Job Description

Gallery One / Ellensburg, WA

Executive Director

Salary range $65,000 to $75,000 with benefits, full-time with variable schedule

Gallery One Visual Arts Center seeks an experienced leader to be a part of its award winning-culture and growing organization. We’re looking for self driven individuals with big ideas and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values creativity, ingenuity, high standards, relationship and community building, this is the opportunity for you.

The position is responsible for sustaining established contemporary visual arts programming, valued community relationships, and vision for a community connected through art where all are welcome, belong, and matter. Qualified candidates will demonstrate strengths in key position responsibilities including nonprofit administration, financial management, program planning and coordination, communications and public relations, and fundraising. 

The Executive Director is expected to undertake the duties outlined in this position description in alignment with Gallery One’s Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan, including our cross-cutting commitment to strive for diversity, equity, and inclusivity by creating a place of welcoming and belonging, extending our programs outside our walls, and providing transparency in all we do .

The ideal candidate will demonstrate abilities and values aligned with fostering a work culture based in collaboration, responsibility and accountability, cultural proficiency, and growth in roles that require both visionary leadership and hands-on involvement. 

MISSION

Gallery One Visual Arts Center is dedicated to the creation, exhibition and appreciation of visual arts in central Washington. To that end, the facilities, board of directors, and staff of Gallery One provide:

• High-quality, innovative, and diverse visual arts exhibits
• Educational programs for the appreciation and skills of the arts
• Studios for a diverse group of resident artists
• Networking opportunities with business organizations and educational institutions in support of the arts
• A meeting place to foster community cohesion and arts appreciation

Please visit for more information about Gallery One’s programs, facilities, and community relationships.

LOCATION

Gallery One is located in Ellensburg, Washington, a rural community surrounded by diverse and beautiful natural landscapes. Ellensburg has a rich cultural history of ranching and farming balanced with a deep-rooted artistic way of life. Home to the world-class Ellensburg Rodeo and Central Washington University, agriculture and education both play a large role in the community. There is a blend of poets, free-spirited artists, and creative talent from the University's music, theatre, and art programs.

With over 300 sunny days and four distinct seasons, Ellensburg boasts an abundance of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and golf. Our charming downtown offers galleries, museums, a community Farmer's Market, diverse culinary offerings, wineries, and breweries. In 2024, Ellensburg became Washington State’s newest certified creative district, joining 15 other cities in the State. Ellensburg also hosts an annual music festival and live music is regularly staged at many venues throughout the year. Ellensburg was named one of the "Top 10 Best Small Towns in the U.S" ( in 2016. 

We invite you to explore Ellensburg through the websites and videos listed here:

Welcome to Gallery One:

Gallery One – the Jewel of Ellensburg’s Creative Arts District: 

MyEllensburg.com:  

Kittitas County Community Video Tours: 

Ellensburg Downtown Association:

Ellensburg Creative District:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Bachelor’s Degree in Art, History, Science or a related field and three years management experience required. Experience managing a museum or gallery is preferred.

Job Description - Executive Director

BASIC FUNCTION:  The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for providing the day-to-day operational and administrative management of Gallery One in keeping with the organization’s strategic plan and mission. The primary purpose of this position is to achieve the goals and objectives of Gallery One by providing, obtaining, and/or coordinating activities as they affect the Gallery.

HOURS: This full-time salaried position that requires variable weekend and evening hours.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT – The Executive Director provides and/or coordinates day-to-day administrative details of the Gallery and is responsible for:

A. Personnel Management:

1. Recruit, select, train, motivate and evaluate staff and volunteers.
2. Assign, schedule, and establish work priorities ensuring deadlines are met.
3. Coordinate the activities of various Board, staff and volunteer committees to avoid duplication and to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

B. Reports and Records Management

1. Prepare and maintain accurate records, databases, and files. 
2. Prepare all official Gallery correspondence. 
3. Assist staff and the Membership Committee in preparing mailings.
4. Provide reports and/or presentations on operating activities, and progress related to programs, exhibits and gallery activities.

C. Oversee retail sales operations to achieve sales and profit goals.

D. Facilities Management

1. Oversee renting of Artist Studios and other facilities.
2. Coordinate facilities maintenance with the Building Committee.
3. Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT – The Executive Director assists in planning, developing and maintaining budgets and maintaining fiscal records and is responsible for:

A. Budget Development

1. In conjunction with educational program director and retail store manager, prepare cost estimates, program budgets, and planning documents to generate cost projections of future needs for Board review and approval.
2. Assist the Finance Committee in preparing the annual budget.
3. Solicit bids for purchase of goods and/or services.

B. Financial Procedures

1. Ensure that all financial transactions conform to Board established policies and procedures.
2. Monitor program activities to ensure compliance with allocated budgets. 
3. Provide information related to financial status and problem areas to the Finance Committee.

PROGRAM PLANNING AND COORDINATION – The Executive Director develops, and oversees all aspects of interactive, innovative events that promote the arts and community involvement. Specific responsibilities include:

A. Exhibitions

1. Develop, coordinate and direct exhibition activities and schedules that compliment the Gallery’s strategic plan and mission, and stimulates and appeals to a wide range of audiences.
2. Curate, install and de-install exhibitions.

B. Educational Programming

1. In coordination with individual program directors, conceptualize, develop, and implement programs that promote the Gallery as an educational resource. 
2. Monitor program activities in relation to established goals, recommend changes, modifications and expansion with appropriate documentation and analyses.

C. Gallery Events

1. Assist the Board in developing and implementing event and program goals and objectives.
2. Develop and oversee interactive and innovative events that promote the arts and encourage community involvement.
3. Coordinate all activities with program directors and/or the Events Committee related to special events. 

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS – The Executive Director represents the Gallery to the General Public and is responsible for:

A. Marketing

1. Promote Gallery programs, exhibitions and retail store operations with external audiences.
2. In coordination with individual program directors, oversee and assist in preparation and distribution of catalogs, brochures, announcements and other promotional materials such as quarterly newsletter.

B. Public Relations

1. Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships and liaison with other galleries and museums.
2. Participate visibly in community affairs and represent the Gallery to all its constituents including Central Washington University, area school districts, the business community and the Ellensburg community at large.

C. Work collaboratively with Gallery One Board of Directors

1. Develop and maintain a strong working relationship and effective communication with the Board of Directors.
2. Assist Board Committees in planning, organizing, executing, and evaluating Gallery sponsored events and activities.

FUNDRAISING - The Executive Director develops and implements a fundraising program, takes a primary leadership role to achieve both short and long-term fundraising goals, and is responsible for the following:

A. Grants

1. Research potential grant funding opportunities that are in alignment with the Strategic Plan and the mission and vision of the organization.
2. Develop and write grant applications. 
3. Ensure funded programs meet grantor expectations.
4. Maintain ongoing communication with grantors.

B. Donor Solicitation and Fundraising

1. Assist the Board with developing short and long-term fundraising strategies to support gallery operations.
2. Assist in identifying individual donors, corporations and foundations to support the Gallery’s operations, programs, and endowment.
3. Assist the Board in planning, organizing, executing and evaluating fundraising events.

TO APPLY:  

Please submit the following materials by - Friday, April 4, 2025  

• A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position
• A current resume
• Three (3) professional references (include at least one supervisory reference)

Email to: director@gallery-one.org  

Subject: Executive Director Application

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