Alaska arts council takes applications for executive director through Aug. 21

The Alaska State Council on the Arts is searching for a new executive director to lead the agency that manages state, federal and philanthropic arts funding across Alaska. The opening comes amid what the agency calls a leadership transition, and it affects how grant money reaches artists, tribal partners and rural communities off the road system.

The council is accepting applications until 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. The agency says it wants "a strategic, collaborative, and publicly minded leader" for the role.

The job pays $7,264 to $8,307 a month. It is full time and permanent, based in Anchorage, and eligible for hybrid work. The position falls in the exempt service and is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The notice describes the post as an executive-level position that "provides statewide leadership for Alaska's public arts agency, advances the Council's mission, and ensures that public resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and measurable impact." The director works with the council, state leadership, staff, tribal partners, artists, arts and cultural organizations, educators, communities and national partners to strengthen access to the arts throughout Alaska. Regular in-state travel is required, which may include small aircraft and ferries.

Artists and arts organizations statewide rely on the executive director to connect resources with opportunities. The agency's recruiting material says the director must balance new ideas that advance the strategic plan "with sound leadership which is inclusive of all arts and culture groups in Alaska." Tribal communities and rural residents off the road system are also affected, since leadership changes at the council can shape grantmaking and how state arts programs reach communities accessed mainly by air or water.

Andrea Noble is listed as executive director on the agency's staff page. The notice refers to a leadership transition but does not state a reason for the opening.

Te'Shawn Anderson-Johnson, the agency's finance and administrative officer, is handling recruitment. Applicants will receive a status notification by Sept. 21.

The council is also co-hosting two free grant workshops with staff from the National Endowment for the Arts, who will explain federal grant opportunities and the application process. Council staff will join to share information on additional grants for artists and arts organizations in Alaska. The Anchorage workshop runs from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at The Nave, 3502 Spenard Road. The Wasilla workshop runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Valley Performing Arts' Fred Machetanz Theatre, 251 W. Swanson Ave. Both are in person, and no RSVP is required.