Chief of Staff

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and a central integrator across the organization. This role leads institutional strategic planning and special initiatives; facilitates alignment across departments and leadership; and ensures that governance, communication, and organizational processes support long-term institutional goals.

The Chief of Staff also plays a key role in Board relations, including supervising the Manager of Board Relations (Governance), who serves as the primary staff liaison to the Governance & Nominating Committee, as well as general oversight of governance infrastructure in partnership with the Manager of Board Relations.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

Executive Leadership and Thought Partnership

• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Executive Director on institutional priorities, including implementation of the 2026-2031 strategic plan, including its organizational implications.
• Ensure the Executive Director is well-informed on progress, risks, and opportunities across key initiatives.
• Structure and facilitate inter-Senior Leadership Team (SLT) communications and meetings—ensuring clear information flow, alignment on priorities, and that the SLT operates as an informed, efficient, and cohesive decision-making body.
• Support preparation for high-level meetings, presentations, and stakeholder engagements.

Team Leadership and Director’s Office Management

• Supervise and support the Manager of Board Relations and Director’s Office Administrator.
• Ensure clear delineation of responsibilities and alignment of workflows across Director’s Office roles.
• Foster a collaborative, high-functioning team environment.

Cross-Functional Coordination and Project Management

• Lead and coordinate complex, cross-departmental initiatives, with a particular focus on those connected to capital projects, strategic planning, and institutional transformation.
• Establish and maintain clear project management structures, tools, and workflows that support accountability and progress.
• Support members of the Senior Leadership Team in advancing shared goals and navigating interdependencies.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving and decision-making across departments.

Organizational Culture, Learning, and Change Management

• Support organizational readiness and change management efforts related to capital projects  and strategic plan implementation.
• Partner with Human Resources to advance staff engagement, leadership development, and learning initiatives.
• Under leadership from the Executive Director, help guide the organization through complex transitions, fostering a culture of adaptability, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Capital Project Leadership and Organizational Readiness

• Serve as a central internal coordinator for the Walker’s capital projects, ensuring alignment between the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team, and project stakeholders.
• Partner with external stakeholders (e.g., owner’s representative, architects, consultants) to support clear communication, decision-making, and project progress.
• Lead internal coordination and alignment across departments to ensure readiness for capital projects, including impacts on operations, programming, audiences, and staff.
• Develop and manage internal project tracking systems, timelines, and communication structures related to capital projects.
• Support scenario planning and organizational strategy for “before, during, and after” phases of the of capital projects.
• Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities associated with projects and support proactive planning and mitigation.

Strategic Planning and Institutional Initiatives

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with broader institutional priorities.
• Oversee strategic planning processes, including management of external consultants and facilitation of internal engagement. Most recent planning process concluded in June 2026 with the FY2027-2031 strategic plan.
• Monitor institutional progress toward strategic goals, including development of key performance indicators and reporting mechanisms and organization of quarterly leadership meetings.
• Lead or support special initiatives that advance organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.

Internal Communication and Organizational Alignment

• In partnership with Head of Content & Communications, HR, and Operations, guide internal communication strategies that ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across the organization, particularly during periods of change.
• Partner with SLT members to communicate priorities, timelines, and impacts related to major institutional initiatives.
• Support planning and execution of recurring all-staff meetings and internal communications channels.

Governance and Board Relations

• Supervise the Manager of Board Relations (Governance), in their role as the primary staff liaison to the Governance & Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board leadership to support governance practices, particularly as they relate to capital projects and long-term strategy.
• Oversee Board relations strategy and governance infrastructure in collaboration with the Manager of Board Relations.
• Support preparation of Board materials, presentations, and strategic discussions.

External Relations and Representation

• Represent the Walker Art Center in external meetings, partnerships, and public engagements as appropriate.
• Support relationships with Trustees, donors, civic partners, and peer institutions, particularly in relation to capital projects and campaigns.
• Identify and advance partnerships aligned with institutional priorities.

WHAT WE NEED IN YOU 

• Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably within a nonprofit, cultural, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and complex project management.
• Experience supporting or leading capital projects, major institutional initiatives, or large-scale organizational change efforts strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to design and manage complex, multi-year projects involving multiple stakeholders and interdependencies.
• Experience working with external partners such as architects, consultants, or project teams is highly desirable.
• Experience working with or supporting a Board of Trustees or comparable governing body.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders and build consensus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of high-level presentations and materials.
• High level of discretion, judgment, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to think strategically while also executing with rigor and attention to detail.
• Commitment to racial equity, inclusion, and access in all aspects of work.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS 

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. 
• The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees, click link to view benefits: https://walkerart.org/primary-benefits-package/
• This position not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Walker’s DEI commitment The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

E-Verify Participation Notice Walker Art Center participates in E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

For more information, please review the following notices:

• E-Verify Participation Poster (English/Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English/Spanish)