Job Opportunities

Shape the Future of Community Art: Executive Director Opportunity

About Groundworks Art Lab

Groundworks Art Lab is more than a studio — it's a creative community where artists of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, make, and grow. Our mission is to cultivate the artist in each of us by inviting creative collaboration in the study, practice, and advancement of the studio arts.

We offer accessible, hands-on programming across ceramics, wood, metal, print, glass, and related disciplines, serving adults, youth, and community partners throughout Boulder County and beyond. We believe that Art is for Everyone, that making art changes people, and that making space for art changes communities.

Groundworks operates with a collaborative spirit and a deep commitment to inclusion. Our team — staff, instructors, and board — shares a belief that the studio arts are essential to a vibrant, connected community. Join us and help shape what comes next.

The Role

We're seeking a bold and visionary Executive Director to lead Groundworks Art Lab into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is a rare opportunity to engage your solid business skills to build on our successes and map out a sustainable path toward our vision. You will serve as the public face and driving force of a beloved community institution — championing our mission, building lasting relationships, and guiding our team of artists and administrators.

You will work closely with our Board of Directors, collaborate with our Artistic Director and Leadership Team, and bring creativity and pragmatism to every aspect of organizational leadership. From fundraising and finance to community engagement and program development, you will help Groundworks thrive — and grow.

What You'll Do

Strategic Visionary (30%)

Lead the implementation of Groundworks' strategic vision, adapting to new opportunities and the evolving landscape of community arts. Foster innovation, align programs with mission, and position the organization for long-term impact.

Transformative Financial Steward (25%)

Manage the organization’s finances with accountability and transparency. Develop and execute earned revenue, fundraising and debt reduction strategies, grow the donor pipeline, and report on financial and programmatic performance to the Board. Your goal will be to ensure Groundworks' long-term financial sustainability.

Community & Partnership Builder (25%)

Cultivate and grow relationships with community leaders, donors, partners and local arts organizations. You will serve as the primary spokesperson for Groundworks Art Lab, representing us at community events and in the media with passion and credibility.

Operational Leader (20%)

Oversee day-to-day operations alongside the Artistic Director and Leadership Team, ensuring a collaborative, effective, and supportive work environment. You will help foster a sense of cohesive autonomy across positions and strengthen internal systems and workflows.

What You Bring

• Leadership Experience: At least 5 years in a nonprofit leadership role (Executive Director, Interim ED, COO, or equivalent), with a track record of building teams and driving results.

• Passion for the Arts: Genuine enthusiasm for arts education, creative community-building, and Groundworks' mission to make the studio arts accessible to all.

• Financial Acumen: Skill with budgets, cash flow, fundraising, and financial oversight in a nonprofit context.

• Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to engage authentically with diverse audiences — from artists and students to board members, donors, and community partners.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture, navigate complexity, and translate vision into action.

• Collaborative Spirit: Calm, grounded, and empathetic leadership style with the ability to earn trust and build clarity without creating bureaucracy.

Why Groundworks Art Lab?

At Groundworks, you'll join a community of students, teachers, and advocates who believe wholeheartedly in what we do. You'll be supported by an engaged Board, a talented staff, and a network of artists and community members who show up for each other — and for the mission. This is a role with real scope, real community impact, and the genuine possibility to shape an organization that matters. If you're energized by creative environments, inspired by the transformative power of art, and ready to lead — we'd love to hear from you.

Pay Transparency

Groundworks Art Lab is committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Groundworks Art Lab believes that Art is for Everyone. We champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our work — in our studios, on our team, and in our community. We embrace diverse perspectives and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves. We especially encourage applications from members of communities that have been historically underrepresented in arts organizations, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, people of color, and people with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Groundworks Art Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Accessibility Support

We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please reach out to us at sara.h@groundworksartlab.org

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter describing your connection to Groundworks' mission, and three professional references to apply@groundworksartlab.org.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Date Night Instructor - Metal, Wood, Glass, Clay and Print

The mission of Groundworks Art Lab is to cultivate the artist in each of us by inviting creative collaboration in the study, practice, and advancement of the studio arts. Instructors are the front-line in realizing this mission by providing excellent hands-on education and exceptional artistic experiences for Groundworks Art Lab students. Instructors also lead the advancement of the arts by pursuing innovation and experimenting with different techniques. As stewards, instructors are charged with maintaining the spirit and quality of the program while also identifying creative opportunities to improve the organization so that it may serve future generations. 

The following outlines the job responsibilities of an Instructor. This is an at-will position that reports to Studio Lead and Artistic Director. Instructors also work directly with Program Coordinators.

Resume Submission:

Please send an email with your resume or description of your work experience and 3 pictures of your work to meredith.c@groundworksartlab.org

Tell us about yourself and why you would like this job.

Time Requirements: Part-time 3-4 hours/week on Saturday evenings as available

Expected Pay: $22 - $27/hour 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Pursue the organization’s core values of accessibility, inclusivity, compassion, and equity by fostering an atmosphere that weaves these values into all programs and activities of the studio

• Teach weekly Date Night classes on Saturday evenings.  These classes are designed for beginner level students looking to try out one-time Glass, Print, Metal, Wood or Clay Classes.

• Provide excellent instruction to our diverse student population by communicating clearly and demonstrating techniques at the appropriate level for each class

• Work with a second Instructor to ensure your team is providing consistent, quality service to the students

• Provide excellent customer services for all students and visitors to maintain a courteous and responsive atmosphere

• Maintain a positive and collegial environment that supports other staff as professionals 

• Ensure all procedures for opening and closing the facility are followed and the studio is stocked, clean, and organized for the next class before leaving

• Maintain records to ensure everyone is properly registered and all forms are completed and given to the administrative staff

• Enforce facility rules and all applicable health and safety regulations to ensure the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment

• Handle any emergencies or other incidents by providing basic medical aid and completing accurate incident/injury reports to give to the Studio Lead and Operations Director

• Secure a substitute instructor when needed to cover absences

• Track all time to accurately reflect the total required to implement the program

• Actively work to develop the curriculum and build a storehouse of documented best practices (in digital and other formats)

• Contribute to program development by providing feedback and ideas about what is effective and attractive to students, parents, and other customers 

• Support marketing efforts by attending events and promoting Groundworks Art Lab and the education programs

• Participate in sales and other fundraising by providing demo items created in class or pieces from your own work so that all faculty and staff are represented and showcased

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in art production, teaching, and/or studio operations is required

• Ability to teach to all ages and ability levels

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and demonstrated customer service ability

• Ability to work independently with little supervision

• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate the work of others

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings

• Bi-cultural candidates with Spanish language skills preferred

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check