Executive Director at Davis Arts Council

ABOUT US

Davis Arts Council (DAC) was founded in 1979 and has grown steadily to proudly serve the Northern Wasatch Front as the largest community-based, arts-focused nonprofit organization in Davis County.

DAC is a vibrant nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enriching the community through accessible, inclusive, and innovative arts programming. Located in the heart of Layton, Utah, DAC is best known for its signature Free Sunday Night Concert Series, Summer Nights with the Stars, Holiday Events, and robust community outreach.

DAC presents summer programming at the Kenley Amphitheater (managed by Layton City) and offers year-round events at other venues to bring music, visual art, and cultural experiences to Northern Utah. With a strong reputation, committed supporters, and a growing audience, DAC is poised for its next chapter of growth and impact.

Our Mission

To enrich and strengthen our community through the power of the arts.

Our Vision

To be Davis County’s premier multi-disciplinary arts organization accessible to the entire community.

Our Guiding Principles

Excellence:
The programs, artists, and performances we present are among the most acclaimed and sought after in their genre. They inspire us through creativity, originality, and the propensity to expand cultural perspectives.

Accessibility:
Our programs are uniquely accessible to our community. In terms of financial accessibility, they are generally affordable, and in many cases, free. In terms of physical accessibility, they are close by, with good parking, and considerate of the disabled.

Financial Sustainability:
We operate deficit-free with stable, predictable, and diversified streams of funding. We are ever considerate of the future as we make fiscal decisions today.

Diversity:
We present a wide range of programs, representing multiple genres and appealing to a broad range of cultural backgrounds. We also strive to present family-friendly programs that appeal to all ages.

Inclusiveness:
Our overarching goal is to foster a sense of community and belonging among our patrons.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to step into a high-profile role at one of Northern Utah’s most respected and beloved local arts organizations.

As Executive Director of the Davis Arts Council, you will champion the arts as a powerful force for community connection, enrichment, and excellence. You will serve as the public face of the organization, building meaningful relationships with donors, government officials, local leaders, and the broader community. You will be an influential voice for DAC’s mission across Davis County and beyond.

As Davis County continues to grow and its cultural landscape evolves, you will lead DAC in expanding its reach and deepening its impact.

In close partnership with a committed and passionate Board of Directors, you will help shape the organization's strategic vision and ensure its long-term sustainability. You will lead and support a small but mighty team of talented professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and service.

From strategic planning to day-to-day operations, you will strengthen the internal systems that support the work, laying the foundation for thoughtful growth. Fundraising will be a cornerstone of your work, as you steward existing supporters, cultivate new resources, and ensure the financial vitality that drives DAC’s year-round programming and community impact—all while laying the groundwork for a future capital campaign.

The Executive Director oversees a staff of 3 full-time employees, 2 part-time employees, 2–4 seasonal and contract employees, and more than 100 volunteers. Evening and weekend work will be required 1–3 times per week (June–September) and 1–2 times per month (October–May).

This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to build on a strong legacy of excellence and continue guiding the Davis Arts Council’s meaningful work.

WHO ARE YOU?

You see the world through the lens of possibility and know that the arts are not just entertainment, but a powerful force for connection, meaning, and change.

You are a humble and visionary leader with the courage to lead boldly, the wisdom to lead collaboratively, and the heart to lead in service of something greater than yourself. You understand that true leadership begins with building trust, strengthening the foundation, and ensuring stability—because only when the organization is strong can bold vision take root and flourish.

You are equally comfortable behind the scenes and on the stage, whether planning budgets, guiding a team, or welcoming a crowd to a summer concert under the stars. You create connection, inspire confidence, and ignite enthusiasm. You listen deeply, lead with integrity, and follow through with purpose.

You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and do the work. You possess the energy, resilience, and focus to thrive in a fast-paced environment, especially during the busy summer and fall seasons when programming is at its peak.

You understand that great leadership in the nonprofit arts world is equal parts passion and practicality. You can see the long-term vision while managing the details that matter, from fundraising campaigns and grant proposals to sound checks and city permits.

You believe that art is essential to a vibrant community and that access to the arts should be open to all. You know that a thriving arts organization must reflect and engage the people it serves. You are ready to be the public voice and steady force behind that mission in Davis County and to lead the Davis Arts Council into its next exciting chapter.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

- Inspire, motivate, and lead a small team of committed professionals.

- Provide supportive and engaged leadership that empowers staff and fosters a collaborative team culture built on open communication and mutual respect.

- Oversee core operations, including HR, marketing, finance, and administrative systems.

- Guide long-term planning efforts in collaboration with the Board of Directors and key community partners.

- Lead the execution of organizational goals by ensuring sufficient funding, staffing, and resources.

- Ensure high-quality programs that meet the changing needs and interests of the community.

Governance & Board Relations

- Engage Board members in advancing DAC’s mission and strategic priorities.

- Support the Board’s core responsibilities, including governance, financial oversight, and stewardship.

- Assist with Board development: recruiting, onboarding, and recognizing members.

- Work closely with the Board to explore growth opportunities, new funding sources, and increased community impact.

- Communicate consistently with the Board through updates on finances, programs, and operations.

Financial Management

- Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop and manage an effective budget.

- Oversee financial operations and ensure responsible use of resources.

- Ensure compliance with funding requirements.

- Provide regular financial reports to maintain transparency.

Partnerships, Fundraising, and Communication

- Build meaningful relationships with community members and organizations.

- Cultivate partnerships with donors, municipal leaders, and businesses to support future growth and capital campaign readiness.

- Lead all fundraising efforts: major gifts, sponsorships, foundations, and donor cultivation.

- Leverage events and programming to strengthen community connections.

- Serve as DAC’s chief ambassador and spokesperson.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

- 10+ years of professional experience (nonprofit preferred), including 5+ years in leadership roles.

- Strong commitment to DAC’s mission and values.

- Proven success in fundraising, including major gifts, sponsorships, and grants.

- Understanding of nonprofit governance and board relations.

- Financial management skills and sound decision-making.

- Skilled relationship builder with donors, city officials, and community partners.

- Excellent communication and organizational skills.

- High emotional intelligence, humility, and integrity.

- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Slack, and Monday preferred.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary range: $90,000 – $105,000 (full-time, exempt)

Benefits include:

- Medical and dental insurance coverage beginning day one

- Retirement plan with 3% match

- Paid time off:

- 10 days per year (increasing with tenure)

- 9 paid holidays annually

- 2 weeks paid time off during winter office closure

- Professional development opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

Davis Arts Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Pathway Group has been retained to lead this recruitment effort on behalf of Davis Arts Council.

To apply:
Send inquiries, nominations, and applications in confidence to jobs@pathwaygroup.cowith “DAC – ED” in the subject line.

Applications must include:

- Cover letter

- Résumé

All inquiries and referrals will be held in strict confidence.