Executive Director

Lillstreet Art Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, IL is seeking an Executive Director to guide the organization into the next chapter. The role reports to the owner’s delegate and partners with Directors, a future Advisory Board, while expanding operations, finances, and strategy.

The ideal candidate brings experience leading creative organizations, deep ties to Chicago’s arts scene, and a collaborative style that builds trust across staff, faculty, and the community rooted in Lillstreet’s founding vision.

Qualifications

• Experience leading creative or arts organizations.
• Strong community engagement and staff leadership.

Responsibilities

• Build operational infrastructure for the organization.
• Develop financial systems and strategic plans.
• Collaborate with Directors and Advisory Board.
• Lead with warmth, creativity, and community focus.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Financial management

Job description

About the Organization

Lillstreet Art Center is a 50-year-old, multi-disciplinary creative space rooted in community, craft, and a deep commitment to the serious practice of art. Founded in Chicago with ceramics at its core, Lillstreet has grown into a vibrant hub where artists of all levels engage with expert instruction, professional quality equipment, and an open studio culture that fosters genuine artistic growth.

Lillstreet operates as a for-profit organization that prioritizes community and connection, offering classes, open studio time, artist studio rentals, a gallery, a café, and a rooftop garden. It is a place where art is practiced, celebrated, and fairly compensated.

For more information, please visit: https://lillstreet.com.

About the Position

Following a 50-year founding leadership tenure, Lillstreet Art Center is seeking an Executive Director to steward the organization’s distinctiveness into the next chapter. The Executive Director will report to the owner’s delegate and work in close partnership with an internal team of Directors, and a soon-to-be established Advisory Board. The Executive Director will build the operational infrastructure, financial systems, and strategic clarity the organization needs to thrive, while carrying forward the warmth, creative rigor, and community-first energy that have defined Lillstreet.

The ideal candidate is an engaging and grounded leader who brings genuine familiarity with Chicago’s arts and culture landscape, experience managing creative organizations and the interpersonal depth to earn trust across a staff, faculty, and community that has strong ties to Lillstreet’s founding vision. This is a role for someone who leads with presence, listens before acting, and understands that institutional change requires both patience and resolve.

This is a full-time, on-site position. Chicago area residence is required.

Lillstreet Art Center is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of Chicago and the communities it serves.