Executive Director

Who We Are

Are you interested in leading a one-of-a- kind organization on the East Coast of the US and helping to shape the future of The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center? Located in the Green Mountain State, our workshops, artist residencies, sculpture exhibitions, and studio sculpting space thrive in the heart of the quarries that supplied marble for many iconic structures and sculptures of the last century. The Carving Studio & Sculpture Center's programs and historically important facilities attract local, national, and international artists, and creatives seeking to delve into the world of sculpting and carving with curiosity and craftsmanship.

The vitality of the Carving Studio & Sculpture Center's programs engender financial support from program participants, studio memberships, donors, and community friends both locally and at a national and international level. Our programming is funded through workshop fees, commissioned sculptures, membership contributions, individual and corporate donations, and grant support from foundations and organizations.

What We Are Looking For

Summary of the Position

We are seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Executive Director and lead our organization into its next phase of growth and continued success on site – in West Rutland, Vermont. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director embraces the organization’s strategic plan and enacts the vision of The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center. The Executive Director ensures operational efficiency and manages all programming, staffing, and community outreach and exceeds our artistic and financial goals.

Overseeing daily operations, providing leadership direction of all programs and working with staff, the Executive Director is responsible for the following functions: programming, exhibitions, residencies, interns, and outreach. As the face of the organization, you will play a leading role in cultivating financial support, resources, our artistic community, and championing the organization and its programs.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Growth and Development

• Act as the internal and external face of The Carving Studio to all stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to implement the Master Plan and strategically execute against the plan.
• Ensure by effective leadership and management that the day-to-day operations and budget are efficiently administered, that the organization remains on stable financial footing from an operational perspective and is compliant with all licenses and documentation for 501c3 status.
• Regularly update the Board on the operating environment's conditions, opportunities, challenges, and issues, enabling them to provide effective governance, financial oversight, and leadership.
• Cultivate a broad network that can be leveraged to raise the profile of The Carving Studio, expand community engagement and explore untapped potential for increased earned revenue.
• Oversee current fundraising activities and work closely with the Board to cultivate important relationships, secure donations and grants, and create an actionable plan for fundraising while ensuring all giving programs are effectively documented.
• Maximize the greatest/best use of facilities and resources; foster additional opportunities for year-round revenue generation and prioritize need to address capital improvements, infrastructure upgrades, housingconcerns, and deferred maintenance.
• Work with, manage and direct studio manager, part time staff and seasonal interns to ensure a level of professionalism, communication, and teamwork across the organization.
• Inspire, motivate, and empower staff, instructors and interns to provide outstanding experiences and oversee program impacts with measurement of key metrics of program quality and student outcomes.
• Serve as the direct liaison with the media and community organizations.

Fundraising and Resource Development

• In partnership with the Board of Directors, lead all fundraising activities with primary responsibility for meeting annual and multi-year revenue goals, with a focus on donor and partnership cultivation, corporate funding, grant writing, and diversifying the donor base.
• Actively expand fundraising capacity by building relationships and securing financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Represent The Carving Studio effectively with donors, partners and other stakeholders.
• Lead donor stewardship and engagement.

Program and Outcomes

• Serve as the on-site face of the organization ensuring timely and informed decision-making, aligning day to day operations, and responding to challenges and opportunities.
• Organize, plan, and promote programming to strengthen our focus on stone sculpture while appealing to related sculptural disciplines.
• Provide oversight for the development of a long-range planning schedule; recruitment and retention of instructors, explore exhibition initiatives, and foster cross disciplinary relationships with partners related to the historic use of marble.
• Promote The Carving Studio and Sculpture Center’s public profile and visibility through digital platforms.
• Ensure that our property is a safe, welcoming and an accessible place where artists, instructors and visitors experience a sense of connection with our artistic community.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum 5 years of related professional experience.
• Experience in a leadership role at a non-profit organization, ideally with experience with workshop programming, operations and management.
• Management within a creative environment with instructors, studios and materials and with people of varying socio-demographic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies within the non-profit environment with ability to cultivate donors.
• Effective communication skills with ability to share a clear vision both oral and written.
• Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable style and willing to strategize and execute the needs of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Results oriented, able to develop assessment data and integrate organizational and programming improvements.

Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience ($60,000 - $75,000)

Health Insurance Contribution

Four Weeks Paid Time Off

We welcome all applicants. The search process will encompass three rounds of interviews and a thought

exercise with various members of the Board and organization. A background check and a reference check

will also be a part of the process.

For inquiries or to apply send cover letter and CV to: Judith K. Rose (Board Co-Chair)

jkepnerrose@gmail.com