Women’s Studio Workshop (WSW), a non-profit arts organization in Rosendale NY, is seeking a creative and visionary Executive Director (ED). We seek candidates with a proven record of leadership, a deep commitment to contemporary art and artists, a strong understanding of the operation of an arts organization and/or residency program, and a comprehensive commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as an ethical practice. The ideal candidate will have a collaborative and progressive approach to arts leadership.
Founded 50 years ago as a women’s art space, WSW has shed patriarchal definitions of gender to serve an expanded mission: to operate and maintain a workspace that encourages the voice and vision of women, trans, intersex, nonbinary, and genderfluid artists. We provide professional opportunities for artists at various stages of their careers and promote programs designed to stimulate public involvement, awareness, and support for the visual arts. WSW maintains studio facilities in printmaking, papermaking, ceramics, and book arts.
The Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Directors, will bring vitality, direction, and clear communication in their leadership of WSW. The ED is responsible for the overall strategic development, operational management, facilities oversight, and artistic initiatives of the organization, managing and augmenting our financial resources, spearheading fundraising, and leading both short and long-range planning. The ED will serve as the public face of the organization to our varied stakeholders, including the artistic community, donors, grantmakers, sponsors, and partners.
The ED should be a team-oriented leader who is flexible and adaptable, who encourages a warm and creative environment that fosters communication, cooperation, and openness, and who respects staff expertise and allows staff to thrive.
The incoming ED will work closely with our Deputy Director, who has been at WSW for 7 years. Additionally, in order to facilitate a smooth transition, the outgoing Co-Executive Director of Finance, Development and Operations will support the incoming ED through consulting until they are up to speed, with a particular focus on donor management, grants and completion of our new building.