Since its founding in 1974, Creative Growth Art Center has been at the forefront of the art and disability movement, providing a nurturing space for artists to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and share their perspectives with the world. As the first and largest nonprofit art studio of its kind, Creative Growth has served a diverse group of hundreds of artists who not only create extraordinary art but also participate in a community where voices, often unheard, find a vibrant platform. The current Executive Director, who has served Creative Growth for 25 years, is retiring at the end of December 2024.

Position Summary

Creative Growth is seeking a visionary and experienced Executive Director to oversee all aspects of the organization, working collaboratively with staff, artists, their families, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders. This involves managing a dynamic senior staff, setting programmatic and curatorial direction, securing diverse funding streams, overseeing fiscal management, advocating for the advancement of artists with disabilities, and building national and international relationships within the disability and arts communities.

The ideal candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of success in nonprofit management, passionate about Creative Growth’s mission, familiar with the contemporary art world, committed to principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), and knowledgeable about intellectual and developmental disabilities and their impacts on individuals, their families, and support systems.

Responsibilities

●  Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement policies that support the organization’s mission, goals, and operations.

●  Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, as well as California state law and procedures.

●  Ensure a positive, inclusive, multicultural work environment that promotes teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration.

●  Model and promote the organization’s values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.

●  Develop long- and short-range financial plans, monitor the budget, and ensure sound financial controls are in place.

●  Implement a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.

●  Cultivate relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and other potential funding sources; work closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders to engage donors and secure major donations.

●  Recruit, coach, mentor, and retain high-quality staff.

●  Ensure the studio and gallery continue to provide high-quality arts

programming.

●  Serve as an advocate for disability equality and become a leading voice in the

dialogue on disability art and artists.

●  Maintain Creative Growth’s leadership role and build national and

international relationships within the disability and art communities.

●  Work with the Board of Directors, staff, artists, families, and other important

stakeholders to develop and implement a new strategic plan and detailed action plan for the organization and its programs.

Qualifications

●  Advanced degree in art, human services, business, public administration, or another relevant field required. (A Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for an advanced degree with 8+ years of leadership experience in a larger organization.)

●  Five years or more experience as an Executive Director (or a minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible and relevant experience) in senior leadership positions in art, human services, or disability services. Prior nonprofit management experience preferred.

●  Knowledge and experience in the contemporary art world, including art fairs, museum practices, and gallery sales.

●  Knowledge of or lived experience with the Disability Justice Movement, D/deaf culture, caregiving, and person-centered practices.

●  Board development, fundraising, marketing, and fiscal management experience is essential.

●  Politically astute leader with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems; keen analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, which support and enable sound decision-making.

●  Demonstrated understanding of inclusive leadership.

●  Excellent coalition-building and communication skills with an ability to work

effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive

negotiator able to achieve consensus among differing opinions.

●  Demonstrated experience in program planning and evaluation, policy

development, and program administration.

●  Demonstrated experience working in environments on complex and sensitive client-related matters where confidentiality is a priority.

●  Strong executive presence.

●  Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage a wide range of diverse

stakeholders. Ability to be an outgoing spokesperson and relationship builder. High degree of intellectual curiosity and conceptual thinking.

Creative Growth Benefits Package

●  Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000

●  100% premium coverage for medical/dental/vision insurance

●  Medical and dependent care FSA and commuter benefits plan

●  Life insurance and long-term disability

●  Chiropractor and acupuncture benefits

●  Generous paid time off: 22–32 days

●  Employee Assistance Program

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; position open until filled.

Please submit your resume and a letter expressing your interest in the position, your qualifications for the job, and what you hope to contribute to the organization’s future to EDsearch@creativegrowth.org.

No phone calls, please. (Resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed.)