Director of Administration and Strategy

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Administration and Strategy serves as a senior leader and strategic partner to the CEO, advancing organizational priorities through enterprise-wide coordination, disciplined execution, and cross-functional alignment. This role strengthens organizational systems, translates vision into actionable plans, and ensures high-priority initiatives move forward with clarity and accountability across Art Bridges and the broader ecosystem. Operating at a strategic level, the Director works across departments rather than leading a single functional area, guiding complex initiatives and leading organizational change to reinforce alignment among leadership, operations, and shared services partner Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE). The role provides strategic oversight and integration, supporting executive decision-making and long-term planning. Success in this role requires strong strategic judgment, organizational discipline, and executive presence. The Director must influence without direct authority, navigate a complex, multi-entity environment, and ensure continuity and momentum on critical initiatives in alignment with the organization’s mission.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, public administration, or a related field required.
8–10+ years of experience in senior leadership, strategy, operations, consulting, or nonprofit management required.
5–8+ years of progressive leadership experience overseeing strategic initiatives, organizational systems, cross-functional projects, or enterprise-wide operations within mission-driven or nonprofit organizations.
Proven success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and enterprise projects, including alignment of strategic priorities, operational execution, and measurable performance outcomes.
Strong strategic and analytical capability, with the ability to synthesize complex information, develop decision frameworks, and translate insights into actionable planning and organizational strategy while balancing long-term vision with attention to detail.
Experience supporting executive leadership and governance processes, including preparation of materials and presentations for senior leadership teams and Boards of Directors.
Ability to cultivate, influence, and sustain collaborative relationships with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, shared services partners, and external stakeholders.
Financial acumen and experience collaborating on annual budgeting, financial reporting, and long-range planning processes.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex strategy and organizational priorities clearly to executive leadership, Boards, and staff.
High level of professional integrity and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and sound judgment.
Strong emotional intelligence and executive presence, with a trusted-advisor mindset and the ability to lead through influence rather than direct authority.
Experience leading organizational change initiatives, fostering cultural alignment, and stewarding cross-functional collaboration.
Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana), organizational systems, enterprise platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual meeting platforms.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary leadership team.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and innovative environment where change is constant.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or related discipline) preferred.
Experience within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, including the arts, cultural organizations, philanthropy, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
Experience with nonprofit governance, regulatory compliance considerations, and shared services operating models preferred.

Responsibilities

Refine organizational priorities and translate strategy into actionable plans in collaboration with the CEO and leadership.
Monitor the strategic plan and report progress on strategic objectives and key results.
Lead high-impact, cross-functional initiatives, including new programs, organizational design, partnerships, and enterprise projects.
Prepare briefing materials, analyses, and decision frameworks for leadership and the Board.
Support the CEO with all Board of Directors planning, materials, and governance matters, including those of high confidentiality.
Shape and prioritize information flowing to the CEO to support timely, high-quality decision making.
When designated, represent the CEO internally or externally on strategic initiatives.
Serve as a connective leader across departments, strengthening collaboration and shared accountability.
Identify organizational bottlenecks, structural challenges, or misalignment and develop solutions.
Support leadership in documenting, improving, and scaling internal systems and workflows.
Ensure key processes are recorded and maintained in organizational knowledge systems (e.g., Trainual or similar platforms).
Serve as a senior liaison with shared services partner Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE), including People Services, Finance, Facilities, IT, and Legal, on strategic and organizational initiatives to ensure connectivity, understanding, and inclusion into workflows.
Collaborate with Finance and organizational leadership on annual budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term planning.
Partner with People Services to support recruitment, onboarding, and leadership development aligned with the organization’s mission and culture.
Support strong internal communications and cross-departmental collaboration.
Lead planning and facilitation of leadership meetings, all-staff meetings, and strategic retreats.
Foster a collaborative, creative, and people-centered culture.
Serve as a trusted resource to leadership and staff on organizational matters.
Lead and support organizational change initiatives, ensuring clarity, communication, and adoption.
Manage select strategic projects requiring executive oversight, cross-departmental coordination, and/or confidentiality.
Support ecosystem-wide training and leadership development initiatives.
Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary, high-performing team fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration, and growth.
Promote continuous improvement, professional development, and collaboration within your team to drive results and support organization priorities.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of new team members to ensure alignment with organization standards and practices.
Monitor and manage team performance, addressing attendance, conduct, or productivity issues promptly and professionally.
Encourage employee engagement and morale through recognition and open communication practices.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support evolving organizational needs.