Managing Director

ABOUT WESLEYAN POTTERS:

Join a vibrant and historic arts community! Founded in 1947, Wesleyan Potters is a thriving nonprofit craft school and cooperative located in Middletown, Connecticut, home to nearly 100 passionate members. We offer a rich array of programs, including Weaving, Jewelry, and Pottery studios, a dynamic craft school, and a bustling gallery/shop. With close to 1,000 students participating in 75 classes and workshops annually, we’re a hub for creativity and artistic growth. Our organization is driven by a dedicated Board, working Member Committees and a talented staff, with an annual operating budget of approximately $600K, primarily funded through tuition, membership dues, our renowned Annual Sale, and grants.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Wesleyan Potters is seeking a dynamic and experienced Managing Director to actively lead and support all facets of our organization. This is a hands-on role where you’ll collaborate closely with the Board and our cooperative members to drive strategic initiatives, manage daily operations, providing staff with constructive feedback and task priorities, and foster community engagement. We’re looking for a leader with proven experience in nonprofit management, financial oversight, and fundraising, ideally with a passion for arts and education, and a willingness to be actively involved in the day-to-day running of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership & Revenue Generation: Translate the organization’s strategic vision into actionable plans, actively seeking and developing revenue-generating opportunities, including grant writing and workshop development.
• Proactive Fundraising & Grant Acquisition: Take a lead role in identifying, researching, and securing grant funding from diverse sources, actively cultivating donor relationships, and driving fundraising initiatives.
• Collaboration & Hands-on Support: Provide comprehensive support to the Board, and the Member Committees, facilitating informed decision-making and offering active assistance in operational matters, including fundraising strategies.
• Operational Excellence & Direct Involvement: Oversee all operational and support activities, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery, and directly participating in key organizational functions.
• Team Development & Collaborative Work: Cultivate a positive and supportive work environment, attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality staff, while maintaining a collaborative and hands-on approach.
• Financial Management & Practical Oversight: Ensure sound financial practices, including budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting, using QuickBooks and other relevant systems, while maintaining a practical understanding of financial operations. Working with the Treasurer, Bookkeeper and Accountants ensure all required filings are complete and submitted in a timely fashion.

• Program Oversight & Direct Assistance: Manage all aspects of our programs, including classes, workshops, and the Annual Sale, ensuring exceptional quality and engagement, and providing direct assistance as needed.

• Compliance & Risk Management & Practical Application: Ensure adherence to all policies, regulations, and safety standards, with a practical understanding of their application.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of nonprofit management experience at a supervisory level.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, analyze financial data, and generate reports.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Proficiency in MS Office, QuickBooks, and point-of-sale systems.
• Ability to pass a state and federal criminal background check.
• A strong willingness to be hands on and actively involved in the day to day operations is essential.
• Passion for the arts and crafts is preferred.

COMPENSATION:

Salary range: $55,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience and education.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

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