Executive Director

Sitar Arts Center is a vibrant home for arts education and creative youth development in Washington, DC. Since 2000, Sitar has welcomed thousands of young people and their families into high-quality, accessible arts programs that nurture creativity, curiosity, and growth from early childhood through young adulthood.

Reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Washington, DC, Sitar is dedicated to fostering a community where every young person experiences belonging and opportunity. The organization’s commitment to accessibility ensures the vast majority of participants come from families earning 60% or less of DC’s median income. Learn more at https://sitarartscenter.org.

Sitar seeks a dynamic and strategic Executive Director (E.D.) to advance the influence, resources, and impact of a widely respected arts education nonprofit. With a growing national profile, expanding programs, and increasing thought leadership in creative youth development, the incoming E.D. will have the opportunity to shape the next chapter of impact for DC’s youth.

The E.D. will deliver an inspiring vision that elevates visibility, strengthens philanthropic support, and ensures operational excellence. The organization seeks a collaborative, values-driven leader who can inspire teams, steward resources, and represent Sitar across diverse audiences.

The E.D. reports to an engaged Board of Directors and leads a staff of 25, alongside a large cohort of teaching artists and seasonal staff. Partnering with a talented team of educators and administrators, the E.D. will guide program innovation and organizational sustainability while building on a strong foundation and strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Partner with the Board, staff, and constituents to envision opportunities where youth are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for Sitar Arts Center
• Champion a student-centered organizational culture that celebrates community diversity
• Support the Board’s maintenance of key governance practices and recruitment of new board members who represent Sitar’s diverse constituencies

Resource Development & External Relations

• Provide leadership for a comprehensive fundraising strategy that stewards existing donors and cultivates new relationships with major donors, foundations, and partners
• Collaborate with Board and development team to grow and diversify philanthropic support
• Explore and test new ideas that diversify revenue streams and earned income models
• Work together with staff and Board to raise awareness about Sitar’s impact and brand
• Advocate for arts education and creative workforce in local, regional, and national venues

Financial & Organizational Leadership

• Oversee Sitar’s financial performance, investments, and multi-year forecasts
• Responsibly monitor and steward Sitar’s buildings and capital assets
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace
• Lead and mentor a senior team with integrity, compassion, and creativity
• Ensure strong internal systems, policies, and operational infrastructure

Programming & Community Engagement

• Ensure arts programming is innovative, high quality, and meets diverse community needs
• Expand and steward partnerships with schools, arts organizations, and community groups
• Support evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement of program outcomes

Experience, Skills, and Qualities:

The most competitive applicants will have many of the following attributes:

• 15+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit or related sectors
• Strong fundraising and donor engagement experience
• Demonstrated financial and operational management expertise
• Excellent communication and public-facing leadership skills
• Experience leading diverse teams and fostering inclusive cultures
• Ability to build partnerships across community and institutional stakeholders
• Experience working with and supporting a Board of Directors

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary begins at $175,000, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Working Location

Washington, DC, with regular on-site presence required.

Application Process

Sitar Arts Center has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm that exclusively serves the nonprofit sector. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Direct confidential inquiries to Carlyn Madden and Ana Chapa at sitar@good-insight.org. Upload application materials at good-insight.org/careers.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sitar Arts Center provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or disability.