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Artistic Director Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Arts Director

Gig Harbor, WA · On-site

$23.70 - $28.67/hr

... artistic direction, costuming, props/sets, front of house management, choreography, rehearsals, lighting design, volunteers, auditions, registration, and budget. • Develop a strategic marketing ...

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Artistic Director information

See Renton, WA salary details

$50.1K

$137K

$164.8K

How much do artistic director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for artistic director in Renton, WA is $136,955.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,100.00 and $142,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an artistic director?

An Artistic Director is a senior leader responsible for guiding the creative vision and direction of an arts organization, such as a theater, dance company, or gallery. They select productions, oversee artistic programming, and often collaborate with artists, directors, and designers to bring projects to life. In addition to shaping the artistic strategy, Artistic Directors may be involved in casting, budgeting, and community outreach. Their work ensures that the organization's artistic goals align with its mission and audience expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an artistic director?

To thrive as an Artistic Director, you need a strong background in the arts, creative vision, leadership experience, and often a relevant degree in fine arts or a related field. Familiarity with production management software, budgeting tools, and industry-standard editing or design programs is typically required. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and organizational skills set outstanding Artistic Directors apart. These abilities are crucial for shaping artistic direction, managing teams, and ensuring successful and innovative productions.

How does an artistic director collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Artistic Directors work closely with a variety of departments, including production, marketing, development, and education teams. They regularly communicate with these groups to ensure that the artistic vision aligns with logistical, promotional, and financial considerations. This collaboration often involves participating in meetings, giving creative input on marketing materials, and coordinating schedules and resources for performances or exhibitions. Successful Artistic Directors foster strong, open relationships across departments to create cohesive and impactful programming.

What is the difference between Artistic Director vs Creative Director?

AspectArtistic DirectorCreative Director
CredentialsTypically requires a background in arts, theater, or related fields; often with experience in production or performanceRequires a background in design, branding, or advertising; often with experience in visual or digital media
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in arts organizations, theaters, or cultural institutionsPrimarily in advertising agencies, media companies, or branding firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in arts, theater, dance, and cultural sectorsUsed in marketing, advertising, and media industries

The main difference is that Artistic Directors focus on the artistic vision and programming of arts organizations, while Creative Directors oversee the overall creative strategy and branding in marketing and media. Both roles require creative expertise but serve different industry needs.

Do artistic directors get paid well?

Artistic directors typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on the organization, location, and level of experience. In larger institutions or major markets, they tend to earn higher wages, often supplemented by benefits and performance bonuses. Overall, the role is considered well-compensated within the arts and entertainment industry.

What does an artistic director do?

An artistic director is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and artistic standards of a theater, dance company, or other performance organization. They select productions, collaborate with designers and performers, and often guide the overall aesthetic and programming decisions. Strong leadership, communication skills, and knowledge of the arts are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be an artistic director?

To become an artistic director, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in fine arts, theater, or a related field, along with extensive experience in the arts or entertainment industry. Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills are essential, and many roles require a background in directing, producing, or curating artistic projects.
More about Artistic Director jobs

What job categories do people searching Artistic Director jobs in Renton, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Artistic Director jobs in Renton, WA are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Artistic Director jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most Artistic Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Artistic Director job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,955 per year, or $65.8 per hour.

$23.70 - $28.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is hiring an Arts Program Director at our Tom Taylor Family YMCA location.

As the Arts Program Director, you will be responsible for planning and delivering programming that supports new, emerging, and existing arts programs. If hired, you will provide leadership and support for performing arts productions, visual arts exhibitions, and events.

Compensation: $23.70 to $28.67 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Position type: Full-Time, 40 hours, This is an on-site position.

Benefits:Medical, Dental, and Vision benefit plan options YMCA paid Life and Long-term Disability Insurance

  • Opportunity to participate in the YMCA 403(b) retirement saving plan. After 2 years of Full-Time employment, the YMCA will contribute 8% of your monthly earnings
  • Accrual of 15 days of paid vacation (vacation accruals increase with years of service)
  • 8 paid Holidays/Floating Holidays per year
  • Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program and LifeMart employee discount center
  • Professional training, education and certification opportunities
  • 20% discount on YMCA programs, Child Care services, and merchandise
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for Full-Time employees

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent knowledge and experience (preferred).
  • Minimum of five years related experience (preferred).
  • Extensive dance and/or visual arts education and the ability to teach participants of all levels and ages effectively.
  • Comprehensive theatrical production experience and/or experience in curating visual arts exhibitions (preferred).
  • Appreciation and passion for visual and performing arts.
  • Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.
  • Demonstrated skills in customer service, public relations, organizational skills, communications, supervision, computer knowledge, and file maintenance.
  • Current Lifeguard, CPR for the Professional, AED First Aid and Oxygen certifications.
  • Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
  • Committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
  • Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Provide leadership for arts programming to include but not limited to dance, musical theatre, music, digital media, culinary arts and visual arts.
  • Direct and produce annual dance recitals, musical theatre productions, visual arts exhibitions and Y Arts Week events.
  • Support and/or lead Parent Arts Committees as assigned.
  • Lead development of arts programming, scheduling and curriculum.
  • Establish new program activities and expand program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
  • May develop or assist in the marketing and distribution of program information, organize and schedule program registrations.
  • Coordinate use of facilities for program activities and events.
  • Direct and supervise program activities to meet the needs of the community and fulfill YMCA objectives.
  • Compile program statistics. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of and participation in program.
  • Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations.
  • Respond to all member and community inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the Arts Cabinet.
  • Develop, manage and implement the approved program budget.
  • Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule and direct staff and volunteers as needed.
  • Work in collaboration with senior management to review and evaluate staff performance.
  • Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.

At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, our primary objective is to empower people, inspire action, and strengthen the communities we call home. Join our team and support the Y's efforts to connect all people to their full potential and purpose. To apply visit our website atwww.ymcapkc.org.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

Arts Director Job Description

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, the Arts Program Director oversees the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of arts programs. Recruits, develops, and supports assigned staff and volunteers. Provides a quality experience to students and parents focused on YMCA core values: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Caring.

Key Responsibilities

Ensure high quality participant-focused programs through innovative program development, and evaluations.

Provide leadership and support for performing arts productions, visual arts exhibitions, and events.

Provide leadership, delivery and curriculum development for arts specialty summer camps.

Lead program integration and cross branch collaboration to deepen and expand arts programming through a whole person/holistic approach.

Champion diversity and inclusion in all aspects of department, branch, and community work.

Support arts related contributions to branch, association and community events.

Provide data and reports as required for assigned programs.

Ensure compliance with various school district, university, state, and local regulations to meet program standards and ensure safety procedures are followed.

Executes strategies to ensure that program participants connect with one another and with the YMCA.

Stage management, artistic direction, costuming, props/sets, front of house management, choreography, rehearsals, lighting design, volunteers, auditions, registration, and budget.

Develop a strategic marketing plan to promote arts programs and increase awareness of arts opportunities.

Dance Recital marketing strategy and campaigns.

Oversee, implement, and monitor arts outreach and branch marketing plans.

Develop ongoing relationships with branch staff, members and the community to promote and enhance arts related programming, activities, and events.

Hire, train, and supervise staff and volunteers in assigned areas.

Facilitate communication and provide leadership.

Review and evaluate staff performance.

Develop strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.

Review, approve, and submit staff time cards to payroll department per schedule.

Track volunteer hours and record appropriately.

Schedule shifts and process time off requests for staff.

Provide all departmental staff with professional development.

Ensure that all mandatory training is scheduled and funded.

Work in partnership with center leadership to develop, foster, and maintain collaborative relationships with key individuals, community agencies, school districts and other YMCA centers in our service delivery area.

Lead and/or support partnership events and activities.

Develop, monitor, and implement budgets; arts programming, specialty arts camps, Dance Companies, arts exhibitions, and dance recital production to ensure targets are met.

Implement systems to track and monitor revenue, expenses, and department grants.

Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.

Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.

Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.

Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.

Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Minimum of three years or more of related experience preferred.

Theatrical production experience and/or experience curating visual arts exhibitions preferred.

Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations.

Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.

Demonstrated ability to lead performing and visual arts classes effectively; all ages, beginning through advanced levels. Appreciation and passion for performing and visual arts.

Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day. Complete other online and in-person training as required.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move a higher amount.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Occasionally may need to plan and participate in programming outdoors.

Employee Acknowledgement

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions expected of this position. This document is not an exhaustive list and other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or assigned at any time with or without advanced notice.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties may exercise employment-at-will rights at any time.

By signing below, you are acknowledging that you have read the document in its entirety and that you understand the requirements, essential functions, and job duties of this position. Further, you acknowledge that you are able to perform the duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation(s), and that should you need assistance, that you are responsible for notifying your Director, Executive Director, and/or Human Resources.