Executive Director

Are you a strategic, collaborative leader who believes every student deserves the chance to develop their creative potential?

Arts for Learning Northwest (ALNW), formerly Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington, is seeking an Executive Director to lead our mission of inspiring young people through arts-integrated learning and creative experiences.

Following a successful organizational reset and program relaunch, we’re poised for growth. The next Executive Director will guide ALNW’s continued evolution; deepening partnerships with school districts and teaching artists, strengthening financial and operational systems, and championing equitable access to arts learning across our region.

About Arts for Learning Northwest

ALNW advances arts-integrated learning and creative experiences across Oregon and SW Washington through a diverse roster of professional teaching artists. We proudly steward The Right Brain Initiative and related programs that connect creativity and education for thousands of students each year.

What You’ll Do

• Lead with Vision: Partner with the Board to co-create a 24-month plan with clear goals, milestones, and KPIs.
• Strengthen Partnerships: Strengthen authentic relationships with school districts, funders, and artists to expand equitable access.
• Grow Resources: Drive contributed and earned revenue strategies—cultivating donors, securing grants, and exploring sustainable models.
• Ensure Excellence: Oversee high-quality, safe programming aligned with district and funder goals.
• Build Culture: Recruit, coach, and support a talented team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace.

What You Bring

• 7+ years of progressive leadership in nonprofit or adjacent sectors, with experience spanning program, revenue, and operations.

• Proven success in fundraising including major gifts, individual donor campaigns, and/or institutional grants.
• Deep understanding of arts integration, public education, and community partnerships.
• Strong financial acumen (budgeting, cash flow, risk management).
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, access, and culturally responsive practice.

Preferred: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, experience leading an organizational rebuild or start-up, familiarity with Oregon/SW Washington education landscape.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $90,000–$105,000, commensurate with experience
• Benefits: Health stipend, technology allowance, PTO/holidays, and other benefits per ALNW policy
• Location: Hybrid role based in the Portland metro area (regular in-office days required)