Now Hiring: Executive Director

Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania
State College, Pennsylvania
Position: Part-time, 20 hours per week
Pay: $20–25/hour
Schedule: Flexible, with occasional evening and weekend commitments

About the Art Alliance

The Art Alliance of Central Pennsylvania is a community-based, nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering creativity, supporting artists, and providing opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to engage with the arts. Through classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community events, the Art Alliance provides a welcoming and diverse space for artistic exploration, learning, and connection.

We are seeking an organized, resourceful, and collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization's day-to-day operations and help advance its mission and future growth.

Position Overview

The Executive Director is responsible for the effective management and administration of the Art Alliance, working closely with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization's financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, and continued service to the community.

This is a 20 hour per week, part-time position, requiring strong management, organizational, and administrative skills, along with an appreciation for the arts and a commitment to supporting artists and fostering diverse community engagement.

The successful applicant need not be an artist. We welcome candidates whose experience in nonprofit management, administration, business operations, or a related field would support the Art Alliance's mission. This position is primarily an in-person position and will require occasional evening and weekend work. The start date will be as close to December 1, 2026 as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational management: Oversee daily operations, facilities, scheduling, and administrative systems to ensure the organization runs smoothly.
• Financial administration: Work with the Board of Directors and bookkeeper to monitor budgets, manage expenses, maintain accurate records, and support the organization's financial health.
• Programs and facilities: Coordinate classes, workshops, exhibitions, and events while supporting instructors, artists, volunteers, and facility users.
• Community engagement: Cultivate relationships with members, artists, students, donors, community partners, and the broader public.
• Fundraising and development: Support fundraising activities, membership growth, grant opportunities, and other initiatives that strengthen the organization's financial resources.
• Communication and outreach: Ensure timely, effective communication with members and the public, and help promote programs and events.
• Board collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors to implement organizational priorities, provide regular updates, and advance strategic goals.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of administrative experience or equivalent.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of office management experience or equivalent.
• Strong management, administrative, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and follow through on commitments.
• Financial literacy and experience with budgeting, expense tracking, or financial reporting.
• The ability to work collaboratively with a volunteer Board of Directors, instructors, artists, members, and community partners.
• Initiative, flexibility, sound judgment, and a practical, solutions-oriented approach.
• An appreciation for the arts and a genuine interest in supporting a creative community.

Experience in nonprofit administration, arts management, business operations, or a related field is desirable. Experience with fundraising, membership organizations, event coordination, or community programming is also valuable. A degree in an arts-related field is not required.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in a community arts organization, work with a dedicated network of artists and volunteers, and help shape the Art Alliance's future. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to strengthen organizational systems, support engaging programs, and build connections throughout the Central Pennsylvania community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• A current résumé highlighting relevant professional experience and qualifications.
• A cover letter (one page or less) describing your interest in the position and the demonstrated skills and experience you would bring to the Art Alliance.
• The names and contact information of two or three references.
• Brief responses (a short paragraph) to the following questions:
  1. What experience would prepare you to manage the day-to-day operations of a small nonprofit organization?
  2. How would you prioritize responsibilities and work effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors in a 20-hour-per-week role?

Application deadline

Please email your application materials to apply@artallianceofcentralpa.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application.”

The Board of Directors will review applications beginning on November 5, 2026 and invite selected candidates for an interview. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by this date, however the position will remain open until filled.