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Executive Director

Make.Shift Art Space
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Executive Director, Make.Shift Art Space - Fall 2025


POSITION SUMMARY

Make.Shift empowers, supports, and creates opportunities for local artists and musicians in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. We prioritize marginalized and underrepresented creatives. Make.Shift runs an all-ages art gallery and music venue, affordable art studios and band practice spaces, weekly workshops, and a low-power community radio station, KZAX 94.9 FM. We want to live in a world where art is essential, music is life, and weirdos are always welcome! 

Make.Shift is committed to:

  • Building a more equitable and accessible arts and music scene
  • Facilitating growth, healing, and experimentation
  • Respecting boundaries and fostering safety
  • Addressing conflict with conversation
  • Assuming best intentions and encouraging learning

 

Make.Shift Art Space seeks a full-time Executive Director to oversee day-to-day operations, lead new fundraising efforts, and steer strategic planning and visioning for the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative community leader, arts administrator, or development professional who is committed to supporting emerging artists and musicians. 

Make.Shift seeks candidates with demonstrated success in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, financial management, project management, program development, and/or strategic planning. The ideal candidate will have a background in the arts and/or music industries and experience working with young professionals and emerging creatives.

In collaboration with the Make.Shift Board of Directors, the Executive Director will guide strategic planning with a focus on sustainability, develop and execute financial plans and fundraising strategies, oversee Make.Shift’s programming, marketing, and facilities, research, write, and administer grants, engage local and regional stakeholders to grow Make.Shift’s network and community presence, and manage a team of 5 to 6 staff members. 

Make.Shift is a grassroots organization developed by and for local artists facing systemic barriers, whether due to age, race, gender, sexual identity, ability, and/or socioeconomic status. One of our core values is to prioritize marginalized and underrepresented creatives in all the work that we do. Studies suggest that qualified women, BIPOC, and people from other marginalized groups often self-select out of opportunities if they do not meet 100% of the qualifications. If this applies to you, we encourage you to apply anyway. Make.Shift wants to hear from all candidates who align with our values and can grow in this role. 

Make.Shift does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. 


 

COMPENSATION & HOURS

This position is a minimum of 30 hours per week at $20 with opportunities to increase. Work is hybrid, with some in-person hours required. 


Benefits include:

  • Flexible & hybrid schedule
  • Three weeks paid vacation (summer break, winter break, and fall break)
  • One personal PTO day annually
  • Free entry to all Make.Shift events and workshops
  • Free access to open studio and practice spaces, with consideration for renters
  • Access to the Make.Shift office food pantry
  • Optional enrollment in NIVA’s health insurance plan
  • Free parking at Make.Shift’s Flora Street location
  • 35% off Make.Shift Shop, consignment items not included


The Executive Director reports to the Make.Shift Board of Directors. The Board is committed to increasing wages and supporting professional development opportunities for staff. 


 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership (30%)

  • Lead weekly 1:1s with staff, monthly staff meetings, and annual staff reviews
  • Work closely with staff to support cross-program collaboration 
  • Research and coordinate professional development and mentorship opportunities for staff 
  • Support staff leadership of interns and volunteers
  • Lead conflict management when necessary and manage sensitive situations confidentially and calmly
  • Ensure the safety and accessibility of the space
  • Represent Make.Shift at community planning meetings, cohorts, affinity groups, etc.
  • Serve as a point of connection for emerging and established visual artists, musicians, DJs, educators, and community leaders
  • Set and uphold firm boundaries when necessary


Fundraising (30%)

  • Coordinate the annual Arts for All Ages Gala in collaboration with the Board of Directors
  • Support and provide oversight for program-specific and Board-led fundraising efforts (Valentine’s Day & Halloween cover shows, KZAX Spring Fund Drive, etc.)
  • Lead individual donor research, outreach, & stewardship efforts
  • Coordinate additional giving campaigns as needed
  • Coordinate end-of-year donor acknowledgements
  • Build a sustainable fundraising base, so Make.Shift can raise staff salaries


Administrative (20%)

  • Manage finances and financial reporting
  • Manage annual budget
  • Lead annual budgeting process with support from the Board Treasurer
  • Serve as project manager for events, community collaborations, partnerships, and sponsorships
  • Lead monthly board meetings and present program, budget, and fundraising updates
  • Research, write, and administer grants with support from Board Grants Committee
  • Manage donor and donation tracking
  • Oversee day-to-day operations, scheduling, and logistics
  • Oversee Make.Shift’s public image, marketing, and outreach
  • Serve as the lead admin for Make.Shift’s website, online shop, scheduling platform/s, Google Drive, and other accounts
  • Direct email and phone communications as needed
  • Ensure all policies and procedures are current and being upheld

 

Program Development & Strategic Planning (20%)

  • Work with staff and Board to co-create a long-term vision and strategic plan for Make.Shift
  • Oversee big-picture program development
  • Work with staff and Board to build programming and focus development around budget, time, or other constraints
  • Lead annual strategic planning meeting
  • strategic marketing/outreach


 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required Qualifications & Experience

  • Understanding of and alignment with Make.Shift’s culture and values
  • Knowledge of nonprofit, fundraising, and financial management best practices
  • Knowledge of leadership and management best practices
  • Experience creating and instituting policies and procedures that serve staff and participant/attendee needs
  • Experience creating and managing an annual budget
  • Ability to navigate sensitive situations calmly and confidentially when required
  • Ability to be resourceful and solve problems creatively
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong project management and communication skills

 

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial management
  • Demonstrated leadership ability
  • Experience working with youth, especially youth from marginalized communities
  • Experience in crisis management
  • Background in DIY or all-ages arts & music
  • Background in arts administration, galleries, venues, education, and/or community radio
     

 

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and current resume via email to makeshiftboard@gmail.com. Include your name and “ED Application” in the subject line. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications must be submitted by midnight on November 23, 2025 for full consideration.