Director

Wesleyan Potters, Inc. seeks an experienced and highly skilled Director to lead and support all areas of the organization, including program operations, community engagement, fundraising and strategic planning.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

Founded in 1948, one of the longest continuously running arts organizations in Connecticut, Wesleyan Potters, Inc. is a nonprofit craft school and cooperative with close to 100 members. Co-op members are required to participate in the management and staffing of the organization, which is comprised of Weaving, Jewelry, and Pottery Studios, a Craft School, and a Gallery/Shop. Classes in all areas are typically fully enrolled with close to 1,000 students participating in 75 classes each year as well as hands-on workshops with nationally known craftspeople.

The organization is led by the Board of Directors and has 6 staff members. The combined operating budget is approximately $550K with primary sources of revenue coming from Tuition, Member Dues, a large Annual Sale, Grants and Contributions

POSITION SUMMARY

Wesleyan Potters, Inc. seeks an experienced and highly skilled Director to lead and support all areas of the organization, including program operations, community engagement, fundraising and strategic planning.

The Director will report to the Board of Directors and will work with the Board and the Co-op Members to establish goals and realize action plans that continue to propel Wesleyan Potters into a secure and dynamic future.

The successful candidate will have proven leadership, strong operational and financial management skills and fundraising experience.  Interest and experience in Arts and Education is preferable.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Director is the key management leader of Wesleyan Potters directly supervising all activities of the organization, its programs, staff, and facilities. Other key duties include fundraising and engaging with key partners and funding entities.

Essential Functions of the Executive Director 

• Translate the organization’s strategic plan into operating objectives and exercise a leadership role in implementing the mission and plans of the organization.
• Communicate effectively with the Board and provide, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions; seek and build board involvement with the operational direction for the organization.
• Manage the operational and support activities of the organization.
• Maintain an organizational climate that attracts, motivates, and retains high quality staff by implementing progressive human resources policies and practices.
• Supervise, mentor, develop, and retain Wesleyan Potters staff.
• Ensure the adequacy and soundness of the organization’s accounting and financial structure and ensure maintenance of accurate financial records.
• Oversee the preparation of the annual budget for presentation, discussion, and Board approval.
• Monitor financial reports to ensure the organization is operating in conformance with established budgets.
• Coordinate and approve payroll for the staff and Instructors.
• Working with the Treasurer, Bookkeeper and Accountants ensure all required filings are complete and submitted in a timely fashion.
• Research and seek various sources of financial support for the organization including private and public grants, fees for service and charitable contributions.
• Develop and/or coordinate the preparation, submission, acceptance, and implementation of grant proposals. Manage grant awards to comply with granting agency requirements.
• Working with the Sales Chairs, oversee the Annual Sale and monitor sales.
• Ensure the organization’s property and equipment is maintained, insured and secured.
• Review and sign all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of Wesleyan Potters as designated by the Board.
• Ensure compliance with all Wesleyan Potters policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business administration.
• Minimum of four years of nonprofit management experience at the management or supervisory level.
• Ability to pass a state and federal criminal background check.

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills
• Ability to lead, direct, supervise and evaluate personnel.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to lead change with transparency and integrity
• Experience with strategic planning and program development
• Solid Computer skills and experience – Proven proficiency with MS Office, accounting software (QuickBooks) and Point of Sale systems is required.
• Strong public relations and fundraising and grant-writing experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
• Past success working with a Board

COMPENSATION 

The salary range proposed for this position is $55,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience and education.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Wesleyan Potters, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran, or disability status.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

Please submit your resume together with a cover letter to Wesleyan Potters at Director@wesleyanpotters.com

www.wesleyanpotters.com/careers/