The Adirondack Folk School (AFS) is a non-profit organization, unique for its focus on preserving and sharing the history and culture of our region through teaching the arts, crafts, and traditions of the Adirondacks. Made up of local artisans, crafts people, and volunteers, we offer non-competitive education focusing on the student. Located in Lake Luzerne, NY, we are situated in the southern Adirondack Park, a State park of over six-million acres of “forever wild” protected land. The beauty and natural abundance of this environment influenced the skilled artisans who created the unique “Adirondack Style”.

With 3 full-time staff (Executive Director, Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Communications, and Program Director), two part-time staff (Program Support & Gift Shop Coordinator and Facilities), AFS operates with the energy and commitment of a much larger organization. Our staff work closely with a dedicated board of directors, a robust network of instructors, and an active community of volunteers and students who share a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and lifelong learning. Together, this team fosters a welcoming environment where creativity, skill-sharing, and cultural preservation thrive. As AFS continues to expand its reach and strengthen its programs and partnerships, we are looking for an Executive Director who will build upon this strong foundation and guide the organization toward sustainable growth while deepening its connection to the Adirondack community.

OUR IDEAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILL:

• Be a visionary and participatory leader who works to realize our mission and vision.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication skills (including interpersonal and public speaking).
• Be adept at planning, execution and tracking skills across all functional areas
• Have experience in a leadership role at a comparable organization
• Have successful fundraising experience in annual giving, grants and major gifts
• Have a proven ability to build and lead a team through a period of growth
• Have a passion for the Arts

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Operations

• Develop measurable program goals that satisfy AFS long-term strategy for growth (including participation and fiscal goals) and ensure staff alignment
• Work collaboratively with the AFS Board of Directors and support the needs of the president and board committees including Executive, Governance, Finance, Development and Marketing, Program, Facilities, and Events and Outreach. Work with the president to help set the monthly Board meeting agenda and prepare supporting materials.
• Establish and oversee process to regularly assess mission relevance, quality and value of existing programs and, as needed, involve staff, Board of Directors and other stakeholders
• Hire, train, and support staff to ensure alignment with organizational goals and the successful delivery of programs and operations.
• Work with staff to develop an annual operational plan with clear goals, strategies, and budget targets.
• Develop an annual programming plan with the program director and team and assist in recruitment of new instructors, presenters and performers.
• Implement a comprehensive performance management process for all staff, including ongoing monitoring of performance, weekly or bi-weekly meetings with employees, and formal annual evaluations; provide constructive feedback to support professional growth, and develop, review, and update staff job descriptions and performance standards as needed

Financial & Fundraising

• Develop and manage organizational budgets and prepare regular tracking reports
• Develop strategies and work with team to expand contributions including: growing individual / board giving, growing corporate giving / sponsorships, growing memberships, growing grants, growing volunteer involvement, and revenue from fundraising events.
• Work with staff to improve systems for capturing donor information and implement a prospect tracking and reporting process
• Manage grant solicitation / stewardship calendar, meeting application and reporting deadlines with help from the assistant director of philanthropy and communications
• Work with Executive Committee to draft and manage the annual budget

Facilities

• Work with facilities and program committees to ensure adequate facilities to deliver current and future AFS classes and programs
• Drive progress on building projects in collaboration with the board, contractors, the Town of Lake Luzerne and other stakeholders.
• Manage ongoing maintenance of leased spaces and ensure risk management strategies are up to date.
• Ensure instructors’ equipment is safe and well-maintained and their needs are addressed.

Community, Public Relations & Marketing

• Oversee the development and implementation of program-specific, seasonal and general marketing strategies (print and online)
• Cultivate relationships and develop initiatives to recruit, support, and retain faculty vital to achieving the organization’s mission
• Working with staff, manage the design and production of the annual Class Catalog, Annual Fund Appeal, Special events and programs and other marketing and promotional materials.
• Oversee all external communication materials including website, marketing materials, newsletters and social media content
• Advocate for The Adirondack Folk School before governmental and community groups and represent the organization on community projects

Preferred Software Proficiencies: WordPress, Salesforce, Quickbooks, Mac OS, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and e-newsletter platforms.

Qualifications, Benefits, Salary

• Minimum of five years of experience with clear evidence of leadership, vision and the ability to execute programs, maintain focus on objectives and support organization priorities
• AFS offers a competitive salary in the range of $85,000 – $100,000
• AFS strives to create an inclusive, equitable and flexible work environment.
• Benefits may be negotiated
• Position is full-time, exempt

To Apply

Included your resume and a REQUIRED COVER LETTER that clearly describes why you are interested in this position and how your skills and experiences align with the job responsibilities and qualifications for the position. Applicants who do not include a cover letter will not be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Have you included a cover letter that clearly describes why you are interested in this position and how your skills and experiences align with the job responsibilities and qualifications?

Experience:

• Executive nonprofit leadership: 5 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person