Executive Director

Seeking an Executive Director
The Bay School Community Arts Center
Mathews, Virginia
Lead. Inspire. Connect. Create.
The Bay School Community Arts Center is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Executive Director to lead our nonprofit community arts center in Mathews, Virginia.
For more than 20 years, the Bay School has provided opportunities for people of all ages to experience, learn, create, and connect through the arts. Our center includes a gallery, art classes and workshops, summer art camps, community outreach programs, special events, and a pottery studio. We are proud of our strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, community groups, and residents throughout Mathews County.
This is an exciting opportunity to build on the Bay School’s solid foundation and help shape its next chapter.
About the Position
The Executive Director serves as the day-to-day leader of the Bay School, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, teaching artists, members, donors, community partners, students, and the community.
The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership while ensuring that the Bay School remains financially responsible, artistically vibrant, community-focused, and sustainable for the future.
Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership
1. Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic direction.
2. Translate the mission and strategic goals of The Bay School into effective programs, operations, and community initiatives.
3. Identify opportunities for organizational growth, innovation, and increased community impact.
4. Serve as the visible and enthusiastic ambassador for The Bay School.
5. Engage and motivate teamwork within the staff.

Fundraising and Development
1. Lead and expand fundraising and development efforts.
2. Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, sponsors, and community partners.
3. Develop and implement annual giving campaigns, major donors, sponsorship, grant, and special-event fundraising strategies.
4. Build a strong culture of philanthropy throughout the organization working with the Board and staff to identify and cultivate new sources of financial support.

Financial and Administrative Management
1. Collaborate with Treasurer to create annual budget and oversee and manage approved budget.
2. Monitor revenues, expenses, cash flow, and financial sustainability.
3. Steward organizational resources.
4. Oversee contracts, insurance, policies, compliance, and other administrative responsibilities.

Programs and Communication Engagement
1. Develop programs that are accessible and welcoming to a broad range of ages, abilities, interests, backgrounds, and needs.
2. Help position The Bay School as an essential cultural and community resource for Mathews and the surrounding regions.
3. Develop meaningful partnerships with local organizations, schools, businesses, civic groups, artists, and other community organizations.
4. Develop and work with those utilizing our programs and facilities to include children of all ages.
5. Play an active role in developing, supporting, and strengthening The Bay School exhibitions, classes, camps, workshops, studio programs, and community events.
6. Promote the Bay School and programs through appropriate print, digital, social media, and community channels, ensuring to communicate the mission, accomplishments, and needs effectively to a wide range of audiences.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership
1. Provide clear direction, support, and accountability for staff.
2. Foster a positive, respectful, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
3. Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and develop employees.
4. Recruit, engage, recognize volunteers, and ensure effective use of volunteer talent.
5. Encourage multi-tasking to create a team environment among staff.

Board Relations
1. Maintain a strong, productive, and transparent relationship with the Board of Directors.
2. Provide the Board with prompt information for effective governance and decision-making.
3. Attend Board and Committee meetings and support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
4. Help ensure alignment between the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, programs, and resources.

The Ideal Candidate
The Bay School is looking for a hands-on, relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about the arts and understands the importance of community.
Qualifications and Education Requirements:
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• 2-5 years of leadership or management experience, preferably in a non-profit, arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organization
• HR Knowledge – Compliance/ADA/staff management
• Fluent computer-based skills – accounting/office software essential
• Budget creation/management
• Fundraising Experience
• Art Background or Art Appreciation/understanding
• Previous experience working with a board/leadership team

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in one or more of the following is especially valuable:
• Strong Communication Skills
• Experience with Social Media Management and Content Creation
• Marketing/Branding/Advertising Experience
• Grant Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Donor Development
• Public Speaking
• Project Management Experience
• Curriculum Development
• Community Engagement
• Organizational Skills
• Volunteer Management/Leadership
• Experience working with teens and children of all ages.

What We Offer
This position provides an opportunity to become an integral part of a vibrant small-town community and to help guide a well-established community arts organization into its next chapter.
The Executive Director will have the opportunity to:
• Build upon a strong history of community involvement and support.
• Collaborate with artists, educators, volunteers, donors, students, and community leaders.
• Help shape the future direction of the Bay School.
• Expand the organization’s programs and community impact.
• Work in the beautiful coastal community of Mathews, Virginia

Position: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: To be discussed at offer
Benefits: Vacation and sick leave, extended sick leave, employee discount, longevity bonus
Schedule: Primarily weekday hours, with evenings and weekends required for exhibitions, classes, meetings, fundraising activities, and special events.
Background Check Required

How to Apply
Please submit:
1. A cover letter describing your interest in the position and the Bay School’s mission.
2. A current résumé.
3. Three professional references.
Submit applications via email or mail:
boardchair@bayschoolarts.org
Subject: Executive Director Search
Mailing Address:
Sherri Hamm
Attn: Executive Director Search
PO Box 31
Gloucester, VA 23061
Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
The Bay School Community Arts Center is an equal opportunity organization. We welcome applicants who reflect the diversity of our community and who are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment through the arts.
Join Us
The Bay School is more than a place to make art. It is a place where people come together, learn, create, and build community.
We invite you to become part of the next chapter of the Bay School Community Arts Center.