Director of Arts and Culture

Director of Arts and Culture

Location: Firehouse Community Arts Center
Reports To: Director Of Operations
Salary Range: $75,000
Effective Date: Fall 2026

Monday-Fridays 11-7pm and Some Weekends*

The Firehouse Mission:

The mission of the Firehouse Community Arts Center is to interrupt the cycle of violence in the lives of youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the power of the arts.

The Candidate We Are Seeking:

The Firehouse is seeking a strong team leader who is passionate about working with youth and young adults from North Lawndale. The Director of Arts & Culture will lead creative, transformative arts programming while ensuring programs are organized, consistent, and high-quality.

The ideal candidate has experience in the arts, program leadership, and staff management, along with the ability to create effective systems and processes. They should be comfortable collecting and tracking data, measuring program outcomes, managing budgets, and using that information to continuously improve programming.

We are looking for someone who can balance creativity with structure, accountability, and strong leadership.

Job Expectations:

• Set strategic goals and outcomes for Spark Arts programming in partnership with the Director of Operations.
• Curate and oversee a portfolio of high-quality, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate Spark Arts programming for a variety of ages and target populations.
• Communicate and coordinate internally to ensure Spark Arts programs operate smoothly in conjunction with other Firehouse programming.
• Plan in conjunction with admin team the yearly Firehouse Block Party For Peace
• Supervise Spark Arts Vendors and Afterschool programming.
• Manage Afterschool Matters programs, reports, and responsibilities associated with the partnership
• Partner with the Director of Development to cultivate relationships with potential funders, program partners, community stakeholders, and vendors to ensure sufficient space, resources, and access to services.
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications to develop external messaging that promotes Spark Arts programs, classes, events, and opportunities.
• Work with youth and young adults providing a safe and fun environment for the participants in active in programming.
• Provide thoughtful, growth-oriented supervision through regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings with direct reports, goal setting, coaching, and ongoing performance evaluations.
• Develop and train staff on the “Arts as Redemptive Transformation” framework to ensure consistent understanding and programmatic approaches across the organization.
• Establish and communicate clear expectations for contracted instructors and implement systems for instructor evaluation and accountability.
• Provide direct services to participants, as needed, including leading classes, workshops, and activities when needed.
• Develop, manage, and approve program operations and budgets, including monitoring actual expenses against forecasts.
• Demonstrate awareness of organizational culture and leadership’s responsibility to promote a workplace culture aligned with the values of the Firehouse.
• Act in alignment with the Firehouse’s values and ethos while serving as an example of positive, values-driven leadership.