Executive Director, Institute for Creative Futures

University of the Arts seeks an Executive Director to establish and lead our newly articulated Institute for Creative Futures. This Institute is founded on the belief that a life anchored by creative practice not only transforms an individual, but also moves our world towards more just, equitable, and sustainable futures. By utilizing and strengthening existing core components of Career Services—and expanding to include key curricular, co-curricular, experiential, and community connections—the Institute will further UArts’ mission of advancing human creativity, empowering our students and alumni through creative entrepreneurship and career success. The Institute will be both a nexus and a catalyst for a far-reaching culture of professional engagement, beginning with initial inquiry and continuing far beyond graduation.

The Executive Director will develop and execute a strategic vision in partnership with stakeholders across the university, including senior staff, alumni relations, deans, faculty, alumni, parents, and employers. They will be a compelling advocate for the effectiveness of an arts education, and a visionary of pathways, opportunities, and collaborative partnerships. As they build relationships in support of internship, professional development, and outreach programs, they will incorporate and creatively respond to the diverse characteristics and needs of the 21 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs across the visual and performing arts.

As we search for a dynamic leader to organize and realize this vision, a master’s degree in a related field, along with ten or more years’ progressive leadership and experience, is required. Candidates are expected to bring a robust understanding of the arts, the power of creativity, and the intersections between an arts education and related skills; a strong sense of strategic vision; exceptional communication skills; a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access; familiarity leveraging technology and data to enhance programs; experience leading a team; and the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external communities. 

For a complete list of essential duties and responsibilities, as well as desired competencies, skills, and abilities, please see the full job description on the UArts website. Interested applicants should submit letters of application and resumes directly to HR via email. For full consideration, applications should be received by December 16, 2022. The position will remain open until filled. University of the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

About the university:
University of the Arts’ mission is simple: to advance human creativity. Established in 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success in today’s society and has educated generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers, and creative leaders for more than 145 years. After being granted university status in 1987, University of the Arts became the largest institution of its kind in the nation, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, crafts, music, dance, theater, and writing. It now features 21 undergraduate arts majors, 13 graduate programs, and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. UArts is also home to innovative centers across disciplines, including the Center for Immersive Media, Lightbox Film Center, Philadelphia Art Alliance, and Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery.