Executive Director, Squeaky Wheel Media Arts Center

Executive Director, Squeaky Wheel  |  Buffalo Media Resources

• Reports to: Board of Directors

• Supervises: 4 full-time direct employees and up to 10 part-time and contract employees

• Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Salary, Health Insurance, In-person

The Position

Squeaky Wheel seeks a dynamic, dedicated, and passionate Executive Director. The position is an opportunity for an innovative and agile arts leader to steer a nationally recognized media arts organization in building its programming and profile. Candidates should  have exceptional writing skills, be a strong team leader, have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of managing an arts organization, work well with diverse groups of people, and be able to effectively represent Squeaky Wheel publicly. Strengths should include knowledge and enthusiasm for the media arts, grant writing, overseeing programs and finances, and fostering relationships with staff, board and a passionate constituency.

About Squeaky Wheel

In its 40th year, Squeaky Wheel is a dynamic hub where art, technology, and community intersect. Squeak Wheel offers  uniquely interconnected media education, exhibition, and equipment access programs and engages established and emergent creative communities in the Buffalo region and globally.  These programs include low-cost equipment rentals, media art education programs for youth and adults, artist residencies, exhibitions, screenings and more. Located in Buffalo, NY’s historic Tri-Main Building, it is the only organization in Western New York with programming entirely dedicated to media arts. Squeaky Wheel collaborates with other cultural organizations, institutions, and schools throughout the region. The organization’s longstanding history of providing community-based media art related programs has established an expansive network of national and international artists, scholars, and media arts practitioners. Since 2016 Squeaky Wheel has been certified by Working Artists and the Greater Economy (WAGE) and we pride ourselves in providing fair pay to our artists, instructors, and contractors.

The Executive Director leads an organization that supports:

• Creativity, connection, and community
• Skill sharing, hands-on learning, engaged participation and future thinking
• Local, regional and international media makers and artists
• A diverse and inter-generational constituency
• Collaboration with community partners across spaces and platforms
• The convergence of physical and virtual space
• Expanding the possibilities and reach of media access

The Executive Director is responsible for:

• Vision & Strategy
• Finance & Development
• Community Relations
• Leading Staff and Volunteers
• Working closely with the Board of Directors

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee general operations of the organization, including:
  • Manage and coordinate finances, budgets, fundraising and development plans.
  • Hire and supervise full and part-time staff, independent contractors, interns, and volunteers.
  • Write and manage grants for general operation, exhibition and educational programs and capital initiatives.
  • Lead in facilitating staff development initiatives and diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Work with board and staff to develop and implement strategic plans and policies.
• Foster and maintain relationships with regional, national, and international audiences and also with the media arts, non-profit, and community development sectors.
• Represent, promote, and advocate on behalf of the organization within the larger media arts field.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in non-profit arts organization or program management in a strategy, leadership, and decision-making role
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in Media Arts, Arts Administration or related field is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and web and social media literacy.
• Experience with developing and executing operating budgets.
• Familiarity with Quickbooks; Digital competency and willingness to learn new software and/or familiarity with Salesforce (or similar audience data management programs), Google Workspace (or similar shared online/office software), Slack, WordPress and Zoom.
• Successful track record of fundraising, grant writing and management.
• Ability to envision, direct and coordinate a broad range of programming activities.
• Experience working with a variety of organizations, corporations, and community groups in building meaningful partnerships and programs.
• Enthusiasm interacting with a broad array of people; ability to navigate local, regional, and national art communities.
• Embrace of experimentation and creativity.

Qualities we are looking for:

Adaptability: ability to respond to external and internal changes with agility

Strategic Vision: ability to think about the big picture trajectory of the organization

Courage: willing to take risks and try new things

Drive: committed to Squeaky’s mission and vision

Cultural Competency: committed to the ability to understand and interact effectively with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences

Dynamic Leadership: ability to inspire and engage staff and Board of Directors

Compensation/Benefits

Salary range of $55,000 – $65,000 annually. Healthcare costs are split between the organization and employee; paid time off including vacation, sick and personal days.

How to apply

Early applications encouraged. No phone calls, please.

Application Review begins May 27

Anticipated Start Date: August 1- September 1, 2025

Please send cover letter and résumé in a single PDF document via email to:

edsearch@squeaky.org

Subject: Executive Director Search

Squeaky Wheel is an equal opportunity employer.

BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ applicants are encouraged to apply.