Executive Director

Executive Director

Location: South Pomfret, VT

Reports to: Founding Director and Board of Directors

Status: Full-time, Exempt

About Artistree

Artistree Community Arts Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing joyful, meaningful, and accessible experiences in the visual arts, movement, theatre, music, and more for community members of all ages and abilities. Through year-round classes, workshops, performances, gallery exhibitions, camps, and special events, Artistree nurtures creative expression and builds community through the arts. A core tenet of our mission is equitable access to the arts regardless of financial circumstances.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the organization. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Founder, the ED ensures the effective execution of Artistree’s mission through sound organizational leadership, operational excellence, and strong community engagement.

The ED provides comprehensive oversight of all organizational functions, including programs, administration, finance, and external relations. This role serves as the primary public representative of Artistree, cultivating relationships with donors, partners, and the broader community to advance the organization’s visibility, impact, and long-term sustainability.

Equally central to the role is the ED’s responsibility for internal leadership and staff management. As the organization’s sole senior leader for staff, the ED maintains close and consistent engagement with team members across all functions, ensuring clarity of roles, accountability, and alignment with organizational goals. The ED is responsible for fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture; proactively addressing personnel matters; managing and resolving conflicts; and supporting staff development and performance. This includes maintaining an informed, day-to-day understanding of staff operations and organizational dynamics, and providing appropriate guidance, feedback, and support.

The ED ensures that Artistree operates with integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, and works to strengthen and expand programs in alignment with community needs. Through both internal leadership and external engagement, the ED advances Artistree’s commitment to accessibility, creativity, and meaningful community connection.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision (10%)

• Lead organizational strategy: Develop and implement long-term strategic plans in collaboration with the Founder and Board to refine and grow the Center’s artistic, educational, and community programming.
• Mission champion: Serve as a visible advocate for the arts and Artistree’s mission across the Upper Valley and beyond; build relationships with artists, educators, funders, community partners, and civic leaders.
• Founder and Board collaboration: Work closely with the Founding Executive Director and Board to set priorities, annual budgets, and provide timely updates on organizational performance.

Program Oversight & Development (20%)

• Ensure the highest quality in classes, camps, performances, exhibits, and special events.
• Promote program innovation, community responsiveness, and equitable access in all offerings.
• Partner with artistic, education, and program directors/instructors to maintain and enhance program excellence and outreach efforts.

Resource & Financial Management (20%)

• Support organizational fundraising including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, special events, and annual giving campaigns.
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning; ensure sound financial practices and compliance with nonprofit standards.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to secure and diversify revenue streams.

Operational and Staff Leadership (40%)

• Oversee day-to-day operations and ensure efficient functioning of Artistree’s campus facilities and programs.
• Provide leadership to staff; foster a positive workplace culture rooted in inclusion, respect, collaboration, and artistic exploration.
• Maintain and develop/enhance operational systems, policies, and procedures to support efficiency and sustainability.

Communications & Community Engagement (10%)

• Serve as the principal spokesperson and representative for Artistree.
• Elevate Artistree’s profile regionally through media, public speaking, partnerships, and community initiatives.
• Support marketing efforts with clear messaging about Artistree’s mission, impact, programs, and events.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Ten+/- years of demonstrated leadership/management experience in a nonprofit arts organization, cultural institution, museum or related field with diverse program offerings.
• Strong strategic, financial, HR and operational management skills.
• Proven track record in fundraising, revenue generation, budget development/control and developing community partnerships.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Passion for community arts, creative education, and inclusive access to the arts.

Preferred

• Experience in arts management and arts education, gallery/exhibition management, performing arts administration, and/or music and theatre operations.
• Background in program development that engages diverse audiences.
• Experience working with cross-sector stakeholder groups.

Core Competencies

• Visionary and strategic thinking
• Inclusive leadership and team-building
• Community and donor relationship development
• Financial and operational stewardship
• Fundraising
• Effective communicator and advocate for the arts

Work Environment & Commitment

• This position is based in South Pomfret, VT, and may require occasional evenings and weekends for events, performances, and community engagements.
• Commitment to Artistree’s values of accessibility, inclusion, and artistic empowerment.

Compensation Range

$85,000 - $100,000 plus a competitive benefits package.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to info@artistreevt.org. Applications will be evaluated as they are received, with interviews to be scheduled after July 1.

To learn more about Artistree, please visit: artistreevt.org.

Competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, free or heavily discounted access to Artistree programming, and more.