Executive Director Job Posting

About Chopsticks Alley Art

Chopsticks Alley Art (CAA) is a community-rooted nonprofit arts organization based in downtown San José. Through exhibitions, performances, free art classes, and public programs, we create spaces where artists and communities can connect, heal, celebrate culture, and share stories.

Our work uplifts Southeast Asian and other underrepresented voices while welcoming people of all backgrounds into meaningful creative experiences. We believe art should be accessible, community-centered, intergenerational, and joyful!

We are looking for an Executive Director who is excited to help shape the future of a growing grassroots arts organization and build meaningful relationships with our Chopstickers, artists, audiences, community partners, and supporters.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the creative, strategic, and organizational leader of Chopsticks Alley Art. This role blends artistic vision, community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and hands-on collaboration.

At CAA, leadership is deeply relational. The ED helps cultivate a welcoming environment where artists feel supported, community members feel seen, and creativity can thrive. They lead with empathy, integrity, transparency, and curiosity while honoring the organization's history and guiding it confidently into the future.

The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, artists, volunteers, and community partners to continually move the organization forward. They identify new opportunities, build meaningful relationships, strengthen long-term sustainability, and ensure Chopsticks Alley Art remains a vibrant and welcoming home for creativity and community.

The ED actively encourages and participates in open, honest, and respectful dialogue with CAA staff and the Board of Directors. Through active listening, transparent communication, and shared problem-solving, they build trust, encourage new ideas, and foster a collaborative culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys both big-picture visioning and the day-to-day energy of building community through the arts.

What You'll Do

Artistic Leadership & Community Programming

• Support artists through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and public programs.

• Help shape the artistic vision and future direction of the organization.

• Curate exhibitions that center storytelling, cultural dialogue, and community engagement. Assist with exhibition design and gallery setup as needed.

• Collaborate with artists, performers, and community partners to create meaningful experiences.

  
  

Community Building & Partnerships

• Represent CAA within the arts and cultural community.

• Build relationships with schools, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, artists, public agencies, funders, and civic leaders.

• Help strengthen engagement with Southeast Asian, immigrant, multilingual, and underserved communities.

• Participate in public speaking opportunities, media interviews, and community outreach.

• Cultivate an environment where community members feel welcomed, heard, and connected to CAA's mission.

  
  

Organizational Leadership

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to support organizational growth, sustainability, and governance.

• Help guide strategic planning, succession planning, and long-term organizational development.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, transparent, and mission-driven organizational culture.

• Encourage open dialogue, shared learning, and healthy communication among staff, Board members, volunteers, and artists.

• Supervise staff, contractors, teaching artists, interns, and volunteers.

• Continually identify opportunities that strengthen the organization's artistic impact, financial sustainability, and community relevance.

  
  

Fundraising & Financial Oversight

• Responsible for fundraising efforts including grants, sponsorships, donor cultivation, and partnerships.

• Prepare grant applications, reports, and impact updates for funders and community partners.

• Help oversee organizational budgets, artist payments, and operational expenses.

• Coordinate payroll, contractor payments, and organizational bills.

• Prepare financial information for the bookkeeper and accountant.

• Coordinate nonprofit filings and organizational compliance requirements.

• Manage banking needs including deposits, transfers, and account coordination.
  

Operations & Gallery Management

• Oversee planning and coordination of exhibitions, classes, performances, and community events.

• Help ensure the gallery remains a welcoming, inclusive, and active community space where artists and visitors feel at home.

• Order supplies and materials for classes, exhibitions, and gallery operations.

• Coordinate event logistics, scheduling, installations, and hospitality needs.
  

A Note About the Role

CAA is a small but deeply impactful organization, and like many grassroots nonprofits, our leadership team wears many hats. Some responsibilities currently handled by the Executive Director include:

• Managing the website and social media accounts

• Designing marketing and promotional materials

• Producing performances and community events

• Curating performers and event participants

• Coordinating event logistics and hospitality

• Ordering food and refreshments for gatherings

• Responding to public inquiries

• Supporting day-to-day gallery operations
  

As the organization grows, we hope to expand staffing capacity and better distribute these responsibilities across the team, allowing the Executive Director to spend more time cultivating relationships, mentoring staff, advancing the organization's vision, and creating new opportunities for artists and the community.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a “Chopsticker” who:

• Believes in the power of art to build connection and community.

• Is excited to lead Chopsticks Alley Art into its next chapter while honoring the strong foundation built by its artists, volunteers, supporters, and community.

• Enjoys cultivating authentic relationships and creating spaces where people feel welcomed and valued.

• Leads with empathy, transparency, integrity, and collaboration.

• Has experience in arts leadership, cultural organizing, curatorial work, or nonprofit management.

• Enjoys collaborating with artists, community members, staff, volunteers, and Board members.

• Is organized, adaptable, and comfortable balancing multiple projects.

• Has experience with fundraising, grants, donor engagement, or partnership development.

• Communicates thoughtfully and encourages open dialogue, collaboration, and shared decision-making.

• Values equity, accessibility, belonging, and culturally responsive programming.

• Experience working with Southeast Asian or immigrant communities is especially valued.
  

Working Style

This role includes a flexible hybrid schedule, with evenings and weekends required for exhibitions, performances, and public programs. The work is collaborative, community-centered, highly creative, and deeply relationship-driven.

Compensation

Salary Range: $85,000–$95,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

CAA offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and opportunities for professional development. Additional benefits may be available based on organizational policies and organizational capacity.

We believe in investing in our team and creating a supportive work environment where people can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact through the arts.

Why Join Us

CAA is more than a gallery—it is a gathering space, a creative home, and a place where artists and communities come together to imagine new possibilities.

As our next Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to build upon a strong foundation while helping shape the organization's future. Together with our Board, staff, artists, volunteers, and community, you will help ensure that Chopsticks Alley Art continues to be a place where artists feel supported, community members feel seen, and creativity flourishes for years to come.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until it is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as interviews may begin before the posting closes.

Chopsticks Alley Art is committed to building an inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage individuals who are passionate about community-centered arts, cultural equity, and serving diverse communities to apply.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Because Chopsticks Alley Art works closely with the public, including children and youth through our educational and community programs, all finalists for this position must successfully pass a background screening prior to employment.

If you’re interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter or cover video and resume to chopsticksalleyart@gmail.com.