Summary
Description
Executive Director
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA
Through participatory public art, Mural Arts Philadelphia inspires change in people, places, and practices, creating opportunity for a more just and equitable Philadelphia.
THE SEARCH
Mural Arts Philadelphia (Mural Arts) seeks a civic-minded, visionary, and seasoned Executive Director to lead the next chapter of the nation’s largest public art program. Building on more than four decades of innovation and community impact, the Executive Director sits at the intersection of creativity, community, and civic impact. The role offers a unique and important opportunity to champion Philadelphia artists and neighborhoods by transforming public spaces into powerful storytelling canvases—projects that can build pride, spark dialogue, and make culture visible in everyday life.
The incoming Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia will build on a powerful legacy to shape the next chapter of the nation’s largest public art program. For over 35 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative process rooted in the traditions of mural-making to create art that transforms public spaces and positively impacts communities. Mural Arts Philadelphia exists to provide transformative experiences, progressive discourse, and economic stimulus to the City of Philadelphia. Since its founding in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has advanced its mission through four core program areas: Public Art and Civil Engagement, Art Education, Porch Light (behavioral health), and Restorative Justice, while producing more than 4,000 works of public art in collaboration with communities across the city. The organization continues to serve as a global model for socially engaged public art, demonstrating the profound civic impact that creativity can have on community cohesion, public health, economic vitality, and collective imagination. The new leader of Mural Arts will steward this legacy while guiding the organization into its next era.
In close collaboration with the Board of Directors of Mural Arts Advocates (the non-profit arm of Mural Ars Philadelphia), the City of Philadelphia, artists, community leaders, and a multidisciplinary team, this leader will promote a compelling vision for public art, determine strategic direction, enhance the organization’s infrastructure, and guarantee excellence in program implementation. With a primary focus on strengthening and modernizing a unique city–nonprofit hybrid organization during a pivotal time, this leader will be a confident and effective fundraiser, skilled at navigating Philadelphia’s civic and philanthropic landscapes, diversifying revenue streams, and managing major relationships. They will also provide disciplined financial, operational, and personnel leadership that develops sustainable systems and supports staff growth, artistic excellence, and long-term resilience.
The successful candidate will act as a visible and trusted civic leader—bringing creativity, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to maintain Mural Arts’ high profile both locally and nationally.
The Mural Arts Advocates Board of Directors has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, for this recruitment effort. All applications, inquiries, and nominations should be directed in confidence to the search team.
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website (https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/mural-arts-philadelphia/executive-director) to the attention of Tiffany Weber, Sarah James, Quizayra Gonzalz, and Siobhan Hanley.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to apply. If you meet some of the requirements but not all, we encourage you to submit your application to be considered.
