Vice President of Curatorial and Arts Programs

To support this exciting chapter, we are seeking a Vice President of Curatorial and Arts Program with a deep passion for shaping meaningful artistic experiences. This individual will lead the vision and execution of future exhibitions, fairs, and public programs aligned with PHA’s mission and values. Working in close partnership with the President, the Vice President of Curatorial and Arts Programs will develop and oversee strategic artistic and curatorial initiatives that drive engagement across diverse audiences.

This senior leadership role reports to the President and is a key member of the executive team. The Vice President of Curatorial and Arts Programs will oversee the Programming team, comprised of directors, managers, and coordinators, and play a pivotal role in elevating PHA’s public presence through innovative programming and community engagement.

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Vision & Leadership

• Operate from a place of curiosity, learning what makes Powerhouse Arts (PHA) unique as a cultural institution.

• Champion an innovative artistic vision by contributing new ideas for exhibitions, installations, educational experiences, events, and art fairs.

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and implement programs that align with PHA’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Program Development & Execution

• Undertake the execution of exhibitions and other initiatives already in the planning phase for 2025 and 2026.

• Lead the planning, development, and timely execution of all curatorial, fairs, and exhibitions.

• Curate 2-3 exhibitions annually or engage and manage guest curators to support the exhibition program.

• Serve as the artistic liaison for festivals, fairs, and exhibitions.

• Collaborate with the Director of Learning and Engagement in educational programming and community engagement initiatives.

• Collaborate with the Director of Learning and Engagement and the Associate Director of Artist Experience on AiR and Artist Subsidy initiatives.

• Research, write, and develop exhibition and education-related content in collaboration with artists and institutions.
• Design innovative program offerings that educate patrons and reflect PHA’s commitment to creative expression.

Community Engagement

• Build and nurture relationships with diverse communities served by PHA, ensuring programming is inclusive and responsive to community needs.

• Serve as a public ambassador for PHA at events, conferences, and in the media, promoting programs and organizational initiatives.

Strategic & Financial Planning

• Together with the President and the executive team, develop strategic and financial plans for programming areas and oversee their successful implementation.

• Manage the department's budget, resources, and staffing to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

• Work with the Development Director to support fundraising and local engagement efforts that sustain current and future programs.

Collaboration & Organizational Development

• Provide oversight for and lead the Programs team.

• Foster strong working relationships with senior leadership, Board committees, and the community

  advisory groups.

• Approach collaboration with humility and mutual respect, recognizing the value of shared learning.

• Promote collaboration with fabrication shops when possible.

• Collaborates with and supports key operational partners—including event production, operations, marketing, finance, and facilities—by providing timely and actionable information to ensure the successful execution of planned events.

•  Align staffing, programming, and operational structures with PHA’s values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Qualifications: The requirements listed are guidelines; you don't have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification listed. If 80% of what you read fits you, or if you have skills that are transferable, please apply.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in an arts non-profit or for-profit setting with a focus on curation, exhibition design, interpretation, community engagement, and project management.

• Demonstrated success in curatorial leadership, including exhibition planning and execution, team supervision, and collaboration with artists and institutions.

• Deep and current knowledge of contemporary art, with a strong understanding of both the non-profit and commercial art sectors.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, with excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including active listening, public speaking, and clear, compelling writing.

• Flexible and solutions-oriented thinker with a creative approach to problem-solving and openness to diverse perspectives.

• Strong visual sensibility and conceptual thinking, with a demonstrated ability to translate ideas into engaging visual experiences.

• Well-informed about current developments in the national and international art scenes through ongoing research, networking, and active engagement with the field.

• Maintains robust professional relationships with artists, curators, writers, collectors, and cultural institutions.

• Deep passion for the arts and a strong alignment with Powerhouse Arts’ mission and values.

To Apply: Please apply with a thoughtful cover letter and resume. Qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range is $160,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience. We offer excellent benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan, and professional development opportunities. Time off includes vacation, holidays, personal days, and a week off at the end of the year.