Edmonds Center for the Arts

Executive Director - Edmonds Center for the Arts

POSITION PROFILE

THE ORGANIZATION

For 20 years, Edmonds Center for the Arts (ECA), a cornerstone cultural institution and source of pride for area residents, has been a gathering place in downtown Edmonds for music, dance, theater, community life, and beyond. Just 17 miles north of Seattle, this cherished community asset has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved theaters, known for bringing world-class performers to an intimate stage while staying deeply rooted in the surrounding community.

Rich in programmatic offerings, ECA welcomes tens of thousands of guests through ECA-curated performances and over 100 additional community events, concerts, and rentals each year. Beyond the stage, ECA runs arts education programs that reach thousands of local youths, and hosts community traditions like Kidstock, a free winter arts event for kids, along with Pride movie nights, the Dementia Inclusive Series, and Lunar New Year celebrations. None of this would be possible without ECA's volunteer corps, which is more than 120 strong, with many volunteers having served for decades because they believe in what ECA means to their friends and neighbors, and are proud of what the organization does for the broader community.

With supportive Boards, the Edmonds Public Facilities District Board (PFD Board) and the nonprofit ECA Board, and talented staff, plans are underway to reimagine ECA's historic campus. Throughout 2026, an interim ED has been helping both Boards along with staff members establish priorities, implement changes, and achieve a clarity of roles. The new permanent ED will be asked to affirm and build on these organizational changes. You can find more information on the role of the PFD Board here.

As the organization enters an exciting new chapter, this is a rare moment for a leader to help shape ECA's future and what comes next.

THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WA

Edmonds, Washington is a welcoming waterfront city of about 42,000 people and is part of a larger region of 200,000+ located in the surrounding communities of south Snohomish and north King Counties. Tucked along the shores of Puget Sound, Edmonds is known for its walkable downtown, cozy cafes, notable and diverse restaurants, accessibility, and sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains. Edmonds offers small town charm with easy access to major cities. Ferries come and go from its waterfront all day connecting Edmonds to the Olympic Peninsula, adding to the town's relaxed, coastal feel.

Edmonds was Washington's first officially designated Creative District, and that spirit shows up everywhere, from local art galleries to street murals to a lively calendar of community events. Edmonds is a place where people choose to put down roots, raise families, and build a career, all while enjoying beach walks, sunset views, and a strong sense of community connection.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director (ED) serves as ECA's most senior executive, working closely with two boards, the Edmonds PFD Board and the nonprofit ECA Board to guide the organization's strategy, finances, and future. The ED oversees day-to-day operations while keeping a steady eye on the big picture: strong programming, healthy finances, a thriving campus, and community connection.

The Executive Director leads a capable team of directors covering finance & operations; development; programming & production; and marketing, sales, & patron services while also representing ECA to donors, government partners, and the wider community. This is a role for someone who is just as comfortable digging into a budget as they are presenting to City Council, and addressing an auditorium full of 700 patrons. It calls for a leader who can bring clarity and confidence to a growing, changing organization while honoring everything that already makes ECA special.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

ECA's next Executive Director will bring experience leading a nonprofit or public-facing organization through change, along with a love for community and the arts. While preferred, this person does not need a background in performing arts; however, they do need to be a proven, steady leader who can guide a growing organization with confidence. Ideal candidates will bring a mix of the following:

• Proven experience as an Executive Director, CEO, or C-suite executive, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization
• Strong financial and business acumen, with hands-on experience managing budgets and building financial systems
• Successful experience working with and/or reporting to nonprofit or public boards, especially in organizations with more than one governing body or a complex structure
• Comfort operating within public sector rules and require