Executive Director

ArtSmart is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The ideal candidate is a visionary fundraiser and strategic thinker, with a passion for music education and youth development. The position entails frequent travel to engage with existing donors, prospective donors, and constituents.

ArtSmart’s mission is to transform the lives of youth in under-resourced communities across the United States through tuition-free music lessons and mentorship by paid, professional artists. Through weekly one-to-one and small group sessions over a full school year, ArtSmart students receive world class instruction and training from professional musicians. Using an evidence-based curriculum, our mentors work with their students to set goals, learn music, develop a healthy self-esteem and ultimately chart a course for the rest of their lives. Our vision is to provide students with a pathway to academic, economic, and emotional stability through music mentorship. During the 2024/25 program year, ArtSmart will provide mentorship through music to over 600 students in eight cities across the United States.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Director will be responsible for driving fundraising initiatives, leading the organization’s strategic expansion, and serving as a leader for the ArtSmart staff.  The Executive Director acts as a key liaison between the staff and the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent managerial and financial skills and the ability to lead all business operations. A comprehensive understanding of management and financial practices in all areas and phases of the organization’s operations is essential for success in this role.

This is a remote position. Preference will be given to candidates located on the West Coast or East Coast to facilitate participation in scheduled in-person events.

The Executive Director reports to the ArtSmart Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in an arts-related field, business, or nonprofit management
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in an executive director role or comparable leadership position within a nonprofit organization
• Excellent communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate as a leader and in a fundraising capacity
• Proven fundraising experience
• Experience working in urban settings/populations
• Experience working with local, state and national legislatures
• Proven success securing grants

Salary and benefits are commensurate with the candidate’s experience.