Executive Director - Edmonds Center for the Arts

Position profile coming soon

THE ORGANIZATION

For 20 years, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA), a cornerstone cultural institution and source of pride for area residents, has been a gathering place in downtown Edmonds for music, dance, theater, community life, and beyond. Just 17 miles north of Seattle, this cherished community asset has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved theaters, known for bringing world-class performers to an intimate stage while staying deeply rooted in the surrounding community.

Rich in programmatic offerings, ECA welcomes tens of thousands of guests through ECA-curated performances and over 100 additional community events, concerts, and rentals each year. Beyond the stage, ECA runs arts education programs that reach thousands of local youths, and hosts community traditions like Kidstock, a free winter arts event for kids, along with Pride movie nights, the Dementia Inclusion Series, and Lunar New Year celebrations. None of this would be possible without ECA's volunteer corps, which is more than 120 strong, with many volunteers having served for decades because they believe in what ECA means to their friends and neighbors, and are proud of what the organization does for the broader community.

With supportive Boards, (The City of Edmonds Public Facilities District Board (PFD Board) and the nonprofit ECA Board) and talented staff, plans are underway to reimagine ECA’s historic campus. Throughout 2026, an interim ED has been helping both Boards along with staff members establish priorities, implement changes, and achieve a clarity of roles. The new permanent ED will be asked to affirm and build on these organizational changes. You can find more information on the role of the PFD Board here.

As the organization enters an exciting new chapter, this is a rare moment for a leader to help shape ECA’s future and what comes next.

THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WA

Edmonds, Washington is a welcoming waterfront city of about 42,000 people and is part of a larger region of 200,000+ located in the surrounding communities of south Snohomish and north King Counties. Tucked along the shores of Puget Sound, Edmonds is known for its walkable downtown, cozy cafes, notable and diverse restaurants, accessibility, and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains. Edmonds offers small town charm with easy access to major cities. Ferries come and go from its waterfront all day connecting Edmonds to the Olympic Peninsula, adding to the town's relaxed, coastal feel.

Edmonds was Washington's first officially designated Creative District, and that spirit shows up everywhere, from local art galleries to street murals to a lively calendar of community events. Edmonds is a place where people choose to put down roots, raise families, and build a career, all while enjoying beach walks, sunset views, and a strong sense of community connection.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director (ED) serves as ECA's most senior executive, working closely with two boards, the Edmonds PFD Board and the nonprofit ECA Board, to guide the organization's strategy, finances, and future. The ED oversees day-to-day operations while keeping a steady eye on the big picture: strong programming, healthy finances, a thriving campus, and community connection.

The Executive Director leads a capable team of directors covering finance & operations; development; programming & production; and marketing, sales, & patron services while also representing ECA to donors, government partners, and the wider community. This is a role for someone who is just as comfortable digging into a budget as they are presenting to City Council, and addressing an auditorium full of 700 patrons. It calls for a leader who can bring clarity and confidence to a growing, changing organization while honoring everything that already makes ECA special.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

ECA's next Executive Director will bring experience leading a nonprofit or public-facing organization through change, along with a love for community and the arts. While preferred, this person does not need a background in performing arts; however, they do need to be a proven, steady leader who can guide a growing organization with confidence. Ideal candidates will bring a mix of the following:

• Proven experience as an Executive Director, CEO, or C-suite executive, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Strong financial and business acumen, with hands-on experience managing budgets and building financial systems
• Successful experience working with and/or reporting to nonprofit or public boards, especially in organizations with more than one governing body or a complex structure
• Comfort operating within public sector rules and requirements, such as open public meetings and public records laws
• Cultural competence and humility, a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to build trust and connect authentically with the many communities ECA serves
• A track record of leading organizations through periods of growth, change, or transition
• Strong project management skills, from day-to-day operations to larger capital or facility projects

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Financial and fiscal management
• Board governance and relationship building
• Visionary thinking
• Leads with grace, honesty, enthusiasm, empathy, and joy
• Skilled communicator and active listener
• Ability to influence and align staff and board members without being heavy handed
• Collaborative, steady, and approachable leadership style
• Strong team builder who earns trust and cultivates relationships
• Skilled at celebrating and elevating the work of others
• Composed, calm and clear headed under pressure

TOTAL COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time salaried position requiring a willingness to work some evenings and weekends and occasional travel. The ED role requires frequent, regular presence at ECA’s campus. The salary range is between $150,000 and $180,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

ECA offers generous benefits including:

·       Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

·       Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account

(if enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan)

·       Basic Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance

·       Long-Term Disability Insurance

·       12 paid holidays

·       Paid sick leave and vacation

·       Voluntary Supplemental Life & AD&D Insurance

·       WA State Public Employees Retirement System

·       Discretionary participation in a Deferred Compensation Program

·       Hybrid work environment (subject to eligibility requirements)

·       Flexible schedules

·       Free parking on site

EQUITY STATEMENT

ECA is committed to equity leadership in the arts community and becoming an anti-racist organization. These commitments reflect a careful ongoing examination of the history of privilege and power in our industry and within our organization. By continually testing and modifying our policies and procedures, we strive to increase equity in access, opportunities, and resources at ECA. The impact of this work will be evident on our stage, among our patrons and supporters, and within our staff, volunteers, and boards.

TO BE CONSIDERED

If you're excited about this opportunity but don't check every qualification listed, we still want to hear from you and we encourage you to apply.

This role will remain open until filled with a priority deadline of November 6, 2026. Candidate materials are reviewed continuously and screening interviews with Valtas will begin on a rolling basis in early October. Cover letters (two pages or less and addressed to the Search Committee) and a resume should be submitted to Valtas.

You may direct questions to Ed Rogan at ed@valtasgroup.com or Amy Burton at amy@valtasgroup.com