Executive Director, Willcox Theater and Arts

ABOUT WILLCOX THEATER AND ARTS

Willcox Theater and Arts (WTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through arts, culture, education, and heritage in Cochise County in rural southeastern Arizona. Located across four buildings in Willcox's Historic Railroad Avenue District with an annual budget of $590,000, WTA serves as the region's premier arts and cultural organization, providing accessible programs that inspire creativity, preserve local heritage, and strengthen community connections.

Founded in 2012, WTA has grown from a two-screen movie theater into a vibrant cultural hub serving over 15,000 residents and visitors annually, offering live performances, festivals, visual arts, youth education, summer camps, workshops, and heritage programming. In 2026, WTA expanded with the opening of the Center for Art and Heritage, integrating arts, history, technology, and education for residents and visitors of all ages.

Through partnerships with schools, businesses, artists, and volunteers, WTA is helping position Willcox as a destination for arts, heritage tourism, and lifelong learning while preserving the region's unique cultural heritage. www.willcoxtheater.com 

JOB TITLE: Executive Director

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors collectively and to the Chair of the Board of Directors on its behalf

SUPERVISES: Five full-time employees, two part-time employees, and three contractors (support services).

JOB SUMMARY: The Executive Director provides overall leadership and management of the daily operations of Willcox Theater and Arts and the Center for Art and Heritage, ensuring its viability and adherence to its vision, mission, values, and strategic plan. They also have primary responsibility for the organization's administration, marketing, financial management, community relations, program development and execution, human resources management, and, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, its fundraising and strategic direction.

MISSION: The mission of Willcox Theater and Arts is to provide entertainment, education, and cultural programs and activities for all ages.

VISION: Our vision is to be a model for arts, learning, and cultural heritage in rural America.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Lead  the implementation and ongoing development of the organization's strategic  plan in partnership with the Board of Directors. 
• Establish organizational priorities, annual work plans, and measurable performance  goals. 
• Foster collaboration among the Board, staff, volunteers, and community      stakeholders. 
• Monitor  trends affecting the nonprofit and arts sectors and position the      organization for long-term success. 

Organizational Leadership

• Direct day-to-day operations of the organization. 
• Provide  leadership and supervision for staff, volunteers, and contracted      professionals. 
• Develop  and maintain effective organizational policies and procedures. 
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and nonprofit best practices. 

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget with the Board. 
• Ensure sound financial stewardship and oversight of accounting systems and  financial reporting. 
• Manage  organizational finances and maintain appropriate financial controls. 
• Approve contracts and expenditures within Board-approved policies. 

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Partner with the Board to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals. 
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community partners. 
• Lead  grant development and serve as the organization's authorized      representative for grant agreements. 
• Develop  innovative fundraising strategies that strengthen long-term financial  sustainability. 

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and public representative for Willcox Theater and Arts. 
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local governments, nonprofit      organizations, businesses, schools, and community leaders. 
• Advocate for arts education, public art, cultural heritage, and arts funding      throughout Cochise County and Arizona. 
• Maintain positive relationships with elected officials, media, and community stakeholders. 

Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors. 
• Assist the Board Chair in preparing meeting agendas and supporting Board committees. 
• Keep Board members informed of organizational performance and strategic initiatives. 
• Support Board development, recruitment, and governance activities. 

Programming & Community Impact

• Provide leadership for the development, evaluation, and expansion of arts, education, and cultural programming. 
• Ensure programs align with the organization's mission and strategic priorities. 
• Evaluate community needs and develop innovative programs that expand organizational impact. 

Required Knowledge and Skills

Qualified candidates should demonstrate:

• Proven executive leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organization. 
• Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills. 
• Experience in financial management and budgeting. 
• A  storyteller with exceptional communication skills, including public      speaking, written communications, and relationship-building abilities. 
• Experience supervising and developing staff and volunteers. 
• Strong project management and organizational skills. 
• Ability to build collaborative partnerships across diverse stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of nonprofit regulations, human resources practices, and financial accountability. 
• Passion for arts, culture, education, and community development, particularly in a small rural community. 
• Ability to work independently while fostering teamwork and innovation. 

Work Schedule

This is a full-time executive leadership position requiring flexibility to meet organizational needs. Regular business hours are expected, with evening and weekend work required for Board meetings, performances, special events, fundraising activities, and community engagements.

Salary Range

$50,000 - $60,000; includes two weeks paid vacation and EMI Health Individual and Family TeleMed, vision, and dental plan.

How To Apply

Willcox Theater and Arts is committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourages qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly in rural communities, to apply.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@amorrisonconsulting.com for consideration. This position is open until filled; we will begin reviewing applicants upon receipt. Ideally, the selected candidate would start on or before March 1, 2027.