Executive Director

Seeking Executive Director for Center for the Arts.

We are currently recruiting an Executive Director to lead the Wallkill River Center for the Arts, located in Orange County, in the Hudson Valley of New York.  The Center has been a leading voice for the arts and premier arts center for more than 15 years. It maintains a robust offering of courses, workshops, exhibits, musical performances, and receptions. Our facilities include three galleries for exhibits, classes, demonstrations and workshops in a variety of art media.

Essential Responsibilities:

Innovative Program Development:    Articulate a compelling vision for program development and manage strategy for long-term engagement with the community;  develop and implement programming, including workshops, classes, exhibitions, musical performances, artist engagement opportunities, mentorships and community events; design promotional materials; create and manage marketing plan, social media, newsletters and local media.

Fundraising and Grant Writing:   Identify and manage grants and funding opportunities to ensure alignment with the art center’s mission; explore various funding sources, including government grants, foundation support, corporate sponsorships and individual donations;  organize and manage a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the strategic plan; determine and cultivate key donor segments and develop compelling campaigns, incorporating artistic themes to resonate emotionally with potential donors and encourage contributions.

Leadership and Oversight: Clearly define and communicate the art center’s vision and mission to inspire staff, members, artists and the community stakeholders to align their efforts with these goals; encourage a culture of innovation by supporting new ideas and initiatives where experimentation is welcomed, and creativity thrives; lead the development of strategic plans that outline goals, priorities, and actionable steps for the art center; develop and nurture collaborative relationships with other cultural organizations and stakeholders, building a network of support; oversee the daily operations and maintenance of facilities and properties.

Budget and Financial Management:     Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and oversee the annual budget; regularly provide accurate budget and financial reports; make informed decisions on resource allocation based on budget priorities and organizational needs; manage all financial practices in compliance with legal and regulatory standards; develop metrics and collect data to assess the impact of funded programs.

Qualifications:     Bachelor’s degree; strong leadership experience in a nonprofit organization or similar with preference for arts or humanities; proven experience in operations, financial management, and strategic planning; experience securing funding from diverse sources, including grants, donations and corporate partnerships; excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

To submit an application: Candidates should send a resume, letter of intention, writing/work sample, and three profesional references to [email protected]. All inquiries are strictly confidential. Salary commensurate with experience.