ArtSpan Executive Director

About ArtSpan

ArtSpan is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to cultivating a vibrant, accessible, and world-class arts community in San Francisco. Widely known for its annual San Francisco Open Studios (SFOS) program, ArtSpan champions an inclusive arts experience, providing hundreds of local artists with opportunities to showcase their work, and to make direct connections with diverse audiences and patrons. ArtSpan is guided by the belief that artists play a vital role in society, and that broad public engagement with their work is essential to keeping the arts firmly rooted in the ethos of our evolving city.

Currently, ArtSpan has three principal programs grounded in the values of building community and promoting collaboration:

• SF Open Studios mobilizes hundreds of artists to open their studios, or create art pop-ups at partnering businesses, so the public can visit and buy directly from them over four weekends in the fall.
• Art-In-Neighborhoods creates opportunities for artists across a spectrum of mediums and career stages to showcase their work at San Francisco locations with local and tourist appeal. These unconventional exhibitions foster unexpected art discoveries, inspire new generations of art collectors, facilitate sales that directly benefit local artists, bolster community development, and advance neighborhood vitality and economic recovery.
• ArtSpan’s Artist & ArtLover Memberships for creators and collectors offer year-round benefits and programming, such as professional development and technical assistance workshops for artists led by industry professionals; networking outings to arts and culture spaces and events, connecting artist members and the greater arts community; and special curated events, such as private collection tours, mixers, and educational panels.
   

Position Description & Candidate Profile

ArtSpan’s Executive Director serves as the organizational leader of this deeply impactful and venerable arts nonprofit. The Executive Director shepherds the organization into the future with steadiness, competence and joy, oversees the staff, and serves as the primary outward-facing representative for ArtSpan’s extensive community networks and partners. ArtSpan’s next Executive Director builds on our 50-year legacy, bolstering programs that uplift local artists and solidify the arts as a vital economic driver for San Francisco. This is a demanding and highly rewarding role for an individual who is deeply committed to the local arts ecosystem, and believes in its ability to contribute to the city’s creative identity, while championing individual artists and their livelihoods as integral to a healthy San Francisco.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee development, finance, operations, marketing, human resources, and community partnerships. They will balance strategic decision-making with collaborative leadership, cultivating a positive, high-performing team culture. Exceptional time management and attention to detail are critical, as the role requires navigating multiple priorities with grace in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate is a charismatic advocate for the arts with strong cultural competency, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in fundraising and operations. They bring at least three years of team management experience, demonstrating an ability to energize, inspire, and mentor staff. A background in nonprofit arts management, a deep understanding and appreciation of the San Francisco Bay Area arts community, and a passion for the visual arts are highly desirable.

Financial acumen is essential, including expertise in nonprofit budgets, cash flow management, and program delivery within budget constraints. This leader will identify innovative revenue opportunities ensuring ArtSpan’s financial health.

With structure, clarity, and passion, the Executive Director will drive ArtSpan’s mission forward, inspiring artists, supporters, and the community at large while advancing the organization’s impact and sustainability.

Key responsibilities include:

Strategic & Visionary Leadership
Oversee ArtSpan’s programs and amplify its brand and visibility while serving as a key player in the local arts community

• Develop and drive strategic planning, organizational vision, programmatic strategy, branding and communications, fundraising and financial planning, with support from the Board
• Maintain organizational stability while remaining alert to new opportunities for appropriately scaled fiscal or programmatic growth and/or partnerships
• Ensure successful program outcomes and deliverables for SFOS, Art-in-Neighborhoods, memberships, and all organizational initiatives
• Conduct ongoing organizational assessments, implementing operational improvements to increase effectiveness and productivity
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure appropriate governance and oversight of the organization; participate in all Board meetings, assigned committee calls, and an annual Board retreat
• Recruit qualified Board and advisory committee members and maintain a pipeline of interested, skilled, engaged, and diverse candidates
• Advance ArtSpan’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across all constituencies and programs, fostering a positive organizational culture for staff, Board, membership, and external partners, ensuring integrity, empathy, creativity, and community
• Stay current and compliant with industry standards, cultural policy, and legislative changes or mandates impacting nonprofits
   

Financial Management

Practice highly organized and consistent nonprofit financial management and responsibility

• Track cash flow and budget forecasts with actual income and expenditure comparisons
• Meet regularly with board treasurer to present and discuss the status of the organizational finances
• Create and implement frequent internal audit or reconciliation controls
• Establish strong fiscal management with external bookkeeper, including preparation of tax forms, yearly audit, annual program budgets, and regular profit & loss reports to the Board
• Track outgoing and incoming payments and accurately relay information to Bookkeeper 

Operations & Administrative Management
Ensure a healthy and happy collaborative work environment & culture

• Supervise a small team with the tenets of communication, collaboration, and transparency that supports professional growth
• Manage on-boarding, promoting, and off-boarding staff as needed, in accordance with evolving HR laws, policies, and procedures
• Maintain up-to-date hiring and payroll documentation, including job descriptions for all positions
• Review payroll, manage leave requests, oversee submissions to bookkeeper/accountant
• Mentor and develop staff, establish priorities, define accountabilities, set objectives, and monitor and evaluate results
• Create, perform, and revise annual review and performance management policies and procedures, including mediation and dispute resolution
• Manage and maintain all nonprofit business operating permits, records, and other compliance infrastructure in accordance with local, state, and federal laws, and organizational policy
• Maintain comprehensive insurance for the organization and staff, track annual renewals, including liability and management insurance, worker’s comp, payroll insurance, and staff health insurance plan
• Complete annual State Fund Audit for accuracy of workers compensation premiums, etc.
• Manage relationship with landlords, building, and all state and city entities relating to office occupancy
• Oversee and maintain contracts with vendors and consultants
• Oversee upgrades and maintenance of relevant information management systems

Fundraising, Development & Marketing
Direct successful donor solicitations, create and implement fundraising strategies, and advance partnerships

• Secure funding to maintain program continuity and build organizational reserve
• Cultivate, manage and steward relationships with new and existing funders, including foundations, government, corporations, and individuals—both independently and with support of the Board of Directors
• Identify and manage all foundation and government fundraising, including prospecting, grant writing, reports, and invoicing as required
• Increase Artist and ArtLover memberships, and seek expanded revenue through ArtSpan membership programs
• Oversee the synthesis of data from program evaluations and assessments for public communication, grant reporting, and annual reports
• Create and implement fundraising strategies, partnerships, and events in collaboration with other staff members and the Board of Directors
• Seek additional innovative revenue streams
• Oversee CRM database and tracking of gifts
• Conduct editorial oversight to ensure consistent and coordinated organizational branding and messaging across all public channels
• Participate in conferences, panels, and other speaking engagements to represent ArtSpan
• Write and engage in other forms of thought leadership and partnership to advance ArtSpan’s profile and visibility
• Produce and oversee ArtSpan’s annual report, and disseminate to internal and external parties
   

Additional Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent work experience in related fields.
• Physical requirements include the ability to climb stairs and lift objects and artwork weighing up to 40 lbs. Some limitations may be accommodated.
• Knowledge of CRM management
• Proficiency in various online tools and technology for daily operations, including: G Suite, Zoom, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, Airtable, and Slack
• A commitment to creativity, collaboration, and excellence within the organization

ArtSpan is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity on our staff team, governing groups, and artist community. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

ArtSpan maintains a fast-paced and dynamic work environment requiring a hybrid schedule of both in-office and off-site time and responsibilities. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm. Occasionally, evening and weekend work is required for art receptions, special events, fundraisers, galas, board meetings, auctions, etc. 

The salary range is $110,000-125,000/year, plus benefits, and is commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off, health insurance (medical, dental and vision), cell phone stipend, and CalSavers retirement plan.

Projected Start Date: March 2025

To Apply

Please send an email to the Search Committee at transition@artspan.org with the following:

• Subject: Executive Director Search
• Contact info including public social media handles and website (if applicable)
• PDF cover letter (no more than 2 pages)
• CV/Resume (no more than 3 pages)
   

Deadline to apply: Friday, January 10, 2025.

Go to www.artspan.org/about/careers for full job description and additional information.