Arts Director

Summary:
The Willow School, an A-rated National Blue Ribbon K-12 school, is seeking a visionary and
dynamic Arts Director to lead and expand our thriving arts program, extending its reach beyond
its three campuses to engage and enrich the broader city community. The ideal candidate will
inspire and guide teachers across all art forms, fostering a collaborative and innovative
environment that nurtures artistic excellence and student creativity.

As Arts Director, you will oversee the program’s administration, ensuring its effective
management and integration into the school’s academic and cultural framework. You will also
focus on public relations to ensure the arts program is highly valued both internally within the
school and externally throughout the community. This includes promoting the arts through public
events, community partnerships, and engaging local artists in collaborative projects.

This role is at the heart of the school’s commitment to an art-integrated approach to academics
and contributing to the cultural vitality of our city. If you’re a strong leader with a passion for the
arts and a talent for building meaningful connections, we invite you to join our team!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Program Leadership and Expansion
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for the K-12 arts program, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and goals.
• Lead efforts to extend the arts program’s reach into the community by coordinating public showcases, community art projects, and collaborations with local artists.
• Foster an art-integrated academic approach, enhancing student learning across disciplines.
2. Teacher Leadership and Support
• Supervise, mentor, and support teachers in all art forms, including visual arts, music, theater, musical theater, stagecraft, dance, creative writing, and media arts.
• Provide professional development opportunities and foster a culture of collaboration and creativity among arts faculty.
• Evaluate and enhance the curriculum to ensure the program remains innovative, inclusive, and relevant.
3. Program Administration
• Manage the operational and logistical aspects of the arts program, including budgets, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, and utilization of art materials, equipment, and facilities.
• Establish and monitor program goals, ensuring high-quality experiences for students at all grade levels.
4. Community Engagement and Public Relations
• Act as the primary advocate and spokesperson for the arts program within the school and in the community.
• Build and maintain relationships with local artists, organizations, and stakeholders to promote the program and create collaboration opportunities.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies to highlight the program’s impact and achievements through public events, media, and other outreach efforts.
5. Student Opportunities and Growth
• Facilitate student participation in exhibitions, performances, competitions, and other events that showcase their talents.
• Provide students with opportunities to engage in real-world experiences through internships, mentorships, and partnerships with community art organizations.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, encouraging all students to explore and express their creativity.
6. Collaboration and Advocacy
• Partner with school leadership, faculty, and families to promote the value of the arts within the school community.
• Advocate for the integration of arts education in K-12 curricula, ensuring its importance in student development and academic excellence.
• Contribute to school-wide initiatives and serve as a cultural leader in advancing the school’s mission and vision.
7. Evaluation and Improvement
• Regularly assess program effectiveness, using data and feedback to drive improvements.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in arts education, incorporating them into program development.

Qualifications, Education, and Work Experience Requirements
1. Education
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Arts Education, Arts Administration, or a related field is required.
• Master’s degree in Arts Administration, Education Leadership, or a related field is strongly preferred.
2. Experience
• Minimum of 5 years of experience teaching or working in arts education, preferably across multiple grade levels (K-12) preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in program leadership or administrative roles within an arts or educational setting is required.
• Demonstrated success in managing arts-related programs, events, or community outreach initiatives.
• Experience leading and mentoring educators in various art disciplines, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, and digital media.
3. Skills and Competencies
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to inspire and guide a team of educators.
• Expertise in program development, curriculum design, and instructional strategies for arts education.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, staff, families, and community partners.
• Exceptional communication, marketing, and public relations skills to advocate for the arts program internally and externally.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to manage budgets, logistics, and program goals effectively.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and culturally responsive arts program.
4. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with community organizations, public institutions, or local artists to create collaborative art projects.
• Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising, or other methods of securing resources for arts programs.
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in K-12 arts education.
• Demonstrated passion for the role of arts in education and the community.
• Active engagement as a practicing artist with a strong portfolio in any artistic discipline, showcasing personal creativity and professional expertise.

Must have the capacity to meet the complex mental, emotional, and physical demands of the job, which include the ability to effectively:
• Adapt or modify those selective techniques and strategies to fit the situation.
• Analyze and evaluate complex situations.
• Manage crisis situations.
• Apply conflict resolution skills.
• Adapt to frequent and constant changes.
• Interact with diverse individuals and environments.

This position requires a leader who combines creative vision with practical expertise to advance the arts program’s mission and make a lasting impact on students and the broader community.
Work Environment: