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Calarts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Upland, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Cultivate and manage internal and external partnerships, acting as an ambassador for CCAT within CalArts and the broader art‑and‑technology ecosystem. * Oversee programmatic excellence through ...

Calarts information

What job combines art and science?

A role that combines art and science is often found in fields like scientific illustration, where professionals use artistic skills to visually communicate scientific concepts. Other examples include UX designers, who apply psychology and design principles, and biomedical engineers, who develop medical devices by integrating engineering and biological sciences.

What is the difference between Calarts vs Animation Designer?

AspectCalartsAnimation Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a BFA or MFA in Animation or related fieldsOften requires a degree in Animation, Graphic Design, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, educational institutions, freelance projectsAnimation studios, media companies, advertising agencies
Industry UsageUsed as a school name and brand for animation educationJob title for professionals creating animated content

Calarts refers to the California Institute of the Arts, known for its animation programs, while Animation Designer is a job title for professionals creating animated content. Calarts graduates often become Animation Designers, but the two are distinct: one is an educational institution, the other a role within the animation industry.

What is the highest paying job in the art industry?

In the art industry, roles such as art director, creative director, or senior visual effects supervisor tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modeling software.

What famous people went to CalArts?

CalArts has notable alumni including filmmakers Tim Burton and John Lasseter, animator Brad Bird, and artist David Hockney. These individuals have achieved significant success in animation, film, and visual arts, reflecting the school's focus on creative and technical skills in the arts industry.

What are CalArts graduates known for?

CalArts graduates are renowned for their creativity, innovation, and influence in various artistic fields, including animation, film, theater, visual arts, music, and dance. Alumni have played pivotal roles in shaping the entertainment industry, particularly at major studios such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Many are recognized for their experimental approaches and have contributed to both mainstream and avant-garde projects. The school's interdisciplinary environment encourages collaboration, resulting in versatile artists equipped for a range of creative careers.

What are some common challenges faced by faculty members at CalArts and how can new hires prepare for them?

Faculty members at CalArts often navigate a highly interdisciplinary and experimental environment, where balancing personal artistic practice with teaching responsibilities can be challenging. New hires should be prepared to collaborate across diverse artistic disciplines and adapt their teaching methods to students with varied creative backgrounds. Time management and flexibility are essential, as faculty frequently participate in committee work and student mentorship in addition to their instructional duties. Embracing the school's culture of innovation and open communication will help new faculty thrive and make meaningful contributions to the community.

Which job is best after 12 arts?

After completing arts education at age 12, students can pursue careers such as graphic designer, animator, illustrator, or multimedia artist, which often require creativity, technical skills, and proficiency in tools like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Entry-level positions may include internships or apprenticeships to build experience before advancing to more specialized roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CalArts faculty member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CalArts faculty member, you typically need advanced expertise in your artistic discipline, a relevant graduate degree (such as an MFA or PhD), and a strong record of professional or creative work. Familiarity with digital art tools, contemporary creative technologies, and learning management systems is often required. Outstanding mentorship skills, open-mindedness, and the ability to foster creative collaboration are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure innovative, student-centered instruction and help maintain CalArts' reputation for excellence in the arts.
More about Calarts jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Calarts jobs? The most popular types of Calarts jobs are:
What states have the most Calarts jobs? States with the most job openings for Calarts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Calarts job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Director of Board Governance - CalArts

Director of Board Governance - CalArts

Another Source

Santa Clarita, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At a glance
Another Source is proud to partner with California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) on the search for a Director of Board Governance.
This is a rare opportunity to sit at the intersection of governance, strategy, and institutional leadership while helping shape the future of an institution known for developing some of the world's most influential artists, animators, filmmakers, performers, and creative thinkers.
You don't need an arts background to be successful in this role-just an appreciation for a highly creative, mission-driven environment and a passion for supporting organizations that challenge convention and inspire innovation.
Partner directly with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Board leadership
Lead governance and trustee engagement for CalArts and Vermont College of Fine Arts
Influence board strategy, composition, and institutional decision-making
Help support the next generation of creative leaders and changemakers
If you have experience supporting boards, executives, or complex governance functions, we'd love to connect. Learn more and apply today!
Description: What you'll be doing
Another Source's client, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), is recruiting a Director of Board Governance to join their team in Santa Clarita, California.
Here's a little about CalArts:
Founded by Walt Disney and internationally recognized as a leader in visual, performing, media, and literary arts education, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is known for pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation across disciplines. CalArts attracts artists, scholars, and creative thinkers from around the world and is committed to shaping the future of the arts through experimentation, collaboration, and artistic excellence.
As the institution continues to advance its strategic priorities and strengthen governance across both CalArts and its affiliate, Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), the Director of Board Governance will play a highly visible and influential role at the center of institutional leadership.
Learn more about:
  • CalArts: https://calarts.edu/
  • Campus Leadership: https://calarts.edu/leadership
  • Board of Trustees: https://calarts.edu/about-calarts/leadership/board-trustees
  • Vermont College of Fine Arts Board & Trustees: https://www.vcfa.edu/sections/trustees

About this role:
Reporting to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, the Director of Board Governance serves as the primary staff liaison to both the CalArts Board of Trustees and the Vermont College of Fine Arts Board of Trustees. Working closely with the President, Chief of Staff, General Counsel, board leadership, and senior administrators, this position ensures that governance processes, board engagement, and institutional priorities remain aligned and effective.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a governance professional who enjoys operating at the intersection of executive leadership, strategic planning, board relations, and institutional decision-making. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor and partner, helping guide board operations while ensuring trustees have the information, support, and engagement necessary to advance the mission of both institutions.
How You Will Spend Your Time
Board Governance & Strategic Planning
  • Partner with executive leadership to develop board and committee agendas aligned with institutional priorities and strategic initiatives.
  • Manage governance calendars, annual work plans, meeting schedules, and board action items.
  • Ensure timely identification and escalation of issues requiring board review, discussion, or approval.
  • Prepare, review, and oversee high-quality board materials, executive summaries, agendas, resolutions, and governance documentation.
  • Coordinate trustee onboarding, orientation, continuing education, and governance best-practice initiatives.
  • Maintain expertise in nonprofit governance, higher education governance, and board operations.
  • Partner with legal counsel on governance policies, bylaws, and board-related procedures.
  • Serve as Assistant Secretary to the CalArts Board of Trustees and Secretary to the VCFA Board of Trustees.

Executive Collaboration & Governance Communications
  • Act as the primary point of contact for trustees and committee members.
  • Build strong working relationships with executive leaders across fundraising, finance, communications, academic affairs, admissions, and operations.
  • Advise and support board leadership on governance matters, board processes, and trustee engagement.
  • Ensure institutional leaders are well-prepared for board presentations, meetings, and interactions.
  • Coordinate communications, updates, newsletters, and engagement opportunities for trustees.

Board Operations & Administration
  • Oversee the preparation, distribution, and quality control of all board and committee materials.
  • Manage board portal strategy, content organization, and trustee access.
  • Maintain governance records, meeting minutes, resolutions, and institutional documentation.
  • Coordinate board and committee meetings from planning through execution.
  • Monitor follow-up actions and ensure accountability for governance-related deliverables.

Leadership & Team Management
  • Supervise and develop the Assistant/Associate Director of Board Relations.
  • Establish efficient workflows and governance processes that support board effectiveness.
  • Lead cross-functional efforts involving stakeholders who may not have a direct reporting relationship.
  • Promote a culture of professionalism, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Five or more years of experience supporting boards of trustees, senior executives, principal-level donors, elected officials, high-net-worth individuals, or similar stakeholder groups.
  • Experience managing complex governance processes and board operations.
  • Experience drafting contracts, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), board resolutions, or similar formal governance documents.
  • Strong project management and meeting management experience.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Experience coordinating multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree such as a JD, MBA, or related graduate degree.
  • Experience supporting nonprofit, higher education, or arts-related governing boards.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit bylaws, governance frameworks, and Robert's Rules of Order.
  • Experience with board portal software and governance technology platforms.
  • Experience in matrixed organizations requiring extensive cross-functional collaboration.
  • Familiarity with data visualization, executive presentations, and board reporting tools.
  • Experience supervising staff and leading through influence rather than direct authority.

What's in it for you:
Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 annually
In addition to a competitive salary, CalArts offers the opportunity to work alongside visionary leaders, trustees, and artists while contributing to the governance and strategic direction of one of the world's most respected arts institutions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
California Institute of the Arts is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CalArts values diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to an environment of creativity, innovation, and mutual respect.
Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.
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