Executive Director

Creative Growth Arts Center is seeking a compassionate and visionary Executive Director (ED) who will support artists, staff, the board, families/caregivers, and organizational partners while fostering a welcoming and all-inclusive environment that ensures the fullest exploration of creative expression in the visual arts for artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Creative Growth Arts Center is an Oakland based nonprofit organization that serves artists with intellectual/developmental and concurrent physical disabilities, through providing a professional studio environment for artistic development, gallery exhibition and representation.  The Creative Growth Studio provides a professional art atmosphere to over 140 artists in a variety of media including fiber arts, drawing, painting, wood, ceramics, printmaking, and digital arts. Creative Growth's gallery is the world’s oldest professional exhibition space dedicated to the artwork made by artists with disabilities.

As Creative Growth nears its 50th anniversary and the completion of a recent strategic planning process, Creative Growth has unprecedented opportunities for advancement. The next Executive Director has the unique opportunity to build upon Creative’s Growth’s distinguished history, implement its commitment to JEDI principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), and expand artists’ opportunities to flourish in a vibrant studio setting and international gallery representation.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED manages the total operation including a staff of 30 and oversees a budget of $3 million.    In addition to overseeing the sale of major works, development of opportunities for expanded partnerships, curation and visibility for Creative Growth and its artists, and the proactive participation in the local and worldwide contemporary arts community, the ED also oversees the refining and implementing of its strategic direction and plan. This includes capitalizing on Creative Growth’s position at the vanguard of art and disability, ensuring the continuity of high-quality programming, renewing a commitment to meeting access needs and centering disability justice, and planning its long-term financial sustainability.

The ideal candidate is a versatile, forward-thinking, and strategic, executive nonprofit leader with experience guiding teams and programs in a busy and fast-moving arts nonprofit organization. With a flexible and entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving, this individual will be an ongoing learner, receptive to new ideas and adaptable to change. This ED possesses a leadership style that promotes transparency and collaborative decision-making with stakeholders, including staff, artists, and the Board.

The successful candidate will possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience as a senior executive.  A fearless champion of justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility work, the ED will be empathetic and approachable, with advanced cultural competencies and cultural humility.  

The position is a full-time, exempt position.  Creative Growth offers a competitive annual salary of $140,000-$160,000, depending on experience, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The position will remain open until filled.  First consideration will be given to applications received by August 26, 2022.  To apply for this outstanding opportunity, please electronically submit your resume and letter of interest to The Byers Group at: creativegrowth.ed@byersgroupca.com.   

Confidential inquiries are encouraged and can be directed to: Ms. Brett Byers, 323-403-8279, brett@byersgroupca.com and/or Ms. Christine Boulware, 312-691-6098, christine@byersgroup.com.