Executive Director

ALLENS LANE ARTS CENTER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Allens Lane Art Center (ALAC) seeks an Executive Director to lead a vibrant, community-centered arts organization with a rich history and a strong trajectory of growth and impact. Grounded in a robust and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, ALAC’s DEIA program informs its organizational culture, partnerships, and programming. As ALAC implements its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, the organization is focused on three priorities: ensuring the resources and capacity needed to sustain and grow its mission, programs, and partnerships; expanding the diversity of its constituents to better reflect the communities of Northwest Philadelphia; and strengthening community relations and partnerships.

Founded in 1953 by an interracial group of Mt. Airy residents committed to strengthening community connection through access to the arts, ALAC continues to serve as a welcoming and inclusive cultural hub for Northwest Philadelphia. Learn more about our history and programs at allenslane.org.

Working in partnership with a committed, active Board and talented staff, the Executive Director oversees all programs, staff, and services in support of ALAC’s mission, vision, and values. The Executive Director’s top priorities will be to:

1. Lead organizational capacity building and planning, while evaluating current programs to implement a more responsive, high-quality, and sustainable program plan that aligns staffing, systems, and resources with future growth.
2. Strengthen ALAC’s financial capacity by growing and diversifying a strong base of individual and institutional funders.
3. Develop and execute an integrated communications and outreach strategy to increase visibility, engagement, and brand awareness.
4. Expand and deepen community relationships and strategic partnerships.

The successful Executive Director must have a demonstrated love of the arts and an understanding of the important role that ALAC plays in supporting the diversity and culture of our community. 

Primary Responsibilities

The Executive Director is an exempt, full-time position with a flexible schedule and requires occasional evening and weekend hours to support Board meetings, classes, performances, and special events.

Leadership

• Partner with the Board to advance implementation of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan using learning and evaluation practices to monitor progress and adapt strategies.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with Board members, staff, donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Lead integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies that support organizational sustainability and growth.

Financial Planning & Risk Management

• Lead and expand fundraising efforts to strengthen and diversify revenue from individual, foundation, and corporate sources in support of both current operations and future growth.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation; develop the annual budget and ensure appropriate internal controls and risk-management practices are in place and operating effectively.

Capacity Planning and Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead organizational capacity building and planning by regularly assessing staffing models, roles, workloads, and internal systems to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and sustainable growth.
• Guide learning- and data-informed evaluation of programs and operations to strengthen effectiveness, support staff well-being and retention, and ensure operational readiness as the organization continues to scale.

Communications and Community Engagement

• Lead efforts to increase ALAC’s visibility and brand recognition through public relations, media, and digital platforms, including the website and social media.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization and communicate regularly with key stakeholders regarding ALAC’s impact, priorities, and needs.
• Develop and sustain strong partnerships with community organizations, funders, media, and peer agencies to advance ALAC’s mission and community impact.

Qualifications

We seek a dynamic and adaptable leader who can effectively manage day-to-day operations while guiding Allens Lane Art Center’s strategic growth and organizational effectiveness. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to ALAC’s mission of enriching a diverse community through the arts.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7–10 years of relevant senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, arts, or mission-driven organization.
• Academic or professional background in arts administration, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including cultivating and securing support from individual, foundation, and corporate funders.
• Proven experience in organizational planning and strategy, including capacity building, staffing model development, and aligning internal systems to support sustainable growth.
• Experience using learning- and data-informed evaluation to strengthen programs, improve organizational effectiveness, and guide decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to represent ALAC effectively to diverse community members, partners, donors, and public audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to partner productively with a Board of Directors in governance, strategy, and organizational leadership.
• Experience managing, developing, supporting, and retaining staff and volunteers in a collaborative and inclusive workplace environment.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Allens Lane Art Center is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applicants without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Visit our website, allenslane.org, to learn more about Allens Lane Art Center