Visual Development Artist Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT LOUISVILLE VISUAL ART

Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is a nonprofit organization with more than a century of impact dedicated to bringing more art to more people in more places across Greater Louisville. It strives to improve lives through visual arts education, community outreach, and artist support. With youth art education, professional artist development, and art in public spaces, LVA nurtures Louisville's diverse artists throughout their creative lifecycles. From a multi-purpose art facility in the Portland neighborhood, LVA meets people where they are bringing art into neighborhoods, co-creating programs, and placing artwork in public spaces across the city. LVA envisions a city where more art reaches more people in more places, where everyone, in every neighborhood, has the opportunity to experience, create, and be inspired by visual art. LVA believes art is not a luxury but a public good, essential to individual wellbeing, community connection, and a vibrant, equitable future.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Louisville Visual Art (LVA) is seeking a visionary storyteller and relationship builder to serve as its next Director of Advancement & Communications. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this strategic leadership role will drive both the financial sustainability and public profile of one of Louisville's most dynamic arts organizations.

The successful candidate will lead a small but dedicated team and serve as a cross functional liaison ensuring that fundraising and marketing strategies are deeply integrated with LVA's educational programs and financial operations.

As LVA advances its new strategic plan and works to complete the Portland headquarters, this role is essential to diversifying and strengthening the organization's operational funding streams. This role is central to sustaining momentum and expanding community impact for LVA.

Working within Louisville's vibrant warehouse district headquarters-a hub for artists and educators-the Director of Advancement & Communication will champion a mission that views art as a lifelong journey and a cornerstone of a healthy city. This role offers professional growth through close collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance Manager, balancing creative vision with fiscal responsibility while advancing LVA's reach and relevance across Greater Louisville.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team contributing to long-term planning and organizational growth.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to set and achieve annual revenue targets.
• Champion the integration of development efforts across departments to advance the organization's mission and artistic vision.
• Work closely with the Finance Manager to ensure accurate forecasting, grant compliance, and reconciliation between CRM and accounting systems.

Donor Development & Stewardship

• Design and execute a diversified fundraising plan encompassing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and annual appeals that align with organizational priorities and artistic goals.
• Build and manage relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs that deepen engagement and loyalty.
• Partner with program and education staff to identify funding needs and translate program outcomes into donor-ready narratives.
• Develop high-touch experiences that connect donors and partners to the impact of LVA's work in the Greater Louisville area

Marketing & Communications

• Lead the development and execution of marketing strategies that elevate LVA's brand, programs, and community presence.
• Oversee messaging across digital, print, and social platforms to ensure consistency, creativity, and alignment with LVA's mission.
• Manage relationships with media outlets, community partners, and creative vendors to expand LVA's reach and visibility.
• Analyze marketing performance metrics to inform strategy and strengthen audience connection.

Community Engagement

• Represent LCA at community events, donor gatherings, and arts-related forums.
• Build and maintain relationships with civic, corporate, and cultural partners to elevate LVA's visibility and impact.
• Act as a passionate ambassador for LVA's mission, programs, and values throughout Greater Louisville.
• Oversee LVA's public identity, ensuring consistent messaging that highlights our role as a catalyst for creative and community health in Louisville.

Grant Writing & Institutional Support

• Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders and ensure timely communication of outcomes and impact.

Team Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, ensuring development and marketing goals support LVA's long-term strategic plan.
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, ensuring development and marketing goals support LVA's long-term strategic plan
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and creativity within the development team.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 - 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, preferably in the arts or cultural sector.
• At least 2 years' experience in marketing campaigns or public relations preferred.
• Proven success in major gifts, grant writing, and campaign management.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Passion for the arts and commitment to community engagement.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Louisville Visual Arts is prepared to offer a competitive salary in the range of $70,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include health care, generous PTO and a 401k contribution.

LVA offers a highly competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (individual coverage), a 3% employer match on a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, paid time off, and paid holidays as well as an employer-paid basic term $25,000 life insurance policy.

TO APPLY

Ashley|Rountree and Associates has been exclusively retained by Louisville Visual Art to oversee this search. For confidential questions or inquiries, contact Susan Francke at sfrancke@ashleyrountree.com.

Louisville Visual Art provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.