Director

Job Title: Director

Organization: The Drake

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts

Position Type: Part -Time

Reports To: Board of Directors

About The Drake

The Drake was founded through grassroots leadership and active volunteer involvement, creating a vibrant performance space and economic driver in downtown Amherst. Ticket sales and performances are often sold out, and the team brings a wide variety of arts and culture performances to the space, which underwent renovation to be a welcoming, efficient home for music and culture in the heart of town. Building on years of individual gift and grant fundraising, the Drake has reached the point where an endowment offers a sustainable salary for a permanent Exec. Director. This position is currently part-time, reflecting the reality that this is still a young organization. With success, the role may grow into a full-time one as new resources and programs emerge going forward. In the meantime, the Board and staff support the Executive Director's efforts to meet the duties below in a part-time schedule:

Position Overview

The Director serves as the chief administrative and development leader of The Drake. This position is responsible for financial oversight, fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, board partnership, and organizational management.

Working closely with the Board of Directors and existing operations/production staff, the Director will ensure the long-term sustainability, professionalism, and strategic growth of the organization while honoring its artistic mission.

This is a hands-on leadership role in a small, entrepreneurial nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Board of Directors to implement strategic goals and long-range planning.
• Provide organizational leadership rooted in collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Help define and articulate The Drake’s vision for its next phase of growth.

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee annual operating budgets in partnership with the Board Treasurer.
• Monitor cash flow, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Ensure sound fiscal management practices and long-term sustainability.

Development & Fundraising

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including:
  • Individual donor cultivation and stewardship
  • Major gifts and endowment growth
  • Annual giving campaigns
  • Grant writing and reporting
  • Sponsorship development
• Grow and diversify The Drake’s donor base.
• Strengthen relationships with public funding partners, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council and local/state entities.

Board Relations

• Serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support board development, recruitment, and engagement.
• Provide timely reporting and strategic insight to support governance.

Community & Partnership Engagement

• Maintain and deepen relationships with higher education, local businesses, artists, and civic leaders.
• Serve as an ambassador for The Drake within the broader community.
• Identify new collaborative opportunities that align with the mission.

Organizational Operations

• Support and supervise administrative functions.
• Work collaboratively with production and operations staff.
• Ensure policies, systems, and procedures reflect nonprofit best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership, arts administration, fundraising, or related field.
• Proven success in donor cultivation and fundraising strategy.
• Experience managing budgets and financial oversight.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work effectively in a small team environment.
• Passion for live performance, arts and culture, and community impact.

Preferred

• Experience in performing arts or live event organizations.
• Grant writing and reporting experience.
• Familiarity with higher education partnerships.
• Knowledge of nonprofit compliance and governance best practices.

Personal Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be:

• Mission-driven and community-oriented
• Strategic yet hands-on
• Financially disciplined and development-focused
• Collaborative, warm, and relationship-centered
• Comfortable balancing artistic passion with business rigor

Compensation

Salary will start at $55,000 for a part time position (<30 hours per week). This position is supported by an endowed gift to ensure stability and long-term sustainability.

This position does not come with additional benefits but offers a robust PTO

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in leading The Drake into its next chapter of growth and impact to: hireatthedrake@gmail.com

The Drake is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for artists, audiences, staff, and leadership.

4 weeks Paid Vacation. Flexible Schedule.