Executive Director

Alliance for the Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery and Art Center

Executive Director

Position Summary:

Under the direction of a committed Board of Directors (Board), AVA’s

Executive Director (ED) leads a vibrant and well-established community arts organization that

celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023-24. Through collaboration and visionary leadership, the

ED is responsible for building audiences and engaging donors, artists, and the broader

community in AVA’s ever-expanding work, making a significant impact on the local arts

scene. The ED creates and supports balanced financial plans that continue to sustain AVA on a

solid fiscal footing through fundraising and donor stewardship. The ED partners with the Board

to bring strong management and people skills to maintain and support AVA’s arts education and

exhibition programs.

Key Responsibilities:

The Executive Director actively engages with and motivates AVA’s staff and board members,

volunteers, and other AVA community members to encourage a collaborative, mission-focused

environment and expands educational opportunities for volunteers and leadership development

for staff. This collaborative approach ensures a vibrant schedule of programs, classes,

exhibitions, and events that further AVA’s mission and goals. The ED also works with the Board

and staff to develop strategies that position AVA as an advocate for the arts and as a leader in the

Upper Valley arts and culture community. The ED is also a visible presence at AVA exhibitions,

events, and classrooms.

The ED creates and executes comprehensive communication and marketing strategies to increase

AVA’s visibility and engage audiences of all ages in AVA’s programming. A vital part of the

ED’s responsibilities, in partnership with the Board and the director of development, is to create

a comprehensive and long-term development strategy for annual giving, membership,

campaigns, fundraising events, grant writing, and donor cultivation, solicitation, and

stewardship. The ED oversees long-term fiscal strategies and manages budgets, cash flow, and

financial policies through best practices and solid organizational management, playing a crucial

role in AVA's financial stability.

The ED will provide strong leadership for the management, support, and future development of

staff members, drawing out the skills and talents of staff to engage their creative thinking in the

process of achieving AVA’s ambitions. The ED will also oversee and manage the operations and

maintenance of AVA’s buildings and grounds, as well as necessary upgrades to the facilities to

meet the needs of the organization. In the area of technology operations, the ED oversees all

record keeping and communications systems and related vendors and personnel, including

databases, software, internet/WIFI, etc. The ED supports AVA’s commitment to environmental

sustainability and to increasing diversity within the organization in terms of age, ethnicity,

economic status, and underrepresented groups and welcomes all persons–regardless of race,

color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression,

status as a veteran, or basis of disability.

Professional Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a strong background in all aspects of nonprofit management,

with a keen interest in and deep connection to the visual arts. Qualified applicants will have

experience managing multiple revenue streams, supervising and coaching staff, and positively

engaging with AVA stakeholders, including donors, community members, and individual artists.

A bachelor’s degree is required, and a relevant advanced degree is preferred. The position

requires solid personal communication skills and a proven track record in leadership,

fundraising, organizational strategy, marketing, and community engagement. 7 – 10 years of

senior management experience with increasing levels of responsibility and 2 - 5 years

of fundraising experience preferred.

To apply: Email resumé and letter of interest (both in PDF format) with at least three

references to careers@avagallery.org (preferred) or apply via Idealist.

For more information: https://avagallery.org/about-ava/employment-opportunities/

About (AVA) Gallery and Art Center and the Upper Valley Region:

Our Mission:

As a catalyst for creativity, Alliance for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery and Art Center cultivates an

openness of space and mind to inspire, nurture, and showcase the artistic spirit.

Our Vision:

AVA serves its mission by offering dynamic educational programming for artists of all ages and

abilities and maintaining vibrant artist studios and influential exhibitions. With an emphasis on

building community, AVA also hosts and promotes special events that foster interaction between

artists, patrons of the arts, and the general public. All of our work is done with a priority of

environmental sustainability and with the recognition that art enriches our lives. Located in

downtown Lebanon, New Hampshire, just off the town’s classic New England green, AVA is one

of several vibrant arts and cultural institutions in Lebanon and the surrounding towns of the

Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont.

The Upper Valley Region:

The Upper Valley is a vibrant region renowned for its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness,

and dynamic opportunities. Nestled between the Green and White Mountains, the area offers

breathtaking landscapes and abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, and

cycling. The proximity to major cities like Boston, Burlington, and Montreal adds to its appeal.

Cultural offerings abound, from the Lebanon Opera House and Northern Stage theater to the

AVA Gallery and Dartmouth's Hood Museum and Hopkins Center for the Arts. Events like White

River Junction's First Fridays foster a lively, creative atmosphere. Whether enjoying world-class

arts, outdoor adventures, or a sense of community, the Upper Valley offers something for

everyone.

AVA Gallery and Art Center is an equal-opportunity employer