Chief Executive Officer

About LAND studio

LAND studio transforms Cleveland’s public spaces through art, design, and collaboration—bringing together community voices, creative vision, and civic partners to turn ideas into vibrant, inclusive places that connect and inspire.

LAND studio (“LAND”) is a nonprofit organization that believes in the power of art and public space to transform and unite. For more than 30 years, LAND has helped shape how Cleveland experiences its public realm—turning ideas into murals, parks, plazas, and streetscapes that reflect the character and creativity of the city’s neighborhoods. LAND isn’t a construction firm or art installer; it’s the connector, convener, organizer, and problem-solver that brings partners together to make visionary public projects possible.

LAND’s work is defined by collaboration. Its team of planners, designers, fundraisers, project managers, and creative professionals provides the expertise and leadership to help good ideas take root. Working alongside community organizations, resident groups, artists, and civic partners, LAND ensures that every project reflects local voices and contributes to a more vibrant, inclusive Cleveland. Through this approach, LAND has earned a national reputation for creating public spaces that bring people together—demonstrating how art, design, and engagement can strengthen community life across the region.

What LAND studio offers. LAND’s services and offerings are diverse and span strategy, coordination, and implementation-with collaboration and engagement built into every step. Whether they are leading a project or supporting an existing team, LAND adapts its role to fit the needs of the work.

PLACEMAKING STRATEGY: LAND helps shape public spaces-parks, plazas, green infrastructure and streetscapes-that reflect community identity and serve everyday needs. Their role includes visioning, early planning and working closely with design and civic partners.

PUBLIC ART CONSULTING: Well-designed public spaces and art create a sense of place and revitalize neighborhoods by complementing existing assets, contributing to the community aesthetic and inspiring stakeholders to invest in our city. LAND guides the integration of public art into civic spaces-managing artist selection, creative direction and coordination between stakeholders to ensure that artworks are grounded in place and process.

PROJECT SERVICES LAND support projects from concept through completion with services including:

• Project Management,
• Fundraising Strategy,
• Creative Services,
• Community Engagement.

CURRENT AND PAST PROJECTS

We believe in the power of art and public space to transform and unite.

LAND studio’s projects bring that belief to life—transforming neighborhoods, reconnecting communities, and reimagining how Cleveland experiences its shared spaces. The following highlights illustrate the organization’s creative leadership and lasting impact across the city’s civic and cultural landscape. 

ST. CLAIR SUPERIOR REVITALIZATION 

Celebrating culture. Connecting community. Transforming place.

The St. Clair–Superior neighborhood is experiencing a dynamic renewal through arts and greenspace initiatives led by LAND studio in partnership with the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation, the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, and local residents. Centered on a $29 million reinvestment in Gordon Park South, the project is restoring a vital lakefront space while strengthening the connection between the neighborhood and Lake Erie. Working with SmithGroup, Cleveland Metroparks, and engagement partners, LAND guided a resident-driven design that balances nature, play, and community gathering.

Across St. Clair Avenue, creative placemaking projects celebrate neighborhood identity and diversity. Community banners—featuring portraits by photographer McKinley Wiley and the message “One Community, Many Cultures” in 16 languages—honor the area’s global roots. A 1,400-foot mural by artist Louise Chen Jones, inspired by Lake Erie’s birds and native flora, wraps Gordon Park South in vibrant color, turning it into both an environmental and cultural landmark.

IRISHTOWN BEND PARK

Building a waterfront destination. Building community. Building a legacy.

The transformation of Irishtown Bend represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity in Cleveland to convert a steep, under-utilized 25-acre riverbank into a vibrant public waterfront park that links the downtown core and neighborhoods to the Cuyahoga River, Lake Erie and regional trail systems. Anchored by hillside stabilization work led by the Port of Cleveland, this project will feature dramatic views, restored green space, riverfront access, trail connectivity and strong community-driven design. The park is designed to honour the area’s layered past–from the Irish immigrant neighborhood that once stood here, to industrial uses, to its current renewal–while elevating equity, resident voice and neighborhood wellness.

In collaboration with the Cleveland Metroparks, the Port of Cleveland, public and philanthropic funders, and local residents, LAND studio is working on the design and implementation of the park and has led fundraising to date. The park’s next phase is supported by a recent $10.8 million federal grant and anticipates a full opening by roughly 2027, when visitors will find an event lawn, café and welcome centre, social-justice garden, playgrounds, wetlands and a seamless link to the 101-mile Towpath and Lake Link Trail network.

METROHEALTH HOSPITAL (2024)

Healing through art. Connecting through community. Inspiring through care.

For more than six years, LAND studio has partnered with MetroHealth to curate and manage the hospital’s Visual Arts Program, a cornerstone of the health system’s nearly $1 billion campus transformation. As art curator for the new Glick Center, an 11-story, state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2022, LAND led the selection and installation of more than 1,000 works of art reflecting the themes of hope, healing, and community. Developed alongside MetroHealth’s award-winning architects and designers, the art program embodies the system’s mission to create a “hospital in a park” — a restorative environment that promotes well-being for patients, caregivers, and visitors alike.

More than 70 percent of the Glick Center’s collection features artists with ties to Northeast Ohio, embedding local stories and creative voices throughout the space. This intentional integration of art, nature, and architecture transforms the hospital into a welcoming civic landmark and reflects MetroHealth’s broader commitment through its Center for Arts in Health to embed creativity and connection across its network. The result is a healing environment that elevates both the experience of care and the identity of the community it serves — a living gallery that celebrates Cleveland’s resilience, artistry, and heart.

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND PUBLIC SQUARE (2016)

Restoring a landmark. Reenergizing a city. Reinvigorating civic life.

Cleveland’s Public Square, named one of the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America in 2018, is a national model for urban transformation and placemaking. Reimagined in 2016 by James Corner Field Operations in partnership with LAND studio, the $50 million redesign turned a car-dominated intersection into a vibrant, pedestrian-first public park that reconnects downtown and its neighborhoods. Supported by public, private, and philanthropic partners, the project restored the Square’s historic role as Cleveland’s civic heart, uniting four former quadrants into a single, flexible landscape designed for both everyday use and large community gatherings.

Since reopening, Public Square has sparked more than $1.2 billion in nearby investment and become a symbol of Cleveland’s resurgence. Featuring a concert hill, green lawn, café, speaker’s terrace, mirrored fountain, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the park serves as an active year-round destination for residents and visitors alike. Through LANDFORM, LAND studio’s downtown public art initiative, the Square continues to evolve as a living canvas for local and international artists—reflecting Cleveland’s creativity, connection, and civic pride.

LAND seeks to better reflect Cleveland’s neighborhoods in its work by:

• Fostering authentic community engagement and trust by inviting meaningful participation in the development and stewardship of public spaces
• Creating and maintaining opportunities for artists and designer
• Building a diverse staff, board, and network of collaborators
• Establishing an organizational culture of inclusion through nurturing an environment where everyone is valued.

In 2026, LAND has forecast revenues of $11+M, including project revenues, a $3M+ operating budget,16 full-time employees and a 25-member Board of Directors.  

For more information on LAND studio and current and upcoming projects and programs, please visit its website: www.land-studio.org.

The Opportunity 

A defining opportunity to lead one of Cleveland’s most creative and impactful organizations.

This is an opportunity to lead one of Cleveland’s most dynamic and respected cultural organizations at a pivotal moment in its evolution. For more than 30 years, LAND studio has transformed how the city experiences art and public space — bringing creativity, collaboration and civic vision to neighborhoods and landmark destinations alike. Supported by a deeply engaged Board of Directors, a highly skilled professional team and a broad network of civic and philanthropic partners, LAND studio stands ready for its next chapter of impact and growth.

The Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) will inherit an organization with strong financial management, a nationally recognized portfolio of projects and a trusted reputation for making complex collaborations work. As the current strategic framework concludes, the incoming leader will have the opportunity to shape LAND’s future direction by developing a new strategic plan that advances its mission, deepens community engagement and expands the organization’s influence regionally and beyond. Working in close partnership with the Board and staff, the CEO will set the pace for a diverse and innovative body of work, ensure excellence across programs and partnerships and serve as the organization’s public voice and ambassador for the power of art and design to strengthen communities.

Internally, the CEO will guide a talented and multidisciplinary team that includes directors leading major civic and cultural developments, project managers driving neighborhood-based initiatives and professionals overseeing operations, finance and communications. They will cultivate a culture of collaboration, creativity and accountability — mentoring staff, encouraging professional growth and ensuring that every project reflects LAND’s values of equity, inclusion and design excellence.

Externally, the CEO will play a central role in advancing Cleveland’s creative future. Acting as a visible leader and connector across the civic, cultural and philanthropic sectors, they will strengthen relationships with funders, partners, artists and community stakeholders while amplifying LAND’s national presence. This is more than a leadership position — it is an opportunity to shape the next era of creativity and connection in Cleveland, guiding an organization whose work continues to prove that art and public space have the power to transform and unite. 

Key metrics for success in this role include:

• Leading the successful development and implementation of a new strategic plan while empowering staff to take ownership in their respective areas of expertise.
• Intentionally reframing the narrative of how LAND studio works and how it brings value to communities it serves. Ensuring clear, consistent articulation of LAND's value proposition across existing and new constituent groups.
• Proactively centering community engagement in LAND's work. Growing a broader and more inclusive LAND movement.
• Improving operational structure, discipline and accountability. Building capacity in areas that need additional support and/or autonomy.
• Increasing LAND’s visibility in the fields of placemaking, public art, community development and design.
• Building capacity and providing resources for coordinating programs, local leaders and other partners.
• Increasing and diversifying sustainable funding through earned and contributed income in order to extend organizational impact.
• Partnering effectively with the Board of Directors and staff to deepen engagement with stakeholders through programming, advocacy, thought leadership and networking opportunities.

Key responsibilities of the CEO include the following: 

Strategy & Vision

• Lead the development of long and short-range strategies in collaboration with Board, staff and community partners.
• Partner with the Board and staff to drive vision and build consensus around organizational priorities.
• Proactively identify, embrace and integrate disruptive trends that advance LAND's vision and mission and create new opportunities for impact.
• Work with the communications team to ensure strong, clear, consistent and coherent branding, messaging and communications; leverage new technologies and social networks to elevate and enhance LAND's brand and visibility.
• Identify areas of future business opportunity in partnership with Project Directors and Board of Directors,
• Nurture relationships with existing clients and cultivate new connections and relationships with individuals and organizations that represent future opportunities.
• Work with Project Directors to develop strategy for securing (pitching) new business and on-boarding new clients/partners.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of LAND’s ecosystem, including its network of partner organizations, funders, government agencies, elected officials, clients, communities and other individuals/organizations of influence.
• Identify, establish and maintain strategic partnerships that advance the mission and ensure financial sustainability.

Ambassadorship & Fundraising 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for LAND, communicating its vision, mission and impact with passion and authenticity to internal and external constituents;
• Position LAND as a leader in the placemaking field by growing its reputation locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Represent LAND on boards, commission  and committees to build recognition, awareness, and knowledge of issues/opportunities across the community, positioning LAND to be in “the right place at the right time”; Be present and visible at community programs and events of importance to civic community/decision- makers.
• Steward relationships with partners and peer organizations while continuing to collaborate closely with existing constituencies to expand the reach and impact of the organization.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with local and regional elected officials.
• Guide LAND’s advocacy and lobbying activities for specific projects, with support from external consultant(s).
• Work with development staff and board leadership to develop annual plans and strategies to achieve fundraising goals, for both individual projects and overall organizational needs.
• Cultivate new sources of revenue by developing a new business model and expanding LAND’s network; grow the existing funding and client base; Diversify revenue streams to ensure continued sustainability; ensure successful fundraising from individuals, foundations, corporations and government; Ensure continued development and understanding of public sector funding sources and their related policies.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead a cohesive and effective leadership team and staff while providing opportunities for professional development; foster an environment of curiosity, continuous improvement, learning, efficiency, accountability and effectiveness.
• Ensure professional development, cross-training and succession planning for key roles.
• Foster a collaborative, welcoming, and motivational workplace environment; Encourage and promote entrepreneurial thinking among staff, facilitating ownership and participation in setting and achieving LAND's goals.
• Ensure that LAND has the systems, procedures, and training needed to keep pace with growing volume of projects and clients and to drive efficient and effective use of LAND’s human and financial resources.
• Provide clear, decisive, forward-thinking leadership around all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; Promote use of data to better tailor project, program, outreach and engagement.
• Lead Board recruitment, on-boarding, and culture-building among board and staff members.
• Provide leadership in developing program, organization and financial plans with the Board of Directors and senior staff.

Budget & Financial Management

• Demonstrate outstanding financial management of the organization's annual budget; work with the Board and staff to ensure that business practices and plans meet all financial goals and achieve optimal levels of operational and programmatic performance.
• Develop, implement, oversee and evaluate projects/programs to fulfill the mission and strategy and ensure continuous program monitoring for accountability and efficiency. Ensure metrics are properly established and evolved to evaluate success, sustainability and profitability.
• Assess the organization's need for additional organizational capacity and recognize that delegation and teamwork are key to the success of the organization.
• Proactively and transparently provide financial reports, conduct regular audits and engage the Board and Finance Committee in the budgeting process; Exercise and implement excellence in governance and ethics in all aspects of the business.
• Ensure that LAND studio’s financial policies, procedures, and activities comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines (including those of local, state, and national policy, and specific funder or project-related grant activities).

Reporting Relationships: 

The CEO reports to the Chair of LAND studio’s 25-member Board of Directors and works closely with the 6-member Executive Committee of the Board. The CEO supervises 6 senior staff members: the Director of Parks and Community, the Director of Arts and Special Projects, the Director of Design and Strategy, the Director of Finance and Human Resources, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Development Manager and works closely with other staff members.

Candidate Profile 

We recognize that there is a spectrum of lived and professional experience that will set candidates up for success in this role. While no one candidate will have every experience outlined in the position description, ideal candidates will display the following professional and personal qualities, skills and characteristics:

Strategic and Visionary Leadership

The CEO is a strategic and visionary leader with a track record of successfully shaping and refining an overarching vision and building effective strategies to achieve outcomes. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated knowledge of the strategies needed to advance the work of a mission-driven organization from funding to mission delivery. The CEO will naturally inspire the staff, Board and members to see where the industry could and should be going and push the organization forward in a collaborative manner. While the CEO may not be an artist themself, they must understand how creative practice transforms people and spaces. The ability to identify and engage the next generation of donors, clients, funders and partners is critical to advancing LAND's mission. The ideal candidate has the curiosity and drive to ensure LAND stays ahead of trends impacting the sector and continues to develop new and unique opportunities to serve the mission.

Passionate Ambassador & Fundraiser

The CEO is a compelling storyteller who can translate the organization’s mission into inspiring narratives that engage diverse audiences. They see community engagement as more than outreach—it’s a philosophy that guides every project—and they can articulate what meaningful engagement looks like and how it leads to stronger outcomes. This executive is a confident spokesperson who inherently enjoys the external side of the role, working to inspire enthusiastic engagement and broader, deeper interest in the organization. The CEO is experienced at representing their organizations in regional and national business, government and civic arenas and is effective at conveying a mission and vision to a broad range of constituents. The CEO believes deeply in building and nurturing a robust network of relationships to foster collaboration and advance the mission. The ideal candidate brings proven experience identifying, conceptualizing and executing strategies to build and diversify funding streams. The CEO must enjoy fundraising and business development and bring a track record of success in this area that includes the acquisition of major gifts and grants from foundations, corporations, individuals and the public sector at the local, state, regional and/or national level.

Nonprofit Management & Business Acumen 

The ideal candidate is experienced in change management with strong operational and financial management experience. The CEO has a track record of sound financial planning, oversight and accountability, with the ability to clearly communicate financial status to the Board. The ideal candidate possesses the ability to properly balance collaboration and decisiveness, understanding where input is needed and then driving effectively and efficiently toward execution. Candidates must bring experience leveraging data and tracking systems to assess capacity, determine business strengths and weaknesses, make informed project decisions and position the organization to take on larger, more transformative work. An engaging and supportive leader with the capacity to promote and embed accountability across the organization, this leader will have a track record of motivating and inspiring others to achieve impact through creativity, teamwork and by leveraging individual strengths to meet organizational goals. The ideal candidate understands and implements best nonprofit management practices and planning, including compelling internal and external communication, effective marketing strategies, management succession and, most importantly, ensuring that overall day-to-day operations are aligned with strategic goals. The CEO understands the importance of a robust partnership with the Board and will possess the knowledge and ability to ensure that the Board is achieving its primary responsibilities of best practice governance and fundraising.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility 

The CEO will play a critical role in prioritizing equity as a driver across the placemaking, public art, design and community development movement. This leadership spans LAND’s efforts to build a diverse and inclusive workforce, to strategies that create a pipeline for equitable leadership within the field, to investing in programming and strategies that promote diversity and inclusion in the communities where LAND works. The ideal candidate will bring expertise, an innovative and open mindset and a commitment to inclusive practice in their approach.

Passion for the Mission

The CEO believes deeply in the power of public art, design, placemaking and cultural expression to strengthen social connections and foster healthy communities. The ideal candidate possesses high artistic and creative standards with a demonstrated ability to nurture and manage a creative culture, attract artists and staff and work collaboratively to develop ideas with the highest standards of artistic excellence and creative opportunity. The CEO brings a sincere belief that everyone should have access to welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike. It is imperative that the CEO models a leadership style that stays true to the values of the organization and engenders trust. Moreover, the ideal candidate is an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics and values; someone who can be trusted without reservation.

Compensation & Benefits

The compensation range for this role is $175,000 - $225,000 and includes a competitive benefits package.

About Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio

Cleveland is a mid-market city that offers the perfect balance of big-city opportunity and small-city character — a place where creativity, community, and affordability come together to make an extraordinary quality of life possible. The Greater Cleveland region reflects a 5-county MSA of over 2 million people and includes the City of Cleveland which has nearly 400,000 residents in the city limits. The area is comprised of residents from more than 150 ethnicities and has maintained a solid economy with a mix of business services, healthcare, and manufacturing businesses. Arts and culture include community festivals, restaurants, a world-renowned orchestra and art museum, and the second largest theatre district in the country. Located on the shores of a Great Lake, Lake Erie, the area is also known as the Northcoast and is home to award winning parks, a National Park and a myriad of recreational opportunities. Educational organizations include outstanding public and private school systems, community colleges and a number of public and private institutions of higher learning. Professional and collegiate athletics include major league football, baseball, basketball, minor league hockey and collegiate Division I, II and III sports programs

Contact 

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Anne McCarthy and Sarah Avendaño. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected] All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.