Executive Director

Established in 1975, Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) serves as a platform for collaborative and experimental artist-organized projects. Artists curate and organize all programming, and projects can take many forms. The organization upholds a commitment to building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships around knowledge-sharing with artists and to paying artists fairly. WPA’s unique program model, which encourages organizations to be more imaginative when supporting artists, is influential in DC and beyond.

The values of the organization are as follows:
Collaboration (the strength in people working together in partnership); Inclusion (the power of critical thinking and a diversity of viewpoints); and Experimentation (the courage to experiment, innovate and face the unfamiliar).

The Executive Director of WPA is a thought leader among alternative art spaces. The Executive Director shepherds the organization’s artist-organized projects, dialogue and advocacy so that artists can live, work and flourish; is committed to the vision for WPA and
directs the organization’s programming in line with that vision; identifies and secures funding from traditional sources as well as creates and manages earned revenue streams; leads staff and daily operations through thoughtful action; and sustains the organization as a leader in contemporary art for the Washington region and beyond.

The Executive Director partners with WPA’s Board of Directors and staff (5‐10 full and part-time employees and consultants) as well as with leaders of various local, national, and international arts, business, and educational organizations to support and maintain a healthy visual arts community.

Requirements

Master of Arts degree in Arts Administration, a Master of Business Administration degree, or commensurate experience (at least seven years) to meet the qualifications outlined below:

• Visionary leader who fosters a professional and collaborative team and culture
• Creates and manages complex annual budgets of at least $1M
• Fundraises through building and sustaining relationships with individual donors and corporate donors; through identifying grant opportunities; and managing capital campaigns and fundraising events
• Brings experience in developing and managing contemporary art exhibitions and public programs and events
• Brings a broad network within the local, national and international art and funding communities
• Centers a commitment to artists and to promoting an appreciation of contemporary art in the general public
• Aspires to excellence in all aspects of their work and serves as a model for others
• Commits to equity and inclusion
• Carries strong oral and written communication skills, including dynamic public speaking
• Upholds the professional standards of their field and always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the organization and will protect and enhance its reputation and standing within the arts community