Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Responsibilities and Duties

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors or to the Executive Committee when either is in session; otherwise the Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.

Program Development and Administration

1. Work with Board of Directors and staff in developing a long-range strategy that achieves the organization’s mission
2. From that strategy, develop with staff an annual work plan to meet mission and goals
3. Provide leadership in program development, organizational and financial plans with Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board
4. Promote broad and active participation by volunteers in the Council’s work, where appropriate
5. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

Communications

1. Maintain regular communication with Board of Directors on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it
2. Ensure that activities, programs, mission and goals of the organization are publicized using traditional and social media
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with artists, arts and cultural organizations, community organizations, and others
4. Represent the activities, programs, mission and goals of the organization to agencies, organizations and the general public

Personnel Management

1. Be responsible for recruitment, employment and release of all personnel (paid staff and volunteers)
2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed and revised as necessary, that regular performance reviews are conducted and that sound human resources are in place
3. Ensure that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place
4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization
5. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps and motivates a diverse staff of high-quality people

Budget and Finance

1. Develop and maintain sound financial practices
2. Work with staff, Finance Committee and Board in preparing the annual budget; ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines
3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work
4. Jointly, with the President and Secretary of the Board of Directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents
5. Take the lead on fundraising efforts on behalf of the organization.

Advocacy

1. Serve as the organization’s primary contact for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and other government-based arts organizations
2. Develop and lead local advocacy efforts with local, State and national elected officials
3. Serve as the organization’s representative to State and national arts advocacy organizations

Experience/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in relevant field (arts, arts management) preferred
• At least 5 years progressive non-profit organization management experience, preferably in the arts or a related area
• Experience in budget development and management
• Proven record as a successful fundraiser
• Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to positively motivate and develop staff and volunteers, and assist in Board development, and build consensus
• Visionary and innovative thinker
• Ability to work collaboratively with all sectors of the community, Board of Directors, and staff
• Knowledge of and engagement with the Southern Finger Lakes arts community a plus

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.