Priority application deadline: August 29, 2014

Creative Arts Workshop (CAW) offers its next executive director the opportunity to lead an established and well-respected community-based arts organization in the Audubon Arts District in culturally-rich downtown New Haven, Conn. Clear priorities for the new executive director will be to work with faculty, staff, board and vital stakeholders to define a new vision and direction for CAW. The new executive director will have the opportunity to build on existing programs and events and determine the best mix to ensure long-term financial stability. The executive director will serve as a motivating and effective public spokesperson for CAW, while broadening its visibility, impact, effectiveness and financial support.

Background

The Creative Arts Workshop was founded in 1961 as a regional center for education in the visual arts. CAW is one of the founding members the New Haven Arts Industry Coalition and is considered one the anchors of the city’s arts community. Close to New York City, in a city that truly values the arts, CAW is surrounded by other prominent arts organizations including the Neighborhood Music School, Long Wharf Theater, the New Haven Symphony as well as the renowned arts organizations associated with Yale University. A 20-member volunteer board of directors, representing the fields of visual arts, business, real estate and education, governs CAW. CAW’s 2014 budget is projected to be approximately $1 million. CAW employs five staff and 55 teaching faculty. Support comes from a combination of earned income from tuition and contributed income from individuals, foundations, corporations and the state. More than 3,000 adults and young people participate in more than 300 classes annually. Visitors enjoy a variety of changing exhibitions in the galleries, including student work and nationally juried shows.

Strategic Opportunities and Challenges

As Creative Arts Workshop transitions from its long-serving executive director who is retiring after leading CAW for 27 years, the challenges and opportunities for the new executive director will include:

Working with the staff, faculty, board and community stakeholders to develop a business model that will sustain CAW financially in the future.
Leading the creation of a strategic roadmap.
Maintaining and building both earned and contributed income streams of revenue.
Developing a capital plan, perhaps leading to a capital/endowment campaign.
Building programs, collaborations, partnerships and opportunities to reach broader, more diverse and underrepresented audiences.
In partnership with the board of directors, increasing outreach, resource development, visibility and participation in CAW activities and events.
Required Credentials

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; MFA or MBA preferred.
A minimum of five years’ experience as an executive director or senior administrator with a proven record of success.
Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Respectful, inclusive and effective leader and developer of staff and teams
Innovative thinker and creative risk taker
Skilled and successful fundraiser
Demonstrated financial acumen
Strategic planner
Accomplished and resourceful administrator
Passionate spokesperson and communicator
Collaborator
Flexible with a sense of humor
Passion for and knowledge of the arts
Application Process

This search is being conducted by Third Sector New England’s Executive Transitions Program and led by Transition Consultant Marie Dalton-Meyer.

Apply Online

Please include a cover letter with salary requirements, where you learned of the position and a description of how your qualifications and experience match CAW’s needs. Only electronic submissions sent through this link will be considered.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit materials by August 29, 2014. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until the position is filled, with priority given to those received by this date.

Salary is commensurate with experience, within the framework of the organization’s annual operating budget.

The Creative Arts Workshop is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.