Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the managing executive of the Ankeny Art Center, reporting to the Board of Directors and acting as the primary steward of the organization's mission, resources, and relationships. This full-time, exempt leadership role carries broad responsibility across strategic planning, financial oversight, development and fundraising, staff and volunteer management, and community engagement.
The Executive Director is the public face of the Ankeny Art Center, representing the organization with enthusiasm and credibility to donors, community and civic partners, media, and the general public. As the Center prepares for a future facility expansion and a new era of growth, we are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who brings both the operational expertise to manage a thriving nonprofit and the genuine warmth to nurture the community relationships that make this organization extraordinary.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Direction
· Provide visionary, collaborative leadership that advances the mission of the Ankeny Art Center and strengthens its role as a cultural anchor in the community.
· Partner closely with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, support meeting packets and governance administration, and monitor organizational performance in good relationship with the Board President.
· Lead the organization through a period of growth and transformation, including preparing for and supporting the Center’s planned expansion project and operating committee.
Operational & Financial Management
· Oversee day‑to‑day operations to ensure smooth and mission‑aligned delivery of programs, classes, exhibitions, and events.
· Develop and manage the annual operating budget; monitor financial performance; ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
· Maintain and strengthen internal systems, processes, and policies that support organizational effectiveness, governance, and compliance.
Fundraising, Development & Community Investment
· Serve as the primary relationship‑builder with donors, sponsors, grantmakers, and community partners. Lead development efforts, donor stewardship, and cultivation strategies in partnership with staff and the Board.
· Support grant development and reporting, working closely with Board leadership and/or external consultants.
· Collaborate with the Board and expansion consultants to prepare the organization for a future capital campaign. Community Engagement & Public Representation
· Act as the public face of the Ankeny Art Center, representing the organization with professionalism, enthusiasm, and authenticity.
· Build and maintain strong relationships with civic leaders, schools, arts organizations, business partners, and community stakeholders.
· Champion the Center’s role in advancing arts access, creative expression, and cultural vibrancy across Ankeny and the region.
Staff, Volunteer & Program Support
· Supervise, mentor, and support staff and key volunteers, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
· Work closely with the Education Director and Gallery Curator to ensure high‑quality programming, exhibitions, and community experiences.
· Support board and volunteer committees, including events, marketing/advancement, and expansion‑related groups.
Communications, Marketing & Brand Stewardship
· Oversee organizational communications, marketing, and public messaging to ensure consistency, and alignment with mission and values. Collaborate with external consultants and vendors to strengthen the Center’s visibility through storytelling, digital presence, media engagement, and community outreach.
· Support the development of a brand identity and expansion‑related communications strategy and strategic plan.
What You Bring
We recognize that excellent leaders come from a wide variety of backgrounds and career paths. We are not looking for a specific credential; we are looking for demonstrated skills, passion, and proven impact from prior professional experiences. Candidates with a minimum of two years professional experience and who meet most of the following qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.
· Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, community, educational, or other mission-driven organization, including a track record of building and sustaining effective teams.
· Success in fundraising and development, including cultivating donor relationships, leading campaigns, and/or securing contributed revenue from diverse sources.
· Strong financial acumen with experience developing and managing organizational budgets, reading financial statements, and making data-informed decisions.
· Experience working with or reporting to a board of directors, supporting governance, providing strategic updates, and building a strong executive-board partnership.
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with audiences, from individual donors to community members to media.
· Genuine passion for the arts and a deep commitment to the belief that access to arts and culture is a community right, not a privilege.
· Experience managing and developing staff and/or volunteers, with a leadership style that is collaborative, supportive, and equity-centered.
· Grant writing or grant management experience is preferred but not required, a willingness to learn and grow in this area is welcomed.
Experience & Skills
Minimum Experience Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
· Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in nonprofit, arts administration, community engagement, or related leadership work
· Strong communication, organizational, and relationship‑building skills
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with staff, board, and community partners Core Skills
· Strategic and visionary thinking, strong project management and organizational skills
· Community engagement and partnership building, confident public speaking
· Financial literacy and responsible resource management
· Collaborative leadership and team development
· Adaptability, sound judgement and problem-solving
· Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion to create welcoming spaces
Work Environment & Compensation
Schedule
Full-time; occasional evenings and weekends required for events, programs, and community engagements.
Annual Compensation
Salary; $55,000–$62,000, plus an annual health insurance stipend. Final salary will be based on experience and qualifications.
The Ankeny Art Center is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply offers a warm, inspiring workplace rooted in creativity, community, and shared purpose. Staff, volunteers, and leadership work closely together in a collaborative environment where every team member's contribution is seen and valued. The Executive Director will be welcomed into a community that is passionate about its mission and deeply committed to the organization's future.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Please include a cover letter describing your passion for the arts, your connection to community, and your vision for leading the Ankeny Art Center
Work Location: In person
