The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and oversight for Kirkland Arts Center. Board members help ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability, support its mission, and serve as ambassadors for KAC in the community.
The board focuses on the “big picture”—strategy, financial stewardship, fundraising, advocacy, and organizational health—while the Executive Director and staff manage day-to-day operations.
Board service is an opportunity to:
Many board members join because they care about the arts. They stay because of the people.
No.
Many successful board members come from backgrounds in business, education, finance, law, marketing, technology, philanthropy, and community service.
What matters most is a commitment to the mission and a willingness to contribute your skills and experience.
No.
Previous board service can be helpful, but it is not required.
We welcome first-time board members who are eager to learn and contribute. Orientation, mentorship, and onboarding are provided to help new members succeed.
Absolutely.
Kirkland Arts Center values a diversity of experiences, perspectives, and career stages. Emerging leaders often bring fresh ideas, new networks, and valuable professional expertise.
Yes.
Most of our board members balance board service alongside careers, families, and other commitments.
Board service requires commitment and engagement, but it is designed to be manageable for busy professionals.
No.
While many board members live or work in Kirkland, we welcome candidates from across the Eastside and greater Seattle region who believe in KAC’s mission and want to contribute to our community impact.
Board members should expect to devote approximately 5–10 hours per month.
This typically includes:
Actual time commitments vary throughout the year.
Committee opportunities include:
Committee assignments are based on board needs and member interests and availability.
The Board of Directors operates under a “Give or Get” model specifically tied to the organization’s annual fundraiser. To ensure the success of this event, each board member is expected to fulfill one of the following options annually:
Note: Individual ticket prices are approximately $200 each.
Beyond that board members are expected to make Kirkland Arts Center one of their charitable giving priorities.
There is no required minimum contribution amount. We ask board members to make a personally meaningful annual gift and to actively support the organization’s fundraising efforts.
We believe every board member should be able to say they are both a leader and a supporter of the organization.
Yes, but fundraising takes many forms.
Board members are not expected to solicit donations in ways that make them uncomfortable.
Examples of fundraising support include:
Fundraising is ultimately about building relationships and creating opportunities for others to support the arts.
We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Skills that are particularly valuable at this time include:
KAC’s is in the process of developing a 3-year strategic plan focused around on these five key pillars:
KAC maintains a stable and disciplined financial position, characterized by resilient revenue streams and a commitment to long-term fiscal sustainability. Currently generating approximately $1.2 million in annual revenue through a diversified funding model. Income is balanced across educational programming, individual donations, philanthropic grants, special events, and corporate sponsorships, effectively mitigating risk and reducing reliance on any single revenue source. KAC focuses spending to support educational programming, gallery exhibitions, and community programming.Â
Following a successful emergence from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, KAC has demonstrated consistent fiscal health over the past few fiscal years. The organization has successfully met its operational expenses while achieving steady, incremental growth in both earned income and contributed revenue.Â
To ensure structural resilience, KAC has established a reserve fund supported by ongoing contributions. Future strategic planning includes the establishment of an endowment to secure the organization’s long-term financial legacy.Â
The organization’s foundational stability is further anchored by significant fixed assets, which include the outright ownership of the historic Peter Kirk Building and the underlying real estate.Â
Successful first-year board members:
You are not expected to be an expert on day one. We value curiosity, engagement, and a willingness to learn.
Successful board members are:
The application process generally includes:
Our goal is to ensure that prospective board members have a clear understanding of the role and that there is a strong mutual fit.
We would be happy to talk with you. Please contact: