Summary
Description
Shape the Future of Community Art: Executive Director Opportunity
Groundworks Art Lab is more than a studio — it's a creative community where artists of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, make, and grow. Our mission is to cultivate the artist in each of us by inviting creative collaboration in the study, practice, and advancement of the studio arts.
We offer accessible, hands-on programming across ceramics, wood, metal, print, glass, and related disciplines, serving adults, youth, and community partners throughout Boulder County and beyond. We believe that Art is for Everyone, that making art changes people, and that making space for art changes communities.
Groundworks operates with a collaborative spirit and a deep commitment to inclusion. Our team — staff, instructors, and board — shares a belief that the studio arts are essential to a vibrant, connected community. Join us and help shape what comes next.
We're seeking a bold and visionary Executive Director to lead Groundworks Art Lab into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is a rare opportunity to engage your solid business skills to build on our successes and map out a sustainable path toward our vision. You will serve as the public face and driving force of a beloved community institution — championing our mission, building lasting relationships, and guiding our team of artists and administrators.
You will work closely with our Board of Directors, collaborate with our Artistic Director and Leadership Team, and bring creativity and pragmatism to every aspect of organizational leadership. From fundraising and finance to community engagement and program development, you will help Groundworks thrive — and grow.
Strategic Visionary (30%)
Lead the implementation of Groundworks' strategic vision, adapting to new opportunities and the evolving landscape of community arts. Foster innovation, align programs with mission, and position the organization for long-term impact.
Transformative Financial Steward (25%)
Manage the organization’s finances with accountability and transparency. Develop and execute earned revenue, fundraising and debt reduction strategies, grow the donor pipeline, and report on financial and programmatic performance to the Board. Your goal will be to ensure Groundworks' long-term financial sustainability.
Community & Partnership Builder (25%)
Cultivate and grow relationships with community leaders, donors, partners and local arts organizations. You will serve as the primary spokesperson for Groundworks Art Lab, representing us at community events and in the media with passion and credibility.
Operational Leader (20%)
Oversee day-to-day operations alongside the Artistic Director and Leadership Team, ensuring a collaborative, effective, and supportive work environment. You will help foster a sense of cohesive autonomy across positions and strengthen internal systems and workflows.
- Leadership Experience: At least 5 years in a nonprofit leadership role (Executive Director, Interim ED, COO, or equivalent), with a track record of building teams and driving results.
- Passion for the Arts: Genuine enthusiasm for arts education, creative community-building, and Groundworks' mission to make the studio arts accessible to all.
- Financial Acumen: Skill with budgets, cash flow, fundraising, and financial oversight in a nonprofit context.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to engage authentically with diverse audiences — from artists and students to board members, donors, and community partners.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, navigate complexity, and translate vision into action.
- Collaborative Spirit: Calm, grounded, and empathetic leadership style with the ability to earn trust and build clarity without creating bureaucracy.
At Groundworks, you'll join a community of students, teachers, and advocates who believe wholeheartedly in what we do. You'll be supported by an engaged Board, a talented staff, and a network of artists and community members who show up for each other — and for the mission.
This is a role with real scope, real community impact, and the genuine possibility to shape an organization that matters. If you're energized by creative environments, inspired by the transformative power of art, and ready to lead — we'd love to hear from you.
Groundworks Art Lab is committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000.
Groundworks Art Lab believes that Art is for Everyone. We champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our work — in our studios, on our team, and in our community. We embrace diverse perspectives and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves.
We especially encourage applications from members of communities that have been historically underrepresented in arts organizations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, and people with disabilities.
Groundworks Art Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please reach out to us at sara.h@groundworksartlab.org
Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter describing your connection to Groundworks' mission, and three professional references to apply@groundworksartlab.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
