Position: Managing Director

Company: Ball & Socket Arts, Inc

Location: Cheshire, CT

Reporting to: Executive Director

About the Company: Ball & Socket Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization. We are beginning full-time programming in the summer of 2022 while simultaneously continuing to raise funds for developing the remaining historic factory buildings.

During our Phase 1 programming, we will offer curated gallery shows, changing mural installations, a writer's workshop, outdoor concerts, marketplaces, commissions, artist lectures, and other related activities and programming. 

About the role: We are looking for someone with a deep passion for arts, historic preservation, community engagement, and creative placemaking. The Managing Director will be the chief administrator, in charge of all aspects of organizational well-being, including but not limited to overseeing communications, organizational systems, budgets and finances, development and grant writing, marketing and outreach, staff coordination, board development, and communications. The Managing Director will actively partner with the Executive Director to support the vision, mission, and work of BaSA. An ideal candidate will welcome the challenge of building an organization from the ground up.

This position offers an exciting and unique opportunity to be part of the transformation of this historic 150-year-old manufacturing facility into a vibrant environment of discovery, learning, and community engagement with a focus on contemporary art, arts-related community organizations, and a venue for music, theater, and the humanities. This position has been created and is funded with the support of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: 

Organizational:

• Maintain and communicate the vision, values, and goals of the Ball & Socket Arts
• Maintain and optimize BaSA’s organizational tools, systems, and practices
• Coordinate and supervise staff
• Generate, organize, and finalize all legal contracts and artist agreements
• Manages yearly contracts with vendors and services and updates
• Ensure nonprofit legal compliance with all government filings
• Coordinate development, networking, and community outreach
• Oversee marketing, public relations, and media plans, including social media & website maintenance
• Assemble & maintain press distribution list, lead the writing and distributing of press releases and newsletters
• Recruit, coordinate and assist in orientation and training for volunteers and potential interns
• Represent BaSA in meetings with relevant grantors, partnering agencies, and organizations
• Running organizational meetings with staff and volunteers
• Prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and access work in all aspects of artistic and management decisions

Financial and Fundraising:

• Work with leadership in creating and managing operational and program budgets
• Manage organizational grant calendar. Research, identify and write grants and grant reports
• Familiarize oneself with BaSA’s giving community and supporters and develop new prospect relationships
• Ensure appropriate and compliant bookkeeping around budget, payroll, and grant spending compliance
• Oversee donor management system and online donations platform
• Make informed recommendations about investments and successfully manage the organization's finances
• Participating in and/or supervising fundraising events
• Apply for Liquor license and catering license applications as needed

Board of Directors Liaison:

• Maintain close communication and coordination with the Board.
• Generate and prepare reports (organizational updates, financial, minutes) for board meetings and distribute them to Board Chair and Executive Director ahead of meeting time.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with community members, artists, art organizations, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate visiting artist workshops.
• Book venues for off-site events
• Participating in Capital Campaign Fundraising
• Candidate should have a “roll up sleeves” attitude
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in the arts or three years+ of experience managing a nonprofit organization.

Credentials/experience in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or a related field are important.

Candidate should demonstrate:

• Exceptional administration, communication, and writing skills
• Experience working with communities
• Fundraising experience
• Experience with Microsoft 360, QuickBooks, Network for Good, or similar donor management platforms

Previous Experience and/or Degrees:

Nonprofit Management, Arts Management/Administration, Project Management

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and climb stairs
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Lengthy periods of standing and walking in all areas of the facilities
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the facilities
• Ability to travel

Please submit your resume and cover letter to apply for this position.

Ball & Socket Arts, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.