YAMA seeks a highly talented, capable, and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead and manage the organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, through its President, the Executive Director will work in close partnership with the staff and Board to deepen and extend YAMA’s role as a hub of arts for learning in the Commonwealth.
This is an extraordinary opportunity for a creative, energetic, and passionate executive to lead and manage a state-wide, well-rooted arts and education organization with the support of a dedicated professional team that includes the Program Director/Healing Arts for Kids & Community Partnerships, Marketing & Development Manager, Program Coordinator, and Finance Manager, as well as a strong and engaged Board of Directors. The Executive Director will be responsible for the operational and financial management of the organization, as well as the oversight of the artists’ network.
The Executive Director will serve as one of YAMA’s key ambassadors in both the arts and education arenas in Massachusetts, leading external relations and fundraising efforts. Internally, the Executive Director will lead YAMA’s professional staff by providing overall leadership for the YAMA team with a focus on coaching, development, and management best practices, ensuring opportunities for professional and personal growth.
The Executive Director will be focused on three key areas:
Strategic Leadership and Management
Providing strong organizational leadership to ensure that day-to-day operations and financial projections are on track, while maintaining an engaged staff and effectively leveraging volunteer labor contributions.
External Relations and Development
Serving as YAMA’s core fundraiser and spokesperson, working closely with the Board and others to identify and cultivate new donors, securing diverse funding sources, and representing YAMA in philanthropic, artistic & educational circles in Boston and beyond.
Board Relations
Collaborating closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the overall strategic plan, ensuring strong relationships and ongoing commitment to the organization, effective and valuable roles for Board members, and building deeper ties in the community.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The next Executive Director will be a passionate and innovative leader who is excited by YAMA’s work and future. S/he must be a proven leader and manager, who exudes energy, has the ability to apply strong management acumen to motivate and lead stakeholders, and desires to work in close collaboration with a highly engaged and committed Board of Directors and staff. The ideal candidate will have the following personal competencies and characteristics:
Vision and Strategic Leadership: The Executive Director will be an entrepreneurial visionary who has the ability to draw upon experience and expertise to understand YAMA’s potential and to work closely with all of the organization’s stakeholders to bring that vision to fruition. The Executive Director will be a strategic thinker, an experienced and highly organized financial manager, and a results oriented leader.
External Relations and Development: One of the Executive Director’s key roles is serving as a spokesperson and fundraiser for YAMA. The Executive Director will deepen existing relationships with supporters and partners and cultivate new ones in order to raise awareness and ensure a sustainable, diverse stream of funding. Ideal candidates will demonstrate the following skills and characteristics:
Exceptional oral & written communications and relationship-building skills
A track record of successfully raising funds or relevant experience
The ability to serve as an engaging, articulate spokesperson in the community, extending YAMA’s brand and broadening its reach
Board Relations: The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, keeping members up to date and engaged. S/he will effectively harness the power of the Board by building relationships and setting clear expectations and objectives. Strong candidates will have a track record of successful board development and management and will look to the Board as a collaborative partner in fulfilling YAMA’s mission and vision.
How to apply
To express your interest in this role, please submit your cover, resume, salary requirements and references to Cari Palmer Lord at edsearch@yamass.org.