Deputy Director

Position Deputy Director

Classification Full time, Exempt

Reports To Executive Director

Apply By March 24, 2025. Interviews on a rolling basis; early applications encouraged

Salary $90,000

MISSION AND HISTORY

Project Create provides opportunities for creative youth development through accessible, multidisciplinary arts education to empower young people and amplify their voices. We collaborate with children, youth, and families in an inclusive and supportive community where art is healing and transformative.

Project Create staff and teaching artists have been working with children, youth, and families in Washington DC for thirty years. Our students participate in out-of-school-time art classes, workshops, open studios, field trips, and exhibition and performance opportunities. Project Create offers free creative classes and workshops at the Project Create Arts Center in the Anacostia neighborhood of Southeast DC in Ward 8, as well as at multiple locations in underserved neighborhoods in Washington, DC. Courses include visual, performing, and digital media arts classes such as drawing and painting, illustration, photography, collage, spoken word, fashion, music production, and theater. Project Create programs are grounded in trauma-informed, healing-centered practices and include art therapy sessions for children, youth, and families.

Position Overview

The Deputy Director is a senior-level management position that primarily works alongside the Executive Director in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, including managing staff, implementing strategic plans, managing budgets and facilities, and representing the organization at various events, effectively providing organizational leadership in close partnership with the Executive Director.

Specific Areas Of Responsibility Include

Organizational Leadership

• In partnership with the Executive Director, attracts, develops, and retains high-performance team members, provides leadership and mentorship across the organization
• Supervises a team of five across Programs and Operations departments, conducts performance reviews, and identifies training needs
• Works with Programs team to ensure consistent high-quality program and project management
• Demonstrates consistent, collaborative, and transparent management of finances, administration, and internal communications
• Develops and monitors policies and procedures related to programs, operations, and facilities
• Works with the Executive Director in responding to emergencies and critical situations
• Alongside the Executive Director, represents the organization at conferences, meetings, and community events; builds relationships with key stakeholders; and advocates for the organization's mission
• Collaborates with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in the development of a new strategic plan, setting organizational goals and monitoring progress. Implements programmatic and operations goals as outlined in the strategic plan
• Prepares timelines and reports regarding programs and facilities for the Executive Director and Board, analyzes data to inform decision-making around programs and operations
• Alongside the Executive Director, ensures organizational compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
  
  

Programs Leadership

• In collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Programs, manages the implementation and evaluation of key programs, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring program alignment with organizational goals
• Manages program and operations budgets and advises on allocations and expenditures
• Supports program staff in the cultivation of partnerships by developing and maintaining strong relationships with like-minded community organizations working in arts education and human services
• Evaluates current organizational and programmatic partners and plans for strategic expansion and new partnerships
• Works with the Director of Development and Communications to ensure that marketing outreach and communications are in alignment with Project Create’s programs and community engagement
  
  

Operations & Facilities

• Supervises the day-to-day implementation of programs and operations, including managing relevant staff, delegating tasks, managing facilities, and ensuring efficient workflow across departments
• In collaboration with the Director of Programs and Program Managers, supervises a team of independent contractors including teaching artists, art therapists, and other arts education professionals
• Manages facilities-oriented proposals, contracts and budgets related to building maintenance
• Manages facilities at the Project Create Arts Center and supports renovation/expansion efforts at its new site
  
  

Finance & Development

• Alongside the Executive Director, develops and manages the organization's budget, monitors expenditures, identifies cost-saving measures, prepares financial reports, files relevant tax forms, and works with contracted accounting firm and bookkeeper
• Works alongside the Executive Director and Director of Development & Communications to develop and maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders and donors
  
  

Experience, Skills, And Qualities

This position is a challenging and rewarding opportunity that requires a diverse set of skills and experiences. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every skill, listed below are highly preferred qualities and experience:

• Demonstrated passion for Project Create’s mission of promoting accessible and equitable arts education as a means to positive youth and community development
• Compassionate leader with high emotional intelligence and cultural competence who is able to work effectively with diverse groups of people
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace
• Minimum of five years supervisory leadership experience in an arts education, arts management, and/or art therapy environment
• Business acumen and an understanding of nonprofit finance and budget management that can help lead the organization through its next stage of growth
• Commitment to work collaboratively with all team members, possessing a personal growth mind-set and willingness to learn
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to present, inform, and motivate individuals and groups about Project Create’s mission and programs
• Ability to lead multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines
• Thorough, accurate, organized, and detail-oriented approach to work
• Knowledge and understanding of both the local and national community arts education communities, as well as local and national homelessness and poverty advocacy communities
• Ability to gain the respect and support of various constituencies including Board and staff members, donors, community leaders, constituents and stakeholders
  
  

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Education, Arts Management, Business or related field, preferred but not required
• Master’s degree in Arts Management, Art Therapy, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management or related field, preferred but not required
• A track record of professional experience comparable to the the degrees above
  
  

Working Conditions

• 40 hours/week work schedule, including evening and weekend work
• In-person position with some flex time and remote work opportunities
• Local travel between Anacostia studios and greater Washington DC metro area
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $90,000 annually. A generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance, 401(k) match, telephone and mileage expense reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and a generous allowance of paid time off.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Good Insight, a national nonprofit executive search firm headquartered in Washington, DC, is assisting with this search. Interested applicants should upload a resume and a detailed cover letter in PDF format to good-insight.org/careers. Confidential inquiries about the role may be directed to ProjectCreate@good-insight.org. For best consideration, submit a resume and a cover letter by March 24. Qualified applicants will be contacted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT

Project Create is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Project Create is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Project Create are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to age, race, color, religion or belief, sex, gender, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Project Create does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Project Create encourages applicants of all ages.