a comprehensive accessibility plan designed to broaden participation in the arts.

The Executive Director provides operational expertise and overall leadership for ACA, ensuring strong programs, financial sustainability, effective operations, and meaningful community engagement. This role will help shape an environment where creativity thrives and where the arts are accessible to a wide and diverse community.

Strategic planning, organizational oversight, fundraising, and community relationships will be the cornerstone skills needed to help ACA reach the next stage of growth and stability for its programs and physical space.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

  • Partner with the Board of Directors to implement ACA’s strategic plan and guide
  • Translate mission and vision into clear goals and initiatives that strengthen arts programming and expand access.
  • Provide strategic guidance on mission-driven growth
  • Monitor trends in the local arts environment

Financial Management & Fundraising:

  • Initiate and execute budgeting and financial planning processes to ensure organizational sustainability, including building organizational capacity
  • Ensure strong financial controls, reporting and compliance with non-profit accounting rules.
  • Lead fundraising efforts, including grants, donor engagement, sponsorship solicitation, and partnerships that support ACA’s mission and programs.
  • Lead the organization through a significant period of financial transition, developing and implementing a multi-year revenue growth strategy that substantially expands ACA’s base of contributed income.

Programs & Community Engagement:

  • Guide the development and evaluation of ACA programs and events.
  • Oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of public events that promote the organization’s mission and strengthen community relationships.
  • Ensure programs remain welcoming, accessible, and responsive to community interests and needs.
  • Serve as an ambassador for the organization — building relationships with stakeholders, grantmakers, town agencies, and community partners to champion the value of arts as a vital part of community life.
  • Take an active role to ensure the success of community programs, particularly in the 12 weeks of camp programs that serve over 500 families annually.

Staff & Organizational Leadership:

  • Inspire, mentor, and empower staff in a collaborative, creative, and inclusive culture that models innovation, accountability, and a shared commitment to expanding access to the arts.
  • Be a strategic partner to the board
  • Supervise a staff of 5 full-time employees. Oversee HR functions, employee evaluations and professional development. Please note that ACA staff currently supports over 100 part-time staff and contractors throughout the year.

Operations:

  • Oversee day-to-day operations, including facilities, systems, and administrative and good governance processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, or cultural organization.
  • Track record of leading organizations through mission-driven growth
  • Experience working collaboratively with a board of directors.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and planning.
  • Demonstrated success growing fundraising revenue in response to rising operational costs and expanding organizational capacity.
  • Demonstrated fundraising experience, including grants and donor cultivation.
  • Experience managing teams and fostering a collaborative, flexible workplace culture.
  • Understanding of arts programming and community engagement.
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Commitment to expanding access to the arts and building inclusive community.
  • Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.

COMPENSATION

ACA offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including employer-subsidized health and dental insurance, life and long-term disability coverage, and a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with employer contribution. Paid time off includes holidays, earned time off (15–20 days annually based on tenure), and sick leave.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send resume, cover letter and contact information for three references to EDSearch@acarts.org.

Application Deadline:
June 01, 2026
(Resume review will be conducted on a rolling basis prior to the deadline)

Salary Range:
$105,000 – $120,000

Learn More

Image Credit: Arlington Center for the Arts