Summary
Description
Willcox Theater and Arts (WTA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through arts, culture, education, and heritage in Cochise County in rural southeastern Arizona. Located across four buildings in Willcox's Historic Railroad Avenue District with an annual budget of $590,000, WTA serves as the region's premier arts and cultural organization, providing accessible programs that inspire creativity, preserve local heritage, and strengthen community connections.
Founded in 2012, WTA has grown from a two-screen movie theater into a vibrant cultural hub serving over 15,000 residents and visitors annually, offering live performances, festivals, visual arts, youth education, summer camps, workshops, and heritage programming. In 2026, WTA expanded with the opening of the Center for Art and Heritage, integrating arts, history, technology, and education for residents and visitors of all ages.
Through partnerships with schools, businesses, artists, and volunteers, WTA is helping position Willcox as a destination for arts, heritage tourism, and lifelong learning while preserving the region's unique cultural heritage. www.willcoxtheater.com
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the organization's strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Establish organizational priorities, annual work plans, and measurable performance goals.
- Foster collaboration among the Board, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
- Monitor trends affecting the nonprofit and arts sectors and position the organization for long-term success.
Organizational Leadership
- Direct day-to-day operations of the organization.
- Provide leadership and supervision for staff, volunteers, and contracted professionals.
- Develop and maintain effective organizational policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and nonprofit best practices.
Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual operating budget with the Board.
- Ensure sound financial stewardship and oversight of accounting systems and financial reporting.
- Manage organizational finances and maintain appropriate financial controls.
- Approve contracts and expenditures within Board-approved policies.
Fundraising & Resource Development
- Partner with the Board to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community partners.
- Lead grant development and serve as the organization's authorized representative for grant agreements.
- Develop innovative fundraising strategies that strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Community Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as the chief spokesperson and public representative for Willcox Theater and Arts.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, schools, and community leaders.
- Advocate for arts education, public art, cultural heritage, and arts funding throughout Cochise County and Arizona.
- Maintain positive relationships with elected officials, media, and community stakeholders.
Board Relations
- Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
- Assist the Board Chair in preparing meeting agendas and supporting Board committees.
- Keep Board members informed of organizational performance and strategic initiatives.
- Support Board development, recruitment, and governance activities.
Programming & Community Impact
- Provide leadership for the development, evaluation, and expansion of arts, education, and cultural programming.
- Ensure programs align with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
- Evaluate community needs and develop innovative programs that expand organizational impact.
