Executive Director

View Arts Center is a dynamic, membership-based, multi-arts center in Old Forge, New York, housed in an impressive and modern 29,000 sq. ft. LEED-certified building designed for arts programming. The seven-acre campus includes a sculpture garden, courtyard, and nature walkway through a unique wetland area.

Open year-round, View draws artists from across North America and Europe for its large, juried exhibitions held in four exceptional gallery spaces. View engages and supports local and regional artists with a variety of exhibition opportunities and professional development workshops, and programs.

A 250-seat auditorium with great acoustics, lighting, and flexibility for formal or informal seating is home to live performances and functions as an event venue.

A creative arts wing offers facilities for classes and a world-class pottery studio. Recreational programming is offered to the community that includes corn hole, trivia nights, yoga, zumba, and meditation. A gift shop provides unique offerings for visitors.

Founded in 1951, View’s facilities often serve the community by hosting meetings, school system events, weddings, and other social events.

The Opportunity:

The Executive Director has overall responsibility for the successful operation of View, reports to the Board of Directors, working closely with the Board Chair and Executive Committee. The Executive Director is responsible for administrative and management oversight of program services for the organization with a focus on leading overall strategic direction and operational management for all aspects of the organization, including but not limited to our core offerings including Visual Arts, Community Arts (Fine Arts & Crafts, Health & Wellness, Literary Arts, Culinary, etc.), Performing Arts, Events Management, human resources, marketing, finance, technology, and facilities management. He or she works directly and closely with the Board, staff, working committees, and volunteers to achieve the success of the organization.

Responsibilities:

Core Program Management and Development
Non-Program Related Revenue / Expenses: Membership, Development, Grants, and Government Relations
Financial Management
Marketing Management
Community and Public Relations
Strategic Planning and Goals Implementation
Revenue Growth
Organizational Management and Human Resources
Other Responsibilities

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal Executive Director will have experience in the arts to bring a vision to View. This individual will provide strong leadership to an experienced team of professionals passionate about the success of View. The next Executive Director will have the ability to work with people of all personality types who support View and will be an effective communicator, able to bring more people into the organization’s circle of supporters. Specific qualifications include:

Background

Not-for-profit management experience, preferably in the arts, with an appreciation for the local community of passionate individuals.
Minimum of five years of management experience.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training is required.

Skills and Experience

Track record of providing leadership and direction toward the achievement of an organization’s strategic mission and annual goals.
A high degree of emotional intelligence, with an understanding of the business of the arts.
Ability to motivate continual progress toward shared values and a shared mission.
Relevant knowledge of the principles and practices of effective administration, organization, budget, and fiscal management, including promoting and protecting the financial well-being of the organization.
A strong communicator and collaborator, willing to work with teammates to achieve success.
Experience communicating and advocating with government contacts to increase support from NEA, NYSCA, and local government.
Willingness and enthusiasm in engaging with the local community; Old Forge is a tightly knit, supportive community.
Experience working in all aspects of grants management, from identification through cultivation and successfully securing funding, is preferred.
A strong sense of how to effectively work with passionate volunteers, particularly with Board members who are engaged with an organization.
A sincere interest in and appreciation for collaboration with other arts, cultural, and community organizations.
A willingness and interest to fully engage in the life and activities of the organization and the greater Adirondack area.

Location: Old Forge, NY

Compensation: $110,000 – $130,000 – negotiated based on experience and skills.

Position Overview: https://driwaterstonehc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Position-Overview-View-Center-ED_2025.pdf

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the View Arts Center.