Working for Centrum
Centrum employees can’t beat a work site that is set in the middle of beaches, hiking trails, and a plethora of wildlife right outside your door.
Open Job Postings
Senior Director of Development
Full-Time Exempt Position with Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000
Overview
Centrum seeks a strategic, community-minded, and visionary Director of Development to lead and grow fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic strategies in support of our mission. Grounded in a deep commitment to community and creativity, this role is central to building a culture of philanthropy among Centrum’s staff, board, and supporters.
The Director of Development is a member of Centrum’s senior leadership team and oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual fund, foundation and government grants, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and special events. This position interacts with the Board of Directors and general public and is asked to attend board meetings, finance and development committees, and Centrum’s public ticketed events.
This position supervises a development team and works in close collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to meet an annual contributed revenue goal of over $2 million (excluding capital projects).
Core Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Develop and implement an annual and multi-year fundraising plan aligned with Centrum’s strategic goals and priorities.
- Actively manage Centrum’s donor data, establishing a robust cadence of solicitations, campaigns, and communications to maintain and grow Centrum’s base of support.
- Lead fundraising efforts for campaigns, capital projects, and strategic initiatives as appropriate.
- Develop highly competitive proposals for corporate and foundation prospects.
- Guide a comprehensive planned giving marketing program.
Team and Program Oversight
- Supervise Development and Marketing staff including a Data and Donor Relations Manager, Artist Network Coordinator, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Grants Officer.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and engaged team.
- Oversee donor data management, monthly reconciling, reporting, and analysis to deliver strategic insights and integrity of systems.
- Ensure that benefits are fulfilled at all donor levels.
- Partner with the communications team to align messaging and outreach strategies for Centrum’s stakeholders.
Institutional Advancement & Relationship Building
- Serve as a key ambassador for Centrum’s mission to current and prospective donors, partners, and the broader community.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to engage the Board of Directors in fundraising strategy and donor stewardship.
- Maintain relationships with corporate, foundation, and government representatives, creating compelling presentations and comprehensive fundraising proposals.
- Monitor proposal and final report deadlines, prepare and edit proposals and final reports, and manage proposal and final report submissions.
- Participate in community and arts advocacy, positioning Centrum as a philanthropic priority within the region and beyond.
Organizational Leadership
- Contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making as a member of the senior leadership team.
- Serve as staff lead for the Development Committee of the Board.
- Represent Centrum at public events, donor gatherings, and relevant professional forums.
Qualifications
- Ideal candidate will be able to articulate practical development experience working within a system that maximizes staff input and involvement in attaining annual goals.
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Six to ten years fundraising experience, including grant writing, corporate sponsorships and leadership experience in a Development Department, required.
- Two years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in and the ability to thrive in a deadline driven environment while handling multiple priorities.
- Fluent in MS Office, with the willingness to engage with new technologies
- Adept with Little Green Light or other online donor software.
- Must be willing and able to work weekends and evenings when needed.
Compensation & Benefits
Centrum offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid vacation and holidays, flexible scheduling, and access to Centrum programs. Final salary will be commensurate with experience.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@centrum.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Centrum is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply. Centrum does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.
Lead Cook
Salary Range: $25-$28 per hour plus tips
Non-exempt seasonal role from April – September 2025
Position Summary: Lead Cooks are responsible for leading food preparation for Centrum program participants in a banquet style service according to recipes and service timelines. A Lead Cook will focus on breakfast and lunch or dinner and work shift according to those meal times preparing assigned menu items and maintain a clean station while practicing good safety, sanitation and organization skills. A Lead Cook works as part of a team in a seasonal role for Centrum’s educational programs, demonstrating leadership and direction to the team.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Know the menu thoroughly and prepare all menu items as directed, safely and efficiently
- Pass Health Department Audits by maintaining a clean, organized workspace and supporting
- fellow staff on proper sanitation guidelines
- Maintain quality standards in production, presentation, and service
- Avoid cross contamination, improper food handling and/or storage practices
- Comply with all inventory procedures and inform supervisor as stock runs low
- Control product costs with proper production execution and waste management
- Assess need for and report equipment repairs to supervisor and/or maintenance
- Support and guidance of Prep Cooks and Kitchen Stewards as part of a cohesive team
- Report incidents promptly and accurately
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor or other management
Key Competencies:
- Attention and care for the details and ability to follow instructions
- Strongly skilled in communication, organization, time management and multi-tasking
- Willing and able to work evenings, weekends
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Passion for good food, local ingredients and quality customer service
- Demonstrates the ability to receive constructive feedback and learn from mistakes
- Reliable transportation to and from work
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent, plus 2 years’ kitchen experience
- WA State or ServSafe Food Handler’s Card
- Able to grasp, lift or carry up to 50 lbs. as needed
- Finger/hand dexterity to operate various tools and equipment
- Able to withstand changes in temperature, occasional smoke, steam/heat, and work in a
- confined area
- Hearing, visual and sensory ability to observe and detect emergency situations; and to
- distinguish product, taste, texture, temperature, presentation and preparation
About Centrum
In partnership with Fort Worden State Park, Centrum, nestled in the historic army base of Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington, stands as a unique crossroads of natural beauty and history. It’s a haven for artists, innovators, students of diverse backgrounds, and those in pursuit of unparalleled cultural growth. For close to fifty years, Centrum has attracted a vast array of creative minds, making Fort Worden a revered epicenter of transformative learning and engagement. Through it all, our mission remains: to foster life-altering creative experiences.
Centrum is committed to bolstering its endowment fund, enhancing its balance sheet, and augmenting the annual fund. Before the pandemic, the organization managed an annual budget of $4 million, with 60% originating from contributed income. Operating without any debt, Centrum maintains a three-month cash reserve alongside a $1 million endowment. The organization boasts considerable stability in its staff and board and is presently embarking on the creation of a new five-year strategic plan to steer its post-COVID growth and evolution. Guided by creative aspiration, Centrum’s future is anchored in a growing commitment to community building. This commitment underscores our enduring legacy marked by multi-generational workshops and artist residencies, reflecting our core values and unwavering dedication to lifelong learning.
To Apply
Submit your letter of interest along with your resume to hr@centrum.org
Download the complete job description HERE.
Centrum is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Centrum is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Centrum is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Centrum is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Prep Cook
Salary Range: $19.50 – $21 per hour plus tips
Non-exempt seasonal role from April – September 2025
Position Summary: Prep Cooks are responsible for preparing raw product and ready to eat food items according to recipes and service timelines; preparing assigned production items and all manual labor involved to clean and maintain their station while practicing good safety, sanitation and organization skills. The Prep Cook works as part of a team producing banquet style service meals for Centrum program participants.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
- Know the menu thoroughly and prepare all menu items as directed, safely and efficiently
- Maintain a clean, organized workspace and support fellow staff on proper sanitation guidelines
- Maintain quality standards in production, presentation, and service
- Avoid cross contamination, improper food handling and/or storage practices
- Comply with all inventory procedures and inform supervisor as stock runs low
- Control product costs with proper production execution and waste management
- Report incidents promptly and accurately
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor or other management
Key Competencies:
- Attention and care for the details and ability to follow instructions
- Strongly skilled in communication, organization, time management and multi-tasking
- Willing and able to work evenings, weekends
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Passion for good food, local ingredients and quality customer service
- Demonstrates the ability to receive constructive feedback and learn from mistakes
- Reliable transportation to and from work
Minimum Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent, plus 1 year kitchen experience
- WA State or ServSafe Food Handler’s Card
- Able to grasp, lift or carry up to 50 lbs. as needed
- Finger/hand dexterity to operate various tools and equipment
- Able to withstand changes in temperature, occasional smoke, steam/heat, and work in a confined area
- Hearing, visual and sensory ability to observe and detect emergency situations; and to distinguish product, taste, texture, temperature, presentation and preparation
About Centrum
In partnership with Fort Worden State Park, Centrum, nestled in the historic army base of Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington, stands as a unique crossroads of natural beauty and history. It’s a haven for artists, innovators, students of diverse backgrounds, and those in pursuit of unparalleled cultural growth. For close to fifty years, Centrum has attracted a vast array of creative minds, making Fort Worden a revered epicenter of transformative learning and engagement. Through it all, our mission remains: to foster life-altering creative experiences.
Centrum is committed to bolstering its endowment fund, enhancing its balance sheet, and augmenting the annual fund. Before the pandemic, the organization managed an annual budget of $4 million, with 60% originating from contributed income. Operating without any debt, Centrum maintains a three-month cash reserve alongside a $1 million endowment. The organization boasts considerable stability in its staff and board and is presently embarking on the creation of a new five-year strategic plan to steer its post-COVID growth and evolution. Guided by creative aspiration, Centrum’s future is anchored in a growing commitment to community building. This commitment underscores our enduring legacy marked by multi-generational workshops and artist residencies, reflecting our core values and unwavering dedication to lifelong learning.
To Apply
Submit your letter of interest along with your resume to hr@centrum.org
Download the complete job description HERE.
Centrum is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Centrum is an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.