Executive Director

Overview

Columbus Glass Art Center (formerly Glass Axis)

Executive Director Position Description & Announcement

Columbus, Ohio Applications Due: April 27, 2026   Anticipated Start: June 1, 2026

POSITION AT A GLANCE

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Columbus Glass Art Center (formerly Glass Axis)
Location: Columbus, Ohio (on-site)
Reports To: Board of Trustees, through the Board President
Employment: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Start Date: June 1, 2026
Application Deadline: April 27, 2026

ABOUT COLUMBUS GLASS ART CENTER

Columbus Glass Art Center (formerly Glass Axis) is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to celebrating the art and science of glass. Guided by our core values -- Treasure, Joy, Teaching & Learning, Stewardship, and Belonging -- we create a welcoming environment where creativity thrives and people of all ages can explore the beauty, function, and wonder of glassmaking. Our studio is home to working artists, students, educators, and visitors from across Central Ohio and beyond, and we cultivate meaningful connections through hands-on experiences, exhibitions, and community engagement.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a pivotal moment for Columbus Glass Art Center. The next Executive Director will inherit a beloved organization with a devoted community, a working studio, and a strong program foundation -- and will shape its next chapter of artistic excellence, financial strength, and community impact. We are looking for a leader who is equal parts visionary and operator -- someone who can tell our story compellingly, steward our resources carefully, and show up as a warm and steady presence in the studio every day.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Columbus Glass Art Center, responsible for the leadership, management, and strategic direction of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Board President, the ED oversees all aspects of operations -- fundraising and development, finances, programming, marketing, community engagement, facilities, and staff -- while championing a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for artists, students, staff, and the public. The ED also serves as the organization's chief spokesperson locally, regionally, and nationally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the organization in alignment with its mission, values, and strategic plan, translating vision into measurable annual objectives.
• Partner with the Board to set priorities, long-term goals, and policies; provide timely reports, recommendations, and financial dashboards.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive culture among staff, instructors, artists, members, and volunteers.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across programs, staffing, and organizational culture.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive development plan encompassing annual fund, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, events, membership, endowment, and capital campaigns.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, foundations, corporate partners, and government funders; maintain a personal major donor portfolio.
• Write, manage, and report on grants; ensure compliance with funder requirements and deadlines.
• Grow earned revenue through classes, workshops, studio rentals, exhibitions, retail, and commissioned work.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, audits, payroll, and tax filings; ensure strong internal controls.
• Monitor cash flow and maintain long-range financial planning for organizational sustainability.
• Manage contracts, insurance, leases, vendor relationships, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Supervise staff, instructors, contractors, and volunteers; lead hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development.
• Support a safe, respectful, and productive work environment in compliance with workplace policies.
• Ensure instructors and teaching artists have the resources and support needed to deliver high-quality programming.
• Develop succession plans and cross-training to build organizational resilience.

Programs & Studio Operations

• Support development and execution of classes, workshops, exhibitions, residencies, and community programs.
• Ensure programs align with mission, artistic excellence, safety standards, and community needs.
• Oversee studio operations, equipment maintenance, materials inventory, and safety protocols.
• Maintain a safe, well-functioning facility, including capital planning for equipment and infrastructure.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as the public face of Columbus Glass Art Center at events, conferences, and media and community opportunities.
• Build partnerships with schools, universities, nonprofits, arts organizations, civic groups, and economic development partners.
• Expand outreach to diverse audiences, including youth, seniors, teaching artists, and historically underserved communities.
• Represent CGAC in coalitions and networks that strengthen the arts ecosystem in Central Ohio.

Marketing, Communications & Brand

• Oversee marketing strategy and brand identity across digital and print platforms.
• Direct the website, social media, email newsletters, press relations, and promotional materials.
• Support audience development, membership growth, and enrollment through data-informed marketing.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree and 5-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, arts administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing across multiple revenue streams.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, and nonprofit fiscal oversight skills, including experience with audits.
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing complex, multi-function operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and public-speaking abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Passion for the arts and a genuine commitment to community engagement and arts education.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for programs, events, and Board meetings.

Preferred

• Experience managing organizations with annual budgets of approximately $1,000,000.
• Experience leading a glass, ceramics, craft, or visual arts organization, or comparable maker-based nonprofit.
• Knowledge of studio operations, equipment, and safety protocols for glass or similar hot-shop environments.
• Advanced degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or public administration.
• Experience with CRM systems, donor databases, registration platforms, and digital marketing tools.
• Familiarity with the Central Ohio philanthropic, civic, and arts landscape.
• Experience leading or participating in capital campaigns or facility projects.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Visionary and strategic thinker who can translate ideas into action.
• Inclusive leader who builds trust with staff, Board, artists, and community.
• Skilled relationship-builder and fundraiser, comfortable making the ask.
• Financially literate, analytical, and detail-oriented.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to balance competing priorities in a small-team environment.
• Passionate advocate for artists, craft, and creative learning.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Combination of office, studio, gallery, and public-facing environments; the studio includes active hot-glass operations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 30 lbs; walking, standing, and moving throughout the facility during events and programs.
• Regular daytime hours with some evenings, weekends, and off-site events required.
• Must be able to work on-site in Columbus, Ohio.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Annual salary of $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Health stipend or reimbursement plan.
• Studio access and professional development opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY

Send application materials to Please submit the following as Microsoft Word documents (separate attachments are fine):

• A cover letter describing your interest in Columbus Glass Art Center and how your experience aligns with this role.
• A current resume.
• Contact information for three professional references (references will not be contacted without your permission).

Applications must be received by April 27, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Columbus Glass Art Center is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other historically underrepresented communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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