Executive Director

About Waterman's Community Center

Waterman’s Community Center is a non-profit cultural and educational hub on the island of North Haven, Maine, a small island off the coast of Rockland with a year-round population of 417 (2020 census) and an active summer community. Waterman’s offers a community theater, the island’s only preschool, a coffee shop, and a community gathering place. Our mission is to maintain and grow a vibrant and inclusive environment that enriches the North Haven community through artistic, cultural, recreational, and educational programming for individuals of all ages. Waterman’s plays a central role in island life, supporting both full-time and seasonal residents.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the strategic and entrepreneurial leader of the organization. The ED works closely with the Board of Trustees and manages the senior team to advance educational and programming initiatives, promote fundraising efforts, and operate the facility.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for education, the arts and small communities and will bring a blend of strong leadership, non-profit management experience, and a deep commitment to community-based work. They will be a thoughtful communicator, collaborative problem solver, and dedicated steward and public face of Waterman’s and its mission and values. This leader will foster a culture of learning and community building, inspire and support staff, and ensure clear, consistent messaging across the organization.

The Executive Director position is a full-time, in-person role, with periodic evening and weekend work and occasional off-island travel as needed to support Waterman’s programming or fundraising. On-island residency is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Human Resources

-Provide inspirational leadership and day-to-day management of staff and volunteers. Current structure includes six direct reports and ten part-time teachers and support staff

-Build, nurture, and empower an exceptional team, ensuring professional and operational needs are fully met

-Train, mentor, and evaluate staff performance on a regular basis

-Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture

-Ensure compliance with employment policies, labor laws, and organizational best practices

Financial Management & Operations

-Develop and manage a $1M+ operating budget and a capital budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee

-Oversee day-to-day finances, including accounting, payroll, and reporting through use of QuickBooks Online and other financial management tools

-Ensure accurate and timely completion of tax filings and compliance with fiscal policies

Board & Community Relations

-Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff; support the Board in governance, planning, and decision-making

-Prepare for and attend regular board meetings; provide timely, accurate materials

-Support all board committees including Finance, Development, Nominating & Governance, Drama, Facilities & Climate

-Represent the organization publicly and nurture relationships with community and town government leaders

Fundraising & Development

-Develop annual fundraising strategy

-Lead all fundraising efforts including annual and endowment campaigns, major gifts, grant writing, sponsorships, and special events. Create and execute impactful marketing campaigns

-Work closely with the Development Committee to grow donor support and enhance fundraising strategies

-Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, and other grant-giving organizations

-Oversee donor communications and ensure accuracy of donor records and acknowledgments

Building & Facility Management

-Oversee operations and maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements of the Waterman’s building and grounds

-Ensure the facility and coffee shop are safe, clean, welcoming, and accessible for all

-Provide strategic oversight and decision-making for capital improvement requirements in collaboration with the Board

Programming & Youth Activities

-Work closely with the Programs Manager and Youth Activities Manager to develop, curate, and oversee diverse year-round programming in the arts, education, and community engagement

-Maintain oversight of programming and youth activities and conduct analyses to continually optimize offerings

-Ensure programs reflect and serve the needs of North Haven’s year-round and seasonal residents

Preschool Oversight

-Support Preschool Director’s administrative and financial oversight of the Preschool, including staffing, licensing, budgeting, and curriculum support

-Ensure high standards in early childhood education and compliance with all relevant regulations

-Collaborate with preschool leadership to align early learning with community needs and organizational values

Promote Organization Growth Goals, including:

- Lead the development of a new organizational strategic plan

-Identify opportunities that respond to changing preschool and community needs

-Strengthen, deepen and expand community partnerships

-Develop a comprehensive long-term plan for building, infrastructure, and capital needs

-Increase the endowment and cultivate the next generation level of donor support

Review and refresh the organization's website, identity and branding

Ideal Qualifications

-Demonstrated experience in nonprofit or mission-driven leadership roles and managing a diverse team of people

-Passion for the arts, education, and community life

- Bachelor’s Degree

-Strong financial and operational management skills and technical fluency, including budgeting, reporting and experience with financial and project management tools

-Successful experience leading fundraising efforts and donor stewardship

-Familiarity with facility management and general site operations

-Experience with or understanding of early childhood education and/or youth and adult programming (preferred)

-Comfortable working with a Board of Trustees and managing volunteers

-Exceptional interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; comfort in engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and in serving as the public face of the organization

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range is $67,000 - $87,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition, Waterman’s offers competitive healthcare benefits, paid time off, and a retirement plan with matching employer contributions. Additional compensation may be available for candidates with extensive track record of success in non-profit fundraising.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume via a single PDF to Board Vice President Mark Stein at EDSearch@watermans.org. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Questions may also be submitted to the above email. Applicants who advance in the process will be asked to provide professional references and to complete a standard background check.

Waterman’s Community Center is an inclusive organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, familial status, domestic violence status, or any other status protected by law.

Competitive healthcare benefits, paid time off, and a retirement plan with matching employer contributions.