Executive Director

About Starworks

Founded in 2004, Starworks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes community and economic development by providing outstanding artistic and educational programs.

Located in a historic 190,000 square foot former hosiery mill, Starworks fosters collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs, students, and the public. We are a unique blend of artistic residencies, creative enterprise, public programming and arts education, especially focused on glass, ceramics, and metal. Eager to connect with artists internationally, Starworks is also deeply committed to economic development in rural, central North Carolina.  We are proudly experimenting with the possibilities of artistic enterprise as a catalyst for place-based employment and investment

Starworks Glass is a nationally recognized glass studio that hosts more than a dozen visiting artists annually from all around the world through its residency and internship programs. These special guest artists partner with Starworks to offer hands on workshops for the community, public artist talks, demonstrations, and exhibitions. The studio also offers professional gaffing services to organizations, glass artists, and universities.

Starworks Ceramics supports a thriving artists program and innovative Ceramic Supply Shop that uses native NC wild clays to produce clay bodies that are manufactured on-site with a filter press. Like our glass studio program, Starworks ceramics program includes international Residency & Internship Programs, and hosts a triennial International Wood-fire Ceramics conference.

Starworks newest program is a 10,000 square foot metal studio with forges, furnaces, welding equipment, and ample space for mold making and fabrication. that hosts hands-on workshops in welding, blacksmithing and casting for the public. The program is focused, but not limited to the three main approaches of working with metal: Fabrication, Blacksmithing, & Casting, and includes hands-on workshops in welding, blacksmithing, and casting for the public.

Two retail businesses showcase both the artistic and community mission of Starworks.

The School House Gallery is a public gallery featuring work from more than 100 artists, mostly current and past Starworks residents and interns. Starworks Cafe & Taproom is full-service coffee bar, taproom, and live music venue.

Public programming spans big community events, popular craft sales, and intimate conversations with artists.  Firefest: Community Fueled Art, is a two-day festival with live demonstrations, artist talks, and hands-on workshops. The annual glass pumpkin and Christmas ornament sales have become part of community calendars and the monthly “Hot Glass, Cold Beer” nights have supported lively exchanges with resident artists who share their inspiration and techniques during well attended public studio demonstrations. In 2024, Starworks created a special on-site residency with a regional live theater group that produced two plays.

Recent capital investments in the metal shop and a new artists dormitory now expand capacity in core areas of Starworks’ mission while also opening the possibility for new programs and ventures.  After over twenty years of operation, the organization is poised for growth.

The Role

As Executive Director, you will be the driving force behind Starworks’ strategic vision, day-to-day operations, and long-term sustainability. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you’ll work at the intersection of creativity and leadership, making high-level decisions while staying grounded in the community and our mission.

This is not just an executive role, it’s an opportunity to be part of something truly unique. If you’re a bold leader with a passion for the arts, a knack for strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to engaging people and communities through creativity, this is your calling.

Key Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Director

• Inspire, guide, and execute a bold vision for Starworks, ensuring that our mission to promote creative enterprise and community engagement is at the core of every decision we make.
• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to craft and implement a strategic roadmap for growth, ensuring our artistic and educational programs thrive and evolve.

Financial Stewardship and Sustainability

• Manage Starworks’ budget, balancing our creative mission with sound financial practices, identifying new revenue streams, and ensuring our financial sustainability
• Lead fundraising efforts, work with the team to secure grants, sponsorships, and donations to support our programs and vision. Cultivate deep relationships with donors, patrons, and community supporters who share our commitment to the arts.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Be the public face and advocate for Starworks, championing our work in local, regional, and national arts communities,
• Forge meaningful partnerships with schools, other arts organizations, local businesses, and community leaders to amplify Starworks’ role in the cultural fabric of Star NC and beyond.

Educational Excellence

• Foster a dynamic environment for learning, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
• Support and expand Starworks’ educational programs, from youth workshops to artists residencies, ensuring that we provide high-quality, impactful experiences for all participants.

Team Building and Staff Development

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a talented, diverse team of professionals who share your passion for the mission.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and inspiring organization culture that encourages creativity, innovation, and growth.
• Support ongoing professional development and opportunities for staff members to expand their skills and grow within the organization and within the visual arts field

Facility Management and Growth

• Ensure that our 190,000 square foot creative space remains safe, inspiring, and operationally efficient
• Lead any necessary facility expansions or renovations, ensuring that our physical environment can accommodate the growth of Starworks programs and activities

Governance and Board Collaboration

• Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates, strategic guidance, and partnership on high-level organizational matters.
• Help recruit and orient new board members, ensuring that the board’s composition reflects our missions and values.

What You’ll Bring

• Leadership: You have a proven track record of visionary leadership in an arts or cultural institution. You will be not just an administrator; you will be a passionate advocate for the power of art and creativity to change lives.
• Financial Savvy: You understand the delicate balance between creative ambition and financial responsibility. Ideally, you will bring strong financial acumen and experience in managing and overseeing nonprofit budgets, securing funding, and driving revenue growth.
• Strategic Thinking: You can see the big picture and will create and execute long-term strategies that align with the organization’s goals. You’re not afraid to innovate and take bold steps to ensure Starworks sustainability and impact.
• Community-Oriented Partnerships: You understand that arts and culture are at the heart of a thriving community. You will bring community-oriented partnerships that advance the organization’s mission and ensure its relevance in the community.
• People-Centered Focus: You’re a leader who listens, inspires, and supports your team. You will build a culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, and professional growth.
• Artistic Insight: Ideally, you have a strong knowledge of contemporary visual art and studio practices, with a deep appreciation for the work that artists do and the challenges they face.

Strategic priorities

A new executive director will come to Starworks with the opportunity to make an immediate impact in several key areas:

• Programming innovation that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of our nearly 190,000 square foot facility,
• Entrepreneurial product design and development to increase earned income,
• Expansion of the new metals program and residency program
• Development of a robust exhibition schedule
• Expanded community programming including music and theater that bring in new audiences
• Bring a strategic vision to fundraising that supports long-term stability, ensures the continued rehabilitation of the former mill building, and ongoing opportunities

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000 – $115,000, based on experience
• Life insurance
• Dental Insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• A vibrant creative environment that encourages growth and innovation
• The opportunity to work with some of the best artists in the world

To apply:

Please send cover letter and resume/cv to Searchcommitte@starworksnc.org

Review of applications will begin April 15 and will continue until position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Starworks is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, or disability.