Executive Director

The ideal Executive Director for Studio East will bring proven executive leadership experience within the nonprofit sector, ideally in the arts, education, or youth development. This individual will be a strategic thinker and decisive leader with the ability to manage change across short and long timelines while fostering a culture of empathy, transparency, and accountability. They will have exceptional fundraising and donor cultivation skills, with a confident and authentic presence in external relations and a successful track record of securing resources for organizational sustainability and growth. Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution abilities, rooted in clarity and compassion, are essential, along with the capacity to unify diverse stakeholders including staff, board, donors, artists, families, and the broader community around a shared vision. The Executive Director must possess high-level financial literacy in nonprofit budgeting and operations and be capable of overseeing collaborative systems that align strategic efforts across departments. Above all, they will be a community-centered ambassador for Studio East, passionate about empowering youth through theater and committed to inclusive leadership that builds deep and lasting relationships. 

-Proven experience in nonprofit executive leadership, preferably within arts or education.
-Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and development strategy.
-Strong strategic planning and change management abilities on both short and long timelines.
-Experience in staff supervision, performance management, and team development.
-Skilled in conflict resolution, decision-making, and fostering inclusive organizational culture.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal effectiveness.
-Collaborative leadership style with ability to partner effectively with the Board of Directors.
-Working knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.
-Ability to oversee and coordinate organizational systems and operations.
-Deep appreciation for theatre, youth programming, and community arts engagement.
-Familiarity with educational theatre philosophy and support for diverse learners.
-Understanding of governance best practices and nonprofit board dynamics.
-Strong community relations skills and ability to represent Studio East regionally and nationally.
-Respect for and ability to build upon the work of the current team with humility and openness.
-Ability to model healthy organizational culture through consistent, transparent leadership.
-Passion for long-term community impact, staff retention, and sustainable growth.
-Strong understanding of and ties to the Eastside/Pacific Northwest community are preferred.
-Ability to serve as the public face of the organization with confidence, authenticity, and warmth.
-Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership practices.