FirstWorks Executive Artistic Director

History of the role:

For over two decades, FirstWorks has flourished under founding leadership that combined artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive, growing the organization from a $15,000 start-up to a thriving $2 million cultural institution. Guided by five strategic plans, FirstWorks has built lasting partnerships, launched signature programs, and earned recognition as a vital connector of artists, audiences, and community. The Executive Artistic Director (EAD) has historically shaped artistic programming, spearheaded major fund development, and led the organization’s public presence — supported by a dedicated team that includes a Managing Director, Development Director, Program Director, Education Director, and Marketing Manager. Together with the Board and Managing Director, the EAD ensures FirstWorks’ financial sustainability and upholds its mission to connect art, learning, and community.

Executive Artistic Director overview

FirstWorks is seeking an Executive Artistic Director (EAD) to lead the organization into its next chapter. The EAD leads the organization in setting strategic direction with entrepreneurial vigor and fiscal prudence. The EAD is charged with developing resources, curating programs, and presenting high-quality artistic programming to advance FirstWorks’ mission of connecting art with community. The EAD works closely with the Board of Trustees, staff, artists, community stakeholders, and funders to ensure the continued success and growth of the organization. The role of EAD requires a creative mindset, capable of leading through change and ambiguity to innovate new opportunities and resources, address community needs and manage strategic risk.

Five central roles are key to the Executive Artistic Director’s success:

• Provide the curatorial vision to program and develop new initiatives
• Fundraise to ensure FirstWorks’ sustainability
• Expand revenue
• generating activities to support FirstWorks’ programs
• Forge partnerships to achieve artistic goals
• Advance FirstWorks’ brand and reputation

Key Responsibilities:

Artistic Leadership and Vision

• Develop and curate an innovative, compelling artistic program that positions FirstWorks at the forefront of the performing arts.
• Champion new projects and partnerships that advance community impact and thoughtful risk-taking.
• Produce diverse performances and programs that engage audiences and balance emerging and established artists.
• Build cross-sector alliances and foster relationships with local, national, and international artists.
• Represent FirstWorks publicly, maintaining awareness of cultural sector best practices.
• Advance FirstWorks’ leadership as a significant producer of performing arts.
• Oversee resource planning, contracted services, and earned income opportunities through ticket sales to ensure program viability.

Institutional Advancement and Fundraising

• Serve as FirstWorks’ lead spokesperson to articulate the mission, programs, and impact to funders, partners, the public, and the media.
• Secure businesses, foundations, and individuals support by crafting compelling pitches and proposals.
• Provide direction and editorial input for major grant proposals, pitches, and fundraising strategies.
• Develop initiatives that increase community impact and revenue, supporting a strong brand and audience engagement.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major funders, the City of Providence, and key partners.
• Build strategic partnerships with venues and stakeholders to expand resources and opportunities.
• Foster earned income opportunities through ticket sales and service contracts.
• Advocate for the arts in education and community development to increase access and participation.
• Actively engage donors, board, audiences, and partners at fundraising and community events.

Organizational Leadership

• Recruit and engage a strong Board of Trustees, serving as ex-officio on committees and communicating regularly.
• Develop and retain FirstWorks’ high-performance team, collaborating with the Managing Director to oversee direct reports in administration, marketing, development, programming/education.
• Provide input on marketing creative, visual communications, and campaigns to maintain brand integrity and increase participation.
• Lead strategic and scenario planning for organizational sustainability.
• Ensure fundraising targets are met; monitoring and adapting to projections for income and expenses.
• Develop fundraising goals and budgets with staff, monitoring financial performance and cash flow.
• Articulate and communicate measures of success to evaluate impact and effectiveness of FirstWorks’ programs and operations.

Qualifications: We recognize that great candidates will bring an array of skills and experiences to this work. We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet every listed requirement, especially in arts leadership we value transferable skills from varied backgrounds.

• Strong track record of effective leadership and strategic fundraising.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to the performing arts, arts access, education, and community engagement.
• Extensive experience in curating and producing high-quality, mission-aligned artistic programs across disciplines that reflect a strong understanding of audience engagement and community relevance.
• Experience developing and operationalizing strategies to achieve next stage of organization’s growth.
• Degree/training and five years senior management experience in nonprofit or equivalent settings.
• Fiscal prudence and accountability.
• High tolerance for risk and ability to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Tenacious commitment to impact.

About the Team

FirstWorks is a dynamic organization composed of seven full-time and two part-time staff members. The EAD closely partners with the Managing Director who leads day-to-day operations, finance, and internal management. The majority of our staff have been with the organization for four+ years.

Our organization values a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We welcome applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We believe that a wide range of voices enriches our work and strengthens our connection with the communities we serve.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $85,000-$100,000 based on experience
• Health insurance, paid vacation and holidays
• Flexible, collaborative working environment

This is a full-time position based in Providence, RI currently operating under a hybrid model requiring in office work roughly 3 days a week. Relocation assistance is not available for this role. Ideal candidates will reside in or be able to regularly commute to Providence for office hours and evening/weekend events.

To Apply:

To apply to this position, please submit an updated resume and a thoughtfully written cover letter to the attention of FirstWorks’ Search Committee. Please feel free to include work samples that reflect your artistic, curatorial, and fundraising experience (e.g., program materials, writing samples, public grant proposals, or portfolio links). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Email to: admin@firstworks.org

Learn more at www.firstworks.org

Timeline & Hiring Process

We will review all applications in the order they are received and respond to all candidates selected to advance to the hiring process. Due to the potential volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to each application individually. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect:

• One initial screening interview 
• An interview with a Search Committee comprised of Board members
• A final interview day with Board members and staff, followed by a robust reference check process