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Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director (“ED”) functions as the day-to-day leader of the organization and reports to the Board of Trustees. The ED oversees all aspects of operations and is responsible for program development and oversight, fundraising and donor cultivation, strategic planning, public relations, human resources, facility oversight, and financial management.
Qualifications/Attributes
● Understanding of and belief in the value of arts education
● Demonstrated fundraising and grant-writing skills
● Proven track record in growing revenue from programs and new revenue streams
● Ability to create and maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and collegial working environment
● Detail-oriented, organized, with multi-tasking skills
● Accomplished verbal and written communication skills
● Ability to manage a flexible schedule to accommodate attendance at exhibition receptions, meetings, fundraisers, and community events
● Financial acumen and budgeting experience
● Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, CRMs, and social media platforms

Job Position Details
The Executive Director’s essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Program Development and Oversight:
● Work with the Director of Education Programs and Ceramics Programs Manager to develop year-round studio offerings for children and adults and summer and school break art camps.
● Work with the Director of Education Programs and Ceramics Programs Manager to develop community partnership programs for specific populations
● Plan and schedule up to eight exhibitions annually, work with the Exhibitions Committee to select solo exhibition awardees, identify and approach jurors, judges, and curators, ensuring a diverse and inclusive group of selectees
● Work with the Director of Communications and Development to develop and grow The Center’s membership program
● Participate in all Board committee meetings

Strategic Planning:
● Work with consultant, board, and staff to refine and implement The Center’s strategic plan
● Work with Board, Director of Communications and Development, and Social Media Associate to develop data driven strategic marketing plans
○ Direct marketing surveys, including audience research and evaluation
○ Prepare market analysis of competitive programs and organizations. Ensure The Center offers appealing programs at a sustainable price point.
● Report to the Board of Trustees on the progress towards the goals of the strategic plan, including DEAI goals

Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:
● Work closely with the Board Fund Development Committee, the Director of Communications and Development, and volunteers to plan and implement annual giving campaigns, special event fundraisers, and year-round donor cultivation events
● Identify potential major donors, develop and steward new and current relationships, write personalized appeal letters, and make one-on-one asks for financial support
● Research and identify potential sources of grant and sponsorship support
● Develop and steward existing relationships with institutional funders
● Write grant funding proposals to solicit funding for general operating support, programming, facility needs, and professional development, including, as needed, outside consultants to lead the Center’s DEAI activities
● Work with the ADA Coordinator to develop and implement three-year ADA plan required of New Jersey State Council on the Arts grantees

Public Relations:
● Work with the Director of Communications and Development to refine and promote programs and events across all platforms
● Represent The Center as its public spokesperson and visible member of the organization
● Network actively in the community and represent The Center at the Somerset County Business Partnership, ArtPride NJ, and other county and regional arts events
● Liaise with with elected officials of towns surrounding the center including Bedminster, Bridgewater, Bernardsville, Bernards Township, Somerville, and more.
● Identify Somerset County town art festivals to promote the Center

Human Resources
● Manage a staff of three- four full-time and additional part-time employees, as well as teaching faculty
● Develop The Center’s policies and procedures and ensure staff compliance
● Conduct annual assessments of full-time staff, set goals, and recommend salary increases
● Implement The Center’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion goals and initiatives

Financial Management
● Develop the annual operating budget with input from the Treasurer and Finance Committee
● Provide monthly Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reports to the Board of Trustees
● Work with The Center’s accountant and provide all reports required for the annual audit

Facility Oversight
● Work with the Director of Education Programs and Operations to identify facility needs
● Hire contractors, implement building repairs, improvements, and maintenance