Executive Director

• Executive Director

• Southern Vermont Arts Center

• Manchester, VT

Overview

Southern Vermont Arts Center seeks a visionary Executive Director to carry forward its commitment as a significant cultural and educational resource for the communities of Manchester, Southern Vermont, and New England. This Executive Director will implement a strategy for continued revenue growth and sustainability.

About Southern Vermont Arts Center

Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a multidisciplinary organization in Manchester, VT with a mission to promote and nurture the arts. SVAC strives to introduce the wider community to artwork and performances of national relevance, and to engage diverse audiences, as well as to provide opportunities for local and regional artists to exhibit and sell their artwork. To do this, SVAC creates a community space for the arts through concerts and performances in the Louise Arkell Pavilion as well as classes, workshops, and camps for adults and youth in the Hay Madeira Education Studios; with its trails throughout its 100-acre campus and the Stroup Family Sculpture Park; and through exhibitions and events at Yester House and the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum. SVAC also hosts the destination restaurant CurATE Café.

For more information on Southern Vermont Arts Center, please visit www.SVAC.org/visit/about-us/.

About Manchester, Vermont

Manchester, Vermont is a charming and picturesque town nestled in the Green Mountains, offering a serene and idyllic lifestyle for those considering a move. Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant local culture, and historic charm, Manchester appeals to those seeking a balance between natural beauty and community living. The town is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore hiking trails, enjoy scenic drives, and engage in various recreational activities. With a rich history, Manchester boasts quaint New England architecture, boutique shops, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Residents can savor the pleasures of small-town living while still having access to cultural events, art galleries, and locally-owned eateries. The town’s strong sense of community, combined with its natural beauty, makes Manchester an appealing destination for those looking to embrace a slower pace of life in a picturesque setting.

The Opportunity

Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for the overall success and growth of Southern Vermont Arts Center. A visionary entrepreneur, the Executive Director will enhance and elevate the vitality of SVAC’s programs, engage and grow its member base, build a strong brand in Vermont and beyond, strengthen financial support through development and strategic partnerships, provide fiscal management, maintain and expand the buildings on its 100 acres, promote and expand its permanent collection of important Vermont artists and collectors in Vermont from the 19th century to Contemporary, and oversee operations and marketing. As well, the Executive Director will lead and mentor the staff and volunteers. The Executive Director will oversee an annual budget of approximately $1.4 million and an endowment of $2.9 million.

As Southern Vermont Arts Center is a pillar of the rich cultural fabric in the area, the Executive Director will maintain an active presence in Manchester, working collaboratively with key stakeholders and leaders of other organizations in the arts and cultural community.

Key Responsibilities

In the following areas, the Executive Director will be a:

Strategic Arts Leader

• Hone and implement the strategic plan, honoring SVAC’s history and existing success and building on them to expand the program offerings and reach.
• Assess existing programs, membership feedback, and best practices of similar organizations.
• Enhance and expand SVAC’s offerings, including exhibitions, performances and events, and public and educational programs.

Inspiring Staff Manager

• Provide leadership and management of all aspects of the organization.
• Build trust with and empower the committed professional staff; delegate effectively.
• Mentor and coach staff, providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Model professional behavior as part of a positive and inspiring organizational work culture.
• Review current organizational structure and develop a plan for funding and hiring additional roles as needed.

Fundraiser and Financial Steward

• With the Development committee of the Board, develop and execute a comprehensive plan for fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee the administration of key fundraising activities.
• Deepen the engagement of existing donors and expand donor base.
• Assess and implement fiscal controls to maintain SVAC’s commitment to sound financial management and transparency.

Ambassador and Brand Strategist

• Oversee SVAC’s marketing efforts, ensuring that the messaging and materials highlight the mission and programs in an exciting, positive, and consistent manner.
• Oversee the enhancement of SVAC’s social media presence.
• Represent SVAC at community events and arts/cultural forums.
• Serve as the organization’s spokesperson in the media and at all SVAC events.

Board Partner

• Report to and build a positive relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Support the Board’s ability to function properly, providing updates and information on a regular basis.
• Partner with the Board President to recruit new Board members as needed.
• Work with various Board committees as needed in support of the strategic plan.

Candidate Profile

Overall, the ideal Executive Director for Southern Vermont Arts Center will be a dynamic and resilient leader with a passion for the arts, a deep commitment to the community, and the ability to lead the organization towards greater sustainability, impact, and relevance in the region.

While it is understood that no one candidate will bring every desired skill, characteristic, and experience, the following offers a reflection of the ideal candidate profile:

Visionary, Agile, Strategic Leadership

• The Executive Director will be able to inspire and motivate staff and stakeholders towards a shared vision for the organization’s future. This includes fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• They will possess strategic thinking skills to guide the organization towards its goals. This includes developing and implementing plans for growth, sustainability, and program expansion while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• The Executive Director will be adaptable and able to navigate challenges and changes effectively. They will be open to new ideas and willing to adjust strategies as needed to address evolving needs and circumstances.

Operational and Fiscal Management

• They will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the organization’s operations, including programming, staffing, and community engagement efforts.
• They will have experience managing day-to-day operations efficiently and effectively, including budgeting, staff supervision, and resource allocation. They will also be able to streamline processes and enhance organizational efficiency.
• The Executive Director will have a solid understanding of financial management principles and be able to oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and long-term financial planning.
• Experience or familiarity with construction projects and facility management would be beneficial, especially considering the ongoing need for maintenance and potential renovations at the Arts Center.
• The Executive Director must have a strong appreciation for the arts and be able to oversee the planning and execution of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Fundraising, Relationship Building, and Ambassadorship

• The Executive Director will be adept at fundraising and cultivating relationships within the community to support the organization financially. They will have experience in donor cultivation and stewardship and be able to navigate the local philanthropic landscape effectively.
• The ideal candidate will develop strong ties to the local community and be able to serve as an ambassador for SVAC. They will be visible and actively engaged with both year-round residents and summer visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and support for the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships with staff, board members, donors, artists, and the broader community. Effective communication, both verbal and written, is necessary for articulating the organization’s mission and engaging stakeholders.
• The Executive Director will be skilled at building strategic partnerships and collaborating with other organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to advance SVAC’s mission and goals.

To be considered, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area, with a minimum of eight to ten years of increasing responsibility in a senior management role. In addition, qualified candidates will possess:

• Extensive hands-on experience working in the arts, whether at a museum, arts center, or similar multi-disciplinary arts organization.
• Experience managing, mentoring, and motivating staff.
• Success creating and implementing a strategic plan.
• A track record of securing significant funding through stewardship of individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships within a local community as well as with other arts organizations.
• Unquestioned ethics and integrity, and a history of developing relationships of trust with boards, staff, supporters, and constituents.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $120,000 to $140,000 plus benefits.

Contact

Tenley Bank of Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please fill out our Talent Profile: apptrkr.com/5053982.

All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email nonprofitsearchops@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

Southern Vermont Arts Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.