Organizer Information
The Brookline Arts Center (BAC) is a long-established community-based visual arts institution located in Brookline, Massachusetts, United States. With a history spanning over 60 years, the organization is one of the most comprehensive local Arts Education and community arts centers in the Greater Boston region.
BAC serves more than 1,200 participants annually across all age groups and backgrounds through its programming in Visual Arts, including studio-based instruction, public-facing exhibitions, and community outreach initiatives. The institution also runs seasonal exhibitions, collaborative community partnerships, and an Artist Residency program, positioning itself as both an educational hub and a cultural production space.
The center is deeply embedded in local cultural life, working with schools, artists, donors, and civic institutions to expand access to contemporary Art education and creative engagement.
Title & Description
Brookline Arts Center - Executive Director: Arts Leadership & Organizational Strategy
The Brookline Arts Center is seeking a highly experienced Executive Director to lead its mission-driven operations, combining artistic vision with strategic organizational leadership.
This senior leadership role oversees programming, fundraising, operations, marketing, and community engagement across a multidisciplinary Visual Arts institution. The Executive Director ensures that BAC’s educational and cultural programs remain innovative, accessible, and aligned with its long-term mission of community enrichment through the arts.
The position is both administrative and publicly facing, requiring strong leadership in Art Management, nonprofit governance, and cultural advocacy.
The Role Overview
- Position: Executive Director
- Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
- Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 annually
- Work Model: On-site (Brookline, MA)
- Reporting to: Board of Directors
- Sector: Nonprofit Arts Organization
- Core Focus: Leadership in programming, finance, fundraising, and institutional development
The Executive Director serves as the primary operational leader and external representative of the organization, working in close partnership with the Board to ensure sustainability and mission alignment.
Position & Tasks
Development & Fundraising
- Lead all fundraising strategies and donor engagement initiatives
- Collaborate with the Board on development campaigns and events
- Research and write grants supporting core programs and operations
- Manage grant reporting, compliance, and funding evaluation
Strategic Leadership & Programming
- Oversee Art Education programs, exhibitions, and workshops
- Ensure alignment of programming with institutional mission
- Recruit and retain faculty and teaching artists
- Analyze enrollment trends and financial/programmatic performance
Public Relations & Marketing
- Act as the public face of the organization
- Strengthen institutional visibility within the cultural sector
- Develop and implement marketing and branding strategies
- Build partnerships across arts, education, and community sectors
Operations & Finance
- Oversee daily administrative and operational systems
- Manage budgets, financial reporting, and organizational planning
- Supervise bookkeeping, HR, and compliance processes
- Ensure maintenance and safety of the facility
Governance & Board Collaboration
- Work directly with the Board of Directors on strategic planning
- Align operational execution with governance frameworks
- Maintain transparent reporting and institutional accountability
- Support long-term sustainability of the organization
Categories
- Art Management
- Visual Arts
- Arts Education
- Curatorial
- Public Art
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Cultural Leadership
- Administration
Eligibility
- Minimum 4 years of experience in nonprofit or arts leadership roles
- Strong background in Arts, Education, or Cultural Institutions
- Experience in fundraising, budgeting, and organizational management required
- Prior executive or senior management experience preferred
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Must be eligible to work in the United States
- Experience managing diverse teams is strongly preferred
- Open to candidates with arts, nonprofit, or cultural administration backgrounds
Program Benefits
- Annual salary: $80,000 – $90,000 (based on experience)
- 100% employer-covered health insurance
- 100% employer-covered dental insurance
- 15 days paid vacation + public holidays
- Full-time leadership position in a well-established arts institution
- Direct influence over Arts Education and community programming
- Opportunity to lead exhibitions, residencies, and outreach initiatives
- High-level institutional leadership role in the US cultural sector
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- CV / Resume (PDF)
- Cover letter outlining professional, artistic, and leadership experience
- Two professional references
Preferred additional evidence:
- Experience in nonprofit leadership or Art Management
- Portfolio of institutional or programmatic achievements
- Fundraising or grant-writing experience
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent via email: careers@brooklineartscenter.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
Location
Brookline, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
- The role operates within a multicultural, community-focused arts institution
- Strong emphasis on equity, inclusion, and diversity in hiring practices
- BAC is committed to supporting underrepresented groups in the arts
- The Executive Director is expected to balance artistic vision with financial sustainability
- The role includes both strategic leadership and operational execution
- Physical presence required in studio and administrative environments
- Organization promotes collaborative governance between staff and Board