Jarrad Bittner

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Idea Museum

   Aug 2021 — Present · Mesa, AZ, US

   Lead the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the idea Museum, a dynamic family-oriented creativity hub. Simultaneously, I hold a senior leadership role within the City of Mesa Arts and Culture Department, supporting a team of 180 employees across three institutions.• Provide leadership support and fund development strategies for the idea Museum Foundation Board, securing the largest donations in the museum’s history through targeted cultivation and campaign planning.• Spearheaded a institution-wide staffing restructure to optimize operations, strengthen internal culture, and significantly improve retention.• Led development of a new strategic plan, mission, vision, values, and policy framework for the idea Museum.• Directing a multi-phase museum transformation initiative—encompassing exhibit and facility design, rebranding, business modeling, fundraising, and public engagement. Phase one of renovation completed March 2025; phase two ($20M+ funded) underway.• Expanded strategic partnerships and elevated the quality and inclusivity of visitor experiences to better serve families—especially those from low-income households, with disabilities, or neurodivergent learners. These efforts have nearly doubled attendance and tripled membership enrollment.• Serve as the museum’s lead spokesperson and ambassador, presenting to City Council, engaging media, and representing the institution at key community events.

Education

• Fox Valley Technical College

  Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

  2016 — 2017

• Lawrence University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Music

  2006 — 2010

• Urbandale High School

  High School

  2002 — 2006

• Arizona State University

  Music, Business, Arts Administration

  2013 — 2014