Director of Local Programs
Organization
Developing Artist Collaboration · Rehoboth Beach · DE · Southern DelawareJob Type
Full TimeSalary
65000Category
Program / Project ManagementClosing Date
March 1, 2026Description
Director of Local Programs
Position Description
Reports To: Founder (Executive Director) & Board of Directors
Supervises: Artist Development Manager (2026), Events Manager (2027), Hourly Staff, Contractors, Volunteers, Artist Members (Local Programs)
Status: Full-Time - Hybrid On-site & Remote
Annual Salary Range: $60,000–$65,000 (with growth tied to performance, revenue, and organizational expansion)
Organization Overview
The Developing Artist Collaboration (DAC) was founded in 2017 on a simple belief: it shouldn’t be this hard to build a life and career as an artist. In a world that often undervalues creative work, artists are regularly asked to take enormous risks with little support. DAC exists to make that leap less risky, less lonely, and far more possible.
With a small but mighty team, DAC has engaged over 150,000 community members, supported more than 1,000 artists, and generated $2.1 million in artist sales through artist vendor events (not a gallery!). The organization now operates with two core operating units : Local Programs and EMERGE, each requiring strong, focused leadership.
Position Summary
The Director of Local Programs (DOP) is a senior leadership role responsible for the vision, leadership, and sustainability of all DAC place-based and public-facing programming. This role leads the Local Programs function and works in close partnership with the Founder and Board of Directors to steward DAC’s growth, financial health, and community impact.
The Director of Local Programs oversees DAC’s local programs and spaces, including the West Side Creative Market, Artpothecary public arts space, fundraising and community events, local artist development programming, and the relaunch of Artist Rising in 2027. This role is accountable for program quality, team leadership, earned revenue, donor and community relationships, and operational excellence.
During 2026, the Director will work closely with the Founder to onboard, train, and transition into full ownership of all Local Programs. By 2027, the Director of Local Programs will independently lead this operating unit while managing key program managers and a growing team.
This is a highly visible, relationship-driven role that serves as a public ambassador for DAC’s local work and plays a critical role in shaping the future of creative workforce development in Delaware.
Scope of Leadership
- The Director of Local Programs has leadership responsibility for:
- All DAC Local Programs and public-facing initiatives
- DAC’s physical spaces and place-based programming
- Local artist membership, engagement, and experience
- Earned revenue tied to local programs and events
- Fundraising (including grants) and donor stewardship connected to local programming
- Hiring, managing, retaining, , and developing of local program staff
- Translating board-level strategy into effective local execution
- Detailed operational responsibilities, timelines, and performance metrics are outlined in a separate Roles & Responsibilities and Success Framework.
Ideal Candidate Profile
DAC is seeking a systems-minded, people-centered leader who thrives in creative, fast-growing environments.
The ideal candidate:
- 5+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, community programs, or creative entrepreneurship
- Experience managing people, programs, and budgets
- Comfortable balancing strategy with hands-on leadership
- Understands artists, creatives, and community-centered work
- Communicates clearly, warmly, and professionally
- Values structure, accountability, and healthy boundaries
- Excited to help build an organization that is still evolving
- Believes deeply in equitable access to creative careers
- Experience as an artist, entrepreneur, or startup leader is a plus, as is comfort with technology, digital tools, and emerging platforms.
Why This Role Matters
This position is essential to DAC’s long-term sustainability and growth. The Director of Local Programs ensures that DAC’s local programs, spaces, and community relationships remain strong and scalable as the organization expands statewide through EMERGE.
By fully transitioning ownership of Local Programs to this role, the Founder can step into broader organizational leadership, vision, and expansion — while DAC’s roots remain vibrant, professional, and community-driven.
Cover Letter Prompt – Required
Please review developingarts.org, especially the West Side Creative Market and Artpothecary pages, before applying. In your cover letter, tell us:
- What drew you to DAC
- Why this role feels aligned for you right now
- How you lead in creative, people-centered environments
Applications without a cover letter addressing the above will not be considered.