Based in Los Angeles’s Rampart District, Art Division provides visual arts training, mentorship, and personal support to under-served young adults. As we deepen our programming and strengthen our organization, we are seeking a thoughtful, collaborative leader who can embrace our mission and help guide its next chapter, working closely with founder and director, our staff, faculty, and board.

​

Our ideal candidate is, kind, grounded, and deeply committed to nurturing young artists. They should bring a fine arts background, substantial experience in nonprofit or community arts, and demonstrated success cultivating individual donors.  Strong ties to Los Angeles, and the ability to work on-site are essential. Spanish fluency is strongly recomended. The role combines fundraising and relationship building with program oversight, staff support, and daily operations. We are looking for someone who enjoys the hands-on nature of a small organization and understands that sharing a meal, welcoming a neighbor, or connecting a student with an opportunity can be as meaningful as developing a long-term strategy.

​

About Art Division

Art Division is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to training and supporting under-served youth (ages 18–27) who are committed to studying the visual arts. We believe that focused instruction, individualized tutoring, and personal support empower students to pursue higher education, achieve self-sufficiency, and establish careers in the arts and related fields.

​

Art Division is at a pivotal point in its growth—poised to deepen its programming, expand its fundraising capacity, and strengthen its internal operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who is energized by helping a mission-driven organization evolve and thrive. We are also deeply committed to community engagement and building a thriving arts ecosystem in the Rampart District of Los Angeles.



Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate, culturally aware, and locally based Director with a fine arts background and experience in nonprofit or community arts. This will be a full-time salaried position, ideal for someone who is fluent in Spanish, collaborative, and aligned with Art Division’s mission to uplift underserved youth through the arts (after the initial probationary period). The Director will report to the Board of Directors and serve as the public-facing leader of Art Division, working closely with staff, artists, and partners to drive the mission forward. For at least six months they will work alongside Dan McCleary, the current director.

​

Key Qualifications

 

• Proven experience cultivating individual donors (fundraising)

• 5–7+ years of nonprofit or community arts experience

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus.

• Background in fine arts (visual/media)

• Reside in Los Angeles and able to work on-site

• Available for occasional evenings and weekends

• Culturally competent and able to build trust with underserved youth

 

Who You Are

• A creative and empathetic leader with a love for the arts and social equity

• A connector who builds relationships across cultures, generations, and sectors

• Someone who finds joy in mentoring and supporting young artists

• Committed to racial equity and authentic community engagement

• Comfortable wearing many hats in a small, nimble organization
  

Key Responsibilities

 

Fundraising & Resource Development

 

• Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute a fundraising strategy that includes major donors, grants, and foundation partnerships

• Help develop the annual budget and align funding goals with programming needs

• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, family foundations, and institutional funders

• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities through grants, events, and partnerships

 

Mission & Strategic Leadership

 

• Collaborate with the Board and staff to ensure programs and initiatives reflect Art Division’s mission and pedagogy

• Advise long-term strategic planning for organizational sustainability and growth
  Uphold and advance Art Division’s values and cultural integrity within a changing community landscape

 

Program Oversight & Artistic Direction

 

• Ensure program offerings reflect core pedagogy and serve the needs of students (ages 18–27)

• Support the design of core classes, events, and special projects

• Collaborate with Visual and Media Arts leads to recruit instructors, guest artists, and facilitate lectures, workshops, and field trips

• Provide creative input on exhibition planning in our gallery

 

Board Relations & Governance

 

• Maintain regular communication with the Board and contribute to effective governance

• Provide leadership and recommendations around organizational challenges and opportunities

• Work with the Board to align operational and artistic direction

 

Brand, Design & Communications

 

• Collaborate with the in-house designer to maintain brand identity and aesthetic consistency

• Work with the Exhibit Manager on gallery installations and public presentations

• Represent the organization at public events and maintain visibility in the local arts community

• Serve as an articulate and passionate spokesperson for Art Division

 

Community Engagement & Partnerships

 

• Maintain relationships with local partners, city agencies, and community leaders

• Stay active and visible in the Rampart District and broader Los Angeles arts ecosystem

• Create opportunities for Art Division to engage with the community through public programming and outreach