Job Description

About the Cultural Space Agency

The CSA is a mission-driven Public Development Authority rooted in the Seattle community. We support, create, and sustain cultural spaces that reflect the creativity, history, and future of our communities—particularly those most impacted by displacement and structural inequity.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the visionary, relational, and operational leader of the CSA. They are responsible for carrying the bold mission of the agency forward while anchoring themselves in the ecosystem of partners, creatives, and residents. The ED must balance strategic leadership with deep community connection and operational stewardship. This role calls for a leader with lived or deeply empathetic experience, committed to healing-centered leadership, equity, and legacy building.

Core Responsibilities

1. Visionary & Strategic Leadership

• Advance the CSA's mission through long-term strategic planning rooted in community empowerment and ownership.
  
• Build and articulate a replicable model that sustains CSA’s work across generations and geographies.
  
• Ensure the organization is values-aligned in all areas, including finance, governance, and real estate development.
  

2. Community Stewardship & Relational Leadership

• Lead with authenticity, patience, and a deep connection to community—especially those historically excluded.
  
• Embody an inclusive leadership style, recognizing nontraditional wisdom and centering lived experience.
  
• Be present, visible, and willing to engage in hard conversations while remaining accountable to the people CSA serves.
  

3. Operational & Organizational Management

• Oversee a growing team, real estate portfolio, and suite of programs while building infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
  
• Delegate or manage property operations, HR functions, technology systems, and day-to-day financial workflows.
  
• Prioritize organizational health by recruiting and retaining staff and consultants aligned with CSA values.
  

4. Governance & Accountability

• Support and collaborate with the Governing Council and CSA Constituency to ensure transparency and responsiveness.
  
• Provide strategic updates, onboarding support, and accessible tools that help the Council guide the organization effectively.
  

5. Financial & Real Estate Oversight

• Ensure financial resilience through effective budgeting, fundraising, and real estate development.
  
• Manage or delegate grant compliance, tenant relations, and property acquisitions while sustaining alignment with CSA’s equity-driven real estate vision.
  
• Collaborate closely with finance and real estate leads to execute impactful and financially sound projects.
  

6. Public & Political Engagement

• Represent CSA publicly and politically with nuance and courage.
  
• Build relationships with community partners, city departments, funders, and other stakeholders to sustain and expand CSA’s reach.

Ideal Qualities & Qualifications

You might be the right person if you:

• Have demonstrated commitment to racial and social equity, particularly in housing, cultural, or community development spaces.
• Are patient, grounded, and ready to sacrifice personal ego for collective growth.
• Can both dream big and tend to details—holding vision and execution simultaneously.
• Have experience leading complex projects, teams, or institutions (especially public or nonprofit organizations).
• Are comfortable navigating public agency structures and working with government entities.
• Know how to manage budgets, real estate portfolios, and community expectations with care and clarity.
• Have deep ties to or understanding of Seattle’s unique cultural and political dynamics.
• Want to leave a legacy—not just manage a job.

• Medical, dental and vision benefits will be available for employees.
• Unlimited paid time off
• Holiday time off

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