Executive Director

The Position

Squeaky Wheel seeks a new Executive Director who is dynamic, dedicated, and passionate. The position is an opportunity for an innovative and agile leader, experienced in the arts, to steer Squeaky Wheel in the programming and profile of this nationally recognized media arts organization. Candidates should have exceptional writing skills, be able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of managing an arts organization, work well with diverse groups of people, and effectively represent Squeaky Wheel publicly. Strengths should include knowledge and enthusiasm for the media arts, writing grants, overseeing programs and finances, and fostering relationships within a passionate constituency.

About Squeaky Wheel

Squeaky Wheel is a place where art, technology, and community intersect. Located in Buffalo’s downtown Theater District inside the historic Market Arcade Complex, it is the only organization in Western New York with programming entirely dedicated to media arts. Squeaky Wheel collaborates with other cultural organizations, institutions, and schools throughout the region. The organization’s longstanding history of providing community-based media art related programs has established an expansive network of national and international artists, scholars, and media arts practitioners. By offering uniquely interconnected education, exhibition, and equipment access programs, Squeaky Wheel will connect and engage emergent creative communities in the Buffalo region and across the globe.

Squeaky Wheel is guided by the following intentions:

Deepen relationships

Create spaces for difference

Approach the unimaginable

Be intersectional

Invent new vocabularies

Practice reflection+action

Realize continuities

Transform internally to make change externally

Shape new forms of connection

The Executive Director leads an organization that is, and supports:

Cross section of local and International media art community
Diverse and intergenerational constituency
A dynamic hub for generating new ideas, sharing skills, future thinking, hands-on learning, engaged participation
Operating at the convergence of physical and virtual space
Creativity, connection, wellness and community
Support and foster local talent
Collaborate with community partners across spaces and platforms
Exploring the meaning of Access: opening, availability, approachability, possibilities
The Executive Director is responsible for, and accountable to:

Board of Directors
Vision & Strategy
Finance & Development
Community Relations
Leading People
Key duties and responsibilities:

Oversee general operations of the organization, including:Manage and coordinate finances, budgets, fundraising and development plans.
Hire and supervise full-time and part-time staff, independent contractors, interns, and volunteers.
Write and manage grants for general operation, exhibition and educational programs and capital initiatives.
Lead the charge in facilitating DEI initiatives and training
Work with Board of Directors and staff to develop and implement short and long term strategic plans and policies aligned with the organization’s mission.
Foster and maintain relationships with regional, national, and international audiences in the media arts, non-profit, and community development sectors.
Represent, promote, and advocate on behalf of the organization within larger media art fields.
Qualities we are looking for:

Adaptable: ability to respond to external and internal changes with agility and mission-centricity

Forward-thinking: ability to think long term about the big picture trajectory of the organization

Courageous: willing to take risks and try new things to best meet the needs of a diverse constituency

Driven: committed to Squeaky’s mission and vision

Culturally Competent: Committed to the ability to understand and interact effectively with people from diverse cultures, backgrounds and lived experiences

Spirited leader: Ability to inspire and engage staff and Board of Directors in the organization’s work

Qualifications

3+ years experience in non-profit arts organization or program management in a role focused on strategy, leadership, and decision-making
Bachelor’s degree (4+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree will be considered. An advanced degree in Media Arts, Arts Administration or related field is a bonus but not a requirement.)
Excellent oral and written communication skills, and web and social media literacy.
Experience with developing and executing operating budgets.
Successful track record of grant writing and management
Development of fundraising initiatives
Experience working with a variety of organizations, corporations, and community groups in building meaningful partnerships and programs.
Enthusiasm interacting with a broad array of people; ability to navigate local, regional, and national art communities.
Strong commitment to Squeaky Wheel’s equal access policies.
Embrace of experimentation and creativity.
Compensation/Benefits

Compensation in the range of $45,000 to $55,000 annually. Healthcare costs are split between the organization and employee; paid vacation, sick and personal days.

How to apply

Please send cover letter and résumé in a single PDF document via email to:

edsearch@squeaky.org

Subject: Executive Director Search

BIPOC, and sexual & gender minority applicants, are encouraged to apply.

Early applications encouraged. No phone calls, please.

Deadline: September 15, 2021