Overview

The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) of Ithaca, NY is seeking a dynamic Executive Director. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership qualities, effective communication skills and a deep appreciation of arts education. The Executive Director will be responsible for working with skilled faculty members, overseeing high-quality courses in music, dance and visual arts, managing CSMA’s financial affairs, community engagement, and fundraising efforts. The Executive Director will lead a dedicated team of board, staff and faculty members to achieve the organization’s mission and goals. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Implementation 

  • Manage the delivery of strong cultural and artistic programs to the Ithaca community as well as to diverse populations.
  • Oversee daily operations of the organization through its staff and faculty by assuring quality delivery of all CSMA’s programs. 
  • Recruit and build strong relationships with highly skilled faculty members.

Board of Trustees 

  • Work under the direction of the Board of Trustees and with other stakeholders to achieve CSMA’s goals.
  • Work closely with the Board of Trustees and committees to assess and address key issues affecting the organization in a timely manner. 
  • Ensure the Board’s involvement in CSMA’s sustainability.
  • Develop and manage the Board’s recruitment structure.

Staff Management

  • Build and lead an effective team that’s dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission through successful programs and community engagement.
  • Establish and communicate a strong culture that attracts and retains people while driving the organization’s mission. 
  • Recruit, supervise and evaluate CSMA staff.

Fundraising and Financial Management

  • Work with the Board of Trustees to meet annual fundraising goals by securing financial support from foundations, corporations, individual donors and government funding sources.
  • Oversee timely preparation of the annual operating budget.
  • Monitor CSMA’s expenses and revenues and develop action plans to address expenses and/or revenues that are not in line with the annual budget.
  • Ensure that accurate monthly financial reports are presented to the Board of Trustees.

Communications and Outreach 

  • Promote awareness of the organization by overseeing a broad-based communication and marketing campaign that reaches diverse and underserved communities. 
  • Oversee communication efforts, including CSMA’s website, marketing collaterals, and social media. 
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships to further increase community awareness and expand programs. 
  • Develop a broad knowledge of area arts institutions and explore collaborative relationships.

Facilities

  • Oversee the uses, regular maintenance and improvements to the CSMA building.  
  • Ensure that the building is accessible, open for faculty and community use.

Required Skills and Qualifications 

  •  A bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in management, preferably with nonprofit organizations. 
  • Deep appreciation of the arts and the local community.
  • Excellent communication skills with strong understanding of public relations, marketing, and outreach to diverse and underserved communities.
  • Proven success working with a board of directors, staff teams and volunteers. 
  • Experience in nonprofit fundraising through grants, donor outreach and corporate support. 
  • Experience in managing budgets. 
  • Strong computer skills.