Executive Director

ArtWorks for Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that empowers Milwaukee-area youth through paid internships in the arts, creative workforce development, and meaningful partnerships with artists, businesses, and community organizations. By connecting young people with professional opportunities to develop artistic and career-ready skills, ArtWorks helps prepare the next generation of creative leaders while strengthening Milwaukee’s arts and cultural community.

As ArtWorks enters its next chapter, the organization is seeking an Executive Director who will help build upon its strong foundation while positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of ArtWorks and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Working in close partnership with the Board, the Executive Director provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership while serving as the organization’s primary ambassador to donors, partners, and the broader community.

This is an opportunity for a collaborative, entrepreneurial leader who enjoys building relationships, strengthening organizations, and creating sustainable impact. The Executive Director will guide the organization’s strategic direction while leading fundraising efforts, cultivating partnerships, strengthening organizational systems, and supporting a small, committed staff team.

ArtWorks is intentionally investing in administrative and financial support so the Executive Director can focus on organizational leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and long-term organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership that advances ArtWorks’ mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to implement strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Represent ArtWorks as the organization’s primary spokesperson and community ambassador.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations and Board policies.

Fund Development & External Relations

The Executive Director’s highest priority is ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of ArtWorks.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation, corporate, government, and community partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to expand fundraising capacity and donor engagement.
• Support grant strategy, including identifying opportunities and collaborating on proposal development and reporting.
• Increase organizational visibility throughout Milwaukee’s nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and arts communities.
• Represent ArtWorks at community events, partner meetings, and fundraising activities.

Operations & Organizational Effectiveness

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship in partnership with bookkeeping and accounting support.
• Develop and strengthen organizational systems, policies, and operational processes.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend improvements that increase effectiveness and sustainability.
• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, organizational technology, and administrative systems.
• Prepare organizational reports and materials for the Board of Directors.
• Support annual budgeting, financial planning, and organizational forecasting in partnership with the Finance Committee.

Program Leadership & Community Partnerships

• Support staff in delivering high-quality youth arts programming aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with schools, artists, employers, funders, and community organizations.
• Evaluate opportunities to expand organizational impact while maintaining program quality.
• Ensure programs reflect the organization’s commitment to equity, creativity, and youth development.

Staff Leadership

• Supervise, support, and develop a small, collaborative staff team.
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability measures.
• Foster a healthy, positive, and inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development as organizational growth requires.

First-Year Priorities

During the first year, the Executive Director will be expected to:

• Build strong relationships with staff, Board members, donors, artists, interns, and community partners.
• Develop and begin implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that expands individual, corporate, foundation, and earned revenue.
• Strengthen organizational systems and operational infrastructure to improve efficiency and sustainability.
• Assess financial and administrative workflows and establish effective partnerships with bookkeeping and accounting support.
• Support a collaborative organizational culture that prioritizes communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with the Board to refine strategic priorities and position ArtWorks for long-term organizational growth.

Qualifications

Required

• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in the nonprofit, public, arts, education, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, or other fundraising strategies.
• Experience developing and managing organizational budgets and financial resources.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically while also executing day-to-day organizational priorities.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Board of Directors or other governing body.
• Commitment to equity, youth development, and the transformative power of the arts.

Preferred

• Executive or senior leadership experience within a nonprofit organization.
• Experience leading organizational growth, change, or strategic planning initiatives.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and operations.
• Experience supervising and coaching staff.
• Familiarity with Milwaukee’s nonprofit, philanthropic, business, or arts communities.
• Experience with CRM systems, donor management platforms, or organizational technology.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $72,000 – $78,000 annually | Starting salary within this range is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership background.
• Bonus Potential: Eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. Bonus criteria are set annually by the Board of Directors and tied to organizational growth, program impact, and operational success.
• Health & Wellness Allowance: $4,500 annual health stipend ($375/month), paid directly as taxable compensation to support independent healthcare coverage.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO package including 15 days of paid vacation the first year, paid sick leave, and 8 paid organization holidays per year.

Why Join ArtWorks?

ArtWorks is entering an exciting period of organizational renewal. The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build upon a respected legacy while helping shape the organization’s future. Working alongside a committed Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and passionate community partners, the Executive Director will play a central role in expanding opportunities for Milwaukee’s young people through the arts.

This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys building organizations, cultivating relationships, and making a lasting impact in the community.

ArtWorks for Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.