SLCA SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Sand Lake Center for the Arts Board of Directors seeks applications and nominations for its next executive director to provide leadership and management.  

SLCA is a robust multi-arts center with a mission to enrich community life through discovery, appreciation and creation of the arts. Housed in a historic building with a performance space and gallery, SLCA is a volunteer-supported organization led by an active and engaged board and five staff, including a development director. Current programs include community theatre, concerts, visual arts exhibitions, community workshops and partner programs within the town and the greater Capital Region.

SLCA’s board seeks a creative, enthusiastic and energetic individual who will lead SLCA and contribute to its continued growth and enhanced stature in the arts community. Equally important, the executive director will play a central role in maintaining SLCA’s strong fiscal and operational stability, including fundraising.     

The executive director will participate in creating the new SLCA strategic plan and will be expected to lead and support the following:

  • Artistic excellence of the community theatre program, which is SLCA’s centerpiece

  • A vibrant music program of artists of all genres

  • A focused visual arts and gallery exhibition program embracing a broad range of media

  • Youth programs that broaden arts experiences for children and teens

  • Creative collaboration and engagement with businesses, organizations, and individuals to support arts in the community  

  • Organizational and fiscal stability and expansion of revenue sources 

The full job description appears below.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

  1. The position carries an annual salary of $55,000–60,000 for a 35-hour workweek with 15 days of paid personal/sick leave and 11 paid federal holidays annually.

  2. The position is eligible for an annual salary increase and/or bonus at the discretion of the board.

  3. Job requires evening and weekend work for events and programs.

  4. Hours are flexible to meet the demands of the job, and work-from-home is possible.

  5. The executive director reports to the board through the board president, who also provides ongoing feedback and annual evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will have the experience and personal characteristics to perform the duties described. The ideal candidate will have the following:

  1. A passion for the arts and a commitment to community collaboration

  2. Some experience in managing an organization, some knowledge of grant applications, fiscal management and fundraising, and a creative and resourceful approach

  3. Effective interpersonal skills to serve as the public face of SLCA and to develop working relationships with artists, community members, other arts organizations (regional and state), and civic and government leaders  

  4. An understanding of technology in the arts and organizational settings (bonus qualification)

PROCESS

Please direct questions and submit materials to: SLCArtssecretary@gmail.com. Interested individuals should submit a resume and cover letter describing their relevant experience and vision for SLCA.  

The board will begin reviewing applications immediately, with a goal to interview a select group of candidates by late December. References will also be requested from finalists. The target start date is early 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The executive director of Sand Lake Center for the Arts provides the leadership, inspiration and strategic direction to enable SLCA to achieve its annual and long-term goals for artistic excellence, financial sustainability and community engagement.

LEADERSHIP

  • Set the cultural tone for the organization through articulating to the community the artistic vision and commitment to community service with transparency and diplomacy.

  • Collaborate with the board of directors to develop a long-term vision, strategy and goals for SLCA. 

  • Proactively maintain clear communication with the board chair and executive committee.

  • Partner with the board and serve as coordinator to develop meeting schedules and agendas.

  • Attend all board-level meetings and committee meetings as an ex-officio member.


PROGRAMMING AND ARTISTIC VISION

  • Through consistent and thoughtful interaction with SLCA’s communities, set and actualize SLCA’s artistic vision.

  • Design, implement and evaluate SLCA’s programming within the annual board-approved budget.


OPERATIONS

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility and program delivery.

  • Interface with the Town of Sand Lake as property owner and any and all trades hired to maintain the facility.

  • Maintain all corporate organizational systems including, but not limited to, technology and equipment, shared file systems, databases and the safekeeping of all archival materials.

  • Hire and manage all paid staff by setting expectations and providing support as appropriate.

  • Follow all SLCA policies as set by the board.

  • Oversee employment law compliance and HR best practices.


COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • Act as the primary spokesperson for SLCA.

  • Engage political, non-profit, cultural, funding and neighboring establishment leaders to create lasting and beneficial partnerships.

  • Act as SLCA’s liaison to other non-profits and other local government officials and agencies.

  • Oversee PR and marketing efforts.

  • Engage with and cultivate relationships with major individual, foundation and corporate donors.


FUNDRAISING AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT

  • In partnership with the board, craft SLCA’s operational and capital budgets for board approval.

  • Manage SLCA’s annual operations within the annual board-approved budget.

  • Oversee any day-to-day financial operations, including cash flow, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

  • Assist with annual audits and ensure that SLCA stays current with all its fiscal reporting responsibilities.

  • Create and execute annual fundraising plans, including individual major donors, foundations, public sources and events.

  • Originate or oversee all aspects of grant research, writing, fulfillment and compliance.

  • In partnership with board, identify and cultivate prospective donors.

  • In partnership with board, direct stewardship of existing donors.