Baltimore Clayworks, a nationally known non-profit ceramic arts center, seeks an entrepreneurial and multi-talented Executive Director who is or can become a passionate advocate of ceramic art. The Executive Director will lead this organization with a mind for business and a commitment to building the capacity of ceramic art to transform lives. The new Executive Director will provide visionary and strategic leadership that translates into measurable strategies and concrete actions that advance the mission.
The Position
Under the direction of the Board of Trustees and its committees, the Executive Director is responsible for Clayworks’ overall management and consistent achievement of its mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives. The Executive Director is the chief fundraiser and relationship manager.
The appropriate candidate for the position will demonstrate strong nonprofit management experience, relationship building and strategic leadership skills. She/he will have a proven track record of communicating a vision and developing, implementing and assessing strategy in a highly collaborative environment. The new Executive Director will also inherit an organization with a highly motivated Board, engaged staff and teachers, committed and involved students, and a large an active volunteer community. The Executive Director will oversee the financial and administrative functions of the organization, and collaboratively manage the staff team in addition to other responsibilities. You can read more about this position here:
The next Executive Director will inherit a legacy arts institution that has just undergone a major financial and leadership change, and has successfully set itself up to achieve a bold and innovative transformation- shaping the next 50 years of Baltimore Clayworks. The Executive Director will lead a dynamic organization through initiating, nurturing, and maintaining relationships with community members, stakeholders, donors, local businesses and government, as well as with the Board and staff.
Key responsibilities include:
• Embrace and devise successful strategies to implement and to broadly communicate the
mission and core values of Baltimore Clayworks
• Oversee the financial and administrative functions to ensure a fiscally sound and wellmanaged
organization by developing, revising and complying with annual budgets and
providing for the appropriate control and accountability of all funds, physical assets and
other property.
• Responsible for supervisory functions, including staff development, hiring and firing, and
oversight of safety and compliance issues.
• Provide fundraising and resource development leadership for the organization, including
evaluating current and potential business and financial models to identify opportunities to
increase, maximize and diversify funding streams to grow the organization.
• Collaboratively manage the staff team and assist staff in implementing strategic
objectives and meeting goals.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships and serve as a spokesperson for the
organization for purposes of fundraising, expanding visibility, and advocacy.
• Further develop processes for quality assessment and evaluation of program
achievements.
• Develop and maintain community-wide relationships.
• Support the Board of Trustees in its governance role, foster its ongoing development,
and keep it informed about internal conditions and external developments.
In addition to quickly understanding the mission, business model and approach of Clayworks, as
well as learning and understanding the dynamics of the community, the near-term priorities for
the first 12-18 months of the new ED tenure include, but are not limited to:
• Develop trust and working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, Board,
artists, community members, government agencies and other constituencies.
• Learn and understand current programs and the recent historic context of Clayworks
constituencies.
• Evaluate the current business and financial models and identify possibilities that enable
Clayworks to increase and diversify funding to secure the foundation for the future.
Desired Leadership Experience and Attributes
Ideal candidates for this position will have a genuine commitment to the role of art and the value
of the practicing artist in society. Preferably, candidates will have management experience in an
arts organization. In addition to demonstrated experience in leadership, supervision, financial
and resource management, community outreach and board relations, they will also bring a
variety of experiences and attributes to Clayworks, including:
• An inspirational leadership style with a sense of humor, collegial manner, and a
successful track record of creating a collaborative environment
• Five to seven years’ professional experience of progressive leadership and management
responsibility, preferably in a nonprofit organization, including oversight of a comparably
sized budget and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse individuals in the artistic,
outreach, funding and business communities.
• Strategic and visionary thinking coupled with entrepreneurial spirit and experience.
• Business acumen, and attention to detail.
• A successful track record in fund development, including earned income, grants and
philanthropic support, and the ability to identify new revenue streams.
• A high level of initiative, creativity and an ability to produce results.
• Working knowledge of ceramics and/or the clay community is an asset.
• Experience working with, or for, a Board of Trustees with diversified skills and
professional interests.
• Proficiency in use of communications and office management software applications, with
an awareness and understanding of digital marketing, messaging and other significant
digital applications.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
