Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

VisArts is a nonprofit arts hub and incubator located in Rockville, Maryland. Founded in 1987 by a group of artists as a grassroots organization, VisArts is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through the visual arts. One of the region's only organizations focused exclusively on the visual arts and the largest employer of visual artists in Montgomery County, VisArts offers a wide range of programs for all ages and abilities.

VisArts' mission is to foster creativity, accessibility, and community through visual arts education. At its core, VisArts is a home for meaningful connection through creative expression, built around inclusive visual arts creation, instruction, and presentation. The VisArts team is a group of doers who are genuine, inclusive, and visionary, and these values shape how they teach, run the organization, and treat each other.

Through art classes, camps, five contemporary art galleries, artist residencies and fellowships, the VisAbility Art Lab (a specialized studio program for artists with disabilities), and community outreach initiatives, VisArts provides children, teens, and adults with opportunities to express themselves, develop their skills, connect with others, and enrich their lives. VisArts also rents several spaces for private and community events. Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, VisArts serves more than 30,000 students, artists, and visitors each year.

Position Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a new senior leadership role that will serve as the operational backbone of VisArts, partnering with the CEO to strengthen the organization's internal infrastructure so that VisArts can operate smoothly, sustainably, and at scale. The COO will oversee finance, human resources, facilities, technology, and compliance. Operating on a $3.5 million annual operating budget, VisArts relies on the COO to build efficient systems, safeguard its financial health and legal compliance, and supervise operational staff. The COO will be someone with strong financial acumen who can guide and teach colleagues with varying levels of financial and operational experience.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who brings rigor and structure to a creative, mission-driven environment. They will remain flexible and responsive to the unique rhythms of a working arts organization, including classes, camps, exhibitions, artist residencies, and public and private events. The COO will build and manage systems, policies, and teams that support VisArts' staff to focus on its mission. Specific areas of responsibility include:

• Organizational and Team Leadership (10%)
• Financial Management and Compliance (30%)
• Operations and Facilities (25%)
• Human Resources and Administration (20%)
• Technology and Information Security (15%)

Experience, Skills, and Qualities

The COO position will be a challenging and rewarding opportunity that requires a diverse set of skills and experiences. While we understand that no single candidate can possess every qualification listed below, the following are priority areas:

• 7+ years of operations, financial management, or nonprofit administration experience, including P&L responsibility and team leadership.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing nonprofit finance and accounting, including budgeting, financial analysis, GAAP, audits, and grant/contract compliance.
• Experience with nonprofit accounting systems and proficiency with accounting software such as QuickBooks Online.
• Experience managing human resources functions, including employment law compliance, benefits, and staff development.
• Working knowledge of IT systems and infrastructure sufficient to guide vendor selection, budgeting, and data security decisions.
• Experience with facilities management, vendor negotiation, and contract administration, ideally for a public-facing or multi-use space.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple teams, vendors, and complex projects with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial and operational information to non-financial colleagues.
• Problem-solver with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of organizational work.

Compensation & Benefits

The budgeted salary for this role is $125,000, with benefits that include health insurance, paid time off, retirement contributions, parking reimbursement, and class and camp discounts.

Application Process

VisArts has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving nonprofits, to help conduct this search. Interested applicants should submit a resume and a detailed cover letter that describes their interest in and qualifications for this role. Upload application materials at www.good-insight.org/careers.

Resume reviews begin immediately. For best consideration, please apply by mid-October. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.

Location

VisArts is located in Rockville, MD, in Metro-accessible Rockville Town Center. The work environment is in-person at the office and at venues throughout the region. Some events and programs require evening and weekend hours.

Equal Employment Opportunity

VisArts is an equal-opportunity employer, and we evaluate applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or family status.