Creative Lead, Artist Experiences

Job Description: • Find and curate exceptional artists by reviewing applications, researching artists and building priority shortlists • Lead video conversations to assess artistic mastery, communication, teaching ability, studio environment, hospitality, reliability and VAWAA fit • Build trust with prospective artists, understand motivations and objections, establish next steps and move artists toward joining • Shape compelling multi-day VAWAA experiences with artists • Balance artistic integrity, guest desire and business viability • Review submissions, identify gaps, research context, write and edit artist profiles and experience descriptions • Select images that communicate the artist, process and place • Manage contracts, content, approvals, follow-ups and launch deadlines • Improve screening, research, prioritization, follow-up, onboarding and artist-launch systems • Use AI and automation thoughtfully while preserving human judgment and personal relationships • Launch approximately 20–30 exceptional artists during the 3–4 month pilot • Build a repeatable process supporting 8–10+ high-quality launches per month with less Founder involvement • Identify bottlenecks and recommend the next hire or system needed to scale Requirements: • Trained in architecture, interior architecture, industrial or product design, or another discipline demonstrating understanding of materials, making, creative process and visual quality • Approximately 6+ years of relevant professional experience preferred/expected • At least 2–3 years of professional experience in a high-pace, high-standards creative environment such as a design or advertising agency, multidisciplinary studio, technology company or creative startup • Experience in a computer-based role requiring responsiveness, self-direction and reliable delivery • Relationship management experience through outreach, partnerships, onboarding, account management or client support • Ability to manage multiple relationships simultaneously • Commercial understanding of guest demand, pricing, positioning and compelling experiences • Strong writing, editing and visual judgment • Experience maintaining a CRM and setting project timelines • Experience using AI and automation to coordinate projects, build workflows, manage information or increase team capacity • Careful execution, effective prioritization and attention to detail • Independent judgment and an ownership mindset • Openness to feedback • Cultural sensitivity, curiosity and mission alignment • Comfortable with hands-on creative and operational work • Sufficient capacity during the 3–4 month pilot to own the scope and deliver agreed outcomes • Must work New York working hours and live in US/Canada time zones Benefits: • $7-$8K/month paid consulting engagement during the 3–4 month pilot • 0.25%–0.5% equity or profit sharing options • Health insurance • Free and discounted VAWAA experiences • Growth path toward Head of Curation / Artist Development & Supply / Artist Success • Flexible structure for the consulting engagement with reasonable team and artist schedule overlap