Executive Director

Art Works for Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that empowers Milwaukee-area youth through paid internships in the arts, creative workforce development, and meaningful partnerships with artists, businesses, and community organizations. By connecting young people with professional opportunities to develop artistic and career-ready skills, Art Works helps prepare the next generation of creative leaders while strengthening Milwaukee’s arts and cultural community.

As Art Works enters its next chapter, the organization is seeking an Executive Director who will help build upon its strong foundation while positioning the organization for long-term sustainability and growth.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Art Works and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Working in close partnership with the Board, the Executive Director provides strategic, financial, and operational leadership while serving as the organization’s primary ambassador to donors, partners, and the broader community.

This is an opportunity for a collaborative, entrepreneurial leader who enjoys building relationships, strengthening organizations, and creating sustainable impact. The Executive Director will guide the organization’s strategic direction while leading fundraising efforts, cultivating partnerships, strengthening organizational systems, and supporting a small, committed staff team.

Art Works is intentionally investing in administrative and financial support so the Executive Director can focus on organizational leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and long-term organizational sustainability.

• Provide strategic leadership that advances Art Works’ mission, vision, and long-term sustainability.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to implement strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture.
• Represent Art Works as the organization’s primary spokesperson and community ambassador.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure organizational compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations and Board policies.

The Executive Director’s highest priority is ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Art Works.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation, corporate, government, and community partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to expand fundraising capacity and donor engagement.
• Support grant strategy, including identifying opportunities and collaborating on proposal development and reporting.
• Increase organizational visibility throughout Milwaukee’s nonprofit, business, philanthropic, and arts communities.
• Represent Art Works at community events, partner meetings, and fundraising activities.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship in partnership with bookkeeping and accounting support.
• Develop and strengthen organizational systems, policies, and operational processes.
• Monitor organizational performance and recommend improvements that increase effectiveness and sustainability.
• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, organizational technology, and administrative systems.
• Prepare organizational reports and materials for the Board of Directors.
• Support annual budgeting, financial planning, and organizational forecasting in partnership with the Finance Committee.