2020 in review →

JOBS

Free Arts seeks dynamic, passionate individuals to join our team!

Current job openings include:

Deputy Director

Teaching Artist Facilitator

Communications & Marketing Manager


Deputy Director

Department: Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Hours: Full-time
Pay Type: Salary $125,000 – $140,000
FLSA Status: Exempt

The Deputy Director is a bright, charismatic, and entrepreneurial leader, and a key part of the organization’s Senior Leadership Team. The Deputy Director partners with the Executive Director and the Chief of Staff to contribute substantive vision, expertise, strategy, and leadership to shape and expand the organization’s development program, drive new revenue streams, and bring fresh ideas. A trusted advisor, this seasoned leader will work intimately with the Executive Director to gain deep insight into the philosophy and internal systems of the organization in an effort to identify and implement development processes and fundraising strategies that lead to diversified revenue streams that further the organization’s mission and enables Free Arts NYC to effectively fulfill its commitments to its stakeholders and constituents. 

This is a highly strategic and facilitative role that requires operations expertise, political savvy, collaboration skills, ambition, and exemplary communications skills. The person in this role must be able to successfully partner with stakeholders across the entire organization to advance strategic priorities and ensure business results are delivered. The Deputy Director will be diplomatic, discrete, proactive, a direct communicator, a highly organized project manager, and committed to the vision and values of Free Arts NYC. At this point in the organization’s growth, the Executive Director is looking for a thought partner who will play an integral role in creating and expanding a shared vision for the future of the organization and develop and cultivate a sense of ownership. 

The Deputy Director reports directly to the Founder/Executive Director, and will supervise the Development Team, and work closely with the Program Director, Chief of Staff, and Finance Manager.

Responsibilities Include: 

Though not an exhaustive list, the Deputy Director is responsible for the following:

Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the Executive Director, Board, and other senior organizational leaders in providing vision, leadership, and strategic analysis, planning and implementation to achieve Free Arts NYC’s goals
  • Drive development efforts and planning for the organization and invest a culture of philanthropy into the entire Free Arts NYC community
  • Develop structure, systems, and goals for the implementation of development efforts
  • Establish performance measures, monitor results, and assist the senior team and Board to evaluate on an ongoing basis the effectiveness of Free Arts NYC’s development program
  • Staff the development committee of the Board and others as assigned
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors and ensure compliance with code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives
  • Provide inspirational leadership and direction to the team, encouraging innovation while ensuring the development and management of a high performing and effective organization; establish decision-making processes that will support the organization in achieving its objectives
  • Cultivate a strong and transparent cross-functional working environment; create and promote a positive, equitable, and inclusive culture that supports and ensures open communication and alignment around the organization’s priorities and goals

Relationship Management & Donor Stewardship

  • Maintain portfolio of Free Arts NYC’s highest net worth donors and key foundations and corporations serving as the primary leader responsible for stewarding these relationships
  • Maintain portfolio of Free Arts NYC’s highest net worth donors and key foundations and corporations serving as the primary leader responsible for stewarding these relationships
  • Cultivate new philanthropic, community, and political relationships using a wide range of acquisition strategies to expand the base of supporters and contributors at all levels and meet Free Arts NYC’s development goals
  • Manage interdepartmental/cross-functional coordination and communication between Development, Marketing and Communications, Finance, and Program Teams, to capture and communicate the Free Arts NYC “story” and assemble resources to support fundraising efforts 
  • Represent Free Arts NYC at key donor and foundation meetings and events, and partner closely with and support the Board, Executive Director, and other senior leaders to develop an active solicitation program including the development of fundraising opportunities and conducting outreach
  • Create and lead a development strategy that engages donors around a compelling mission through strategic partnerships, government alliances, private foundation philanthropy, and/or individual giving
  • Maintain and deepen existing relationships while building bridges and cultivating new innovative partnerships amongst a broad range of stakeholders, with a focus on advancing the organization’s mission

Team Development & Management

  • Build and lead a best-in-class performing development team with a high level of professionalism and dedication
  • Foster a high-performing culture of accountability, trust, and collaboration that embraces change and ensures team members feel appreciated and have equal access to opportunity
  • Lead by example, providing a foundation of respect, support, stability, and positivity for the team ensuring they feel connected to institutional priorities and are kept abreast of decisions made at the senior leadership level
  • Guide the team to implement fundraising plans that outline monetary and activity goals targeting all donor levels and for all areas of support including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, and special events
  • Increase the effectiveness, productivity, and collaboration of the team by serving as a coach and mentor, promoting diversity and inclusion, and motivating team members with energy and passion

Qualifications:

In addition to being interested in ethical, culturally competent fundraising strategies and dedicated to the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the ideal candidates for the Deputy Director role will possess the following skills and attributes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline preferred with 5-10 years in fundraising or relevant sales experience, and at least 4 years of increasingly responsible managerial experience
  • Experience working in a founder’s organization and understanding the unique partnership that entails
  • Demonstrated experience with a proven track record, including driving all major fundraising functions and strategy; building a strong development infrastructure; and cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant major gifts.
  • A proactive and effective fundraiser with proven success securing major gifts and building as well as stewarding relationships with major individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other potential donors
  • Evident experience and success building and executing on a development infrastructure to achieve strategic and annual goals
  • Impeccable judgment and discretion in dealing with sensitive information
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills with experience in development and marketing related writing
  • Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to project professional competence, leadership capability and personal maturity
  • Ability to present in a convincing and professional manner and to inspire and generate enthusiasm amongst donors, volunteers, and staff
  • Excellent team building, facilitation, and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask
  • Nimble and entrepreneurial; ability to be proactive and creative in overcoming obstacles and resource constraints
  • Experience working in the visual arts is preferred; demonstrated foundation in or deep appreciation and passion for art and art history is a plus
  • Passion for the FREE ARTS NYC’s mission and program
  • Strong technology skills, including fluency with donor databases, presentation, and team management software (including but not limited to Salesforce , Asana, Slack, PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Dropbox, Zoom, and Excel).

Physical Demands / Language Proficiency

  • The day-to-day operations of this role require the use of a MacBook Pro, as well as the ability to appear and participate in video conferences. 
  • This role requires the employee to report to the main office as well separate event locations.
  • Language Proficiency: Professional proficiency in English is required and individuals who have working proficiency, or more, in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply. Any proficiency in other or additional languages is most welcome.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Free Arts NYC is committed to building equity within the arts and creative professions, and we recognize that oppression and discrimination have resulted in ongoing disparities for the communities that we work alongside. We believe in being intentional that everyone, regardless of economic circumstances, race, gender, sexuality, national origin, or any other differences, feels they can obtain the benefits of meaningful participation in the arts.

Free Arts NYC must amplify diversity within the arts by connecting youth to a variety of opportunities that build their social capital. Inequity is an ongoing issue, and we will meet it with ongoing and evolving efforts. Through strength-based, intentional curriculum design, and development of our staff and board’s cultural competency, we will more effectively address the needs of those we serve.

How to Apply:

Please apply through DRG Talent.


Teaching Artist Facilitator

Department: Programs
Reports to: Program Manager & Development Manager
Rate: $25/hour
Pay Type: Contract (Annual Term: thru Dec. 31st, Renewable)

About Free Arts Days:

Free Arts Days (FAD) pair 25-100 elementary age youth 1:1 with volunteers for an afternoon of art making and “mini mentoring.”sponsored by a corporation or individual together the pair rotate through a series of 2-3 art projects together that explore a single creative theme  – giving them the opportunity to explore a wide variety of art materials and connect with someone they might not otherwise meet.  Free Arts Days take place at community centers, schools and corporate offices.

About Art Parties:

An Art Party is a volunteer-only employee engagement event for 25-100  that supports our Free Arts Day program. Volunteers hand paint bags; prep art materials; pack art kits; and other projects reflective of the season and our needs. Art Parties take place at corporate offices and the Free Arts office.  

About the Position:

Teaching Artist Facilitators will support both the Free Arts Days and the Art parties and report to both the  Free Arts Day Program Manager and Development Manager.  in preparing for and leading program events. This includes assisting with preparation and day-of logistics ; supporting and guiding positive engagement with volunteers during Art Parties and between volunteer mentors and kids throughout FADs;  upholding Free Arts NYC’s philosophy and being an ambassador for the organization at events.

For Art Parties

  • Set up and break down and clean up event spaces based on activity
  • Set up and deliver video/powerpoint/music presentation as needed
  • Introduce Free Arts and lead orientation based on script
  • Greet and direct volunteers throughout event 

For Free Arts Day

  • Assist in setting up event space
  • Greet volunteers and youth at check in
  • Oversee art activities, pass out supplies, facilitate conversation between youth and volunteers, make suggestions, replenish supplies.
  • Assist with serving lunch
  • Clean up and reset the space

Availability Requirements

  • Flexible hours, weekdays, weekends and evenings 
  • 3 to 6 hours per event
  • Facilitators offered a minimum of 2-5 event opportunities per month in the spring and fall; and 10-20 event opportunities during the summer months.
  • Facilitators required to work at least ⅓ of offers per month. 
  • Dates and times change each week/month with the busiest times in July, August and December. 

Requirements for this position

  • Assertive and confident  public speakers who can lead large groups of both adults and youth in art making activities
  • Comfortable coaching and directing adults to work with youth 
  • Clear and open communicators, both verbally and in writing
  • Patient and attentive to participants (or, good client-service skills)
  • An adept multitasker 

In addition, we prefer candidates to have

  • BA/BFA or be a current undergraduate / graduate student in Art Education, Studio/Fine Arts, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Experience facilitating visual arts programs for youth in underserved communities – in school, community center and/or social service agency settings – that includes:
    • Team teaching/collaborative teaching
    • Working with a wide variety of art materials and techniques
    • Exceptional classroom management skills
    • An asset-based approach to youth development
    • A genuine passion for engaging youth via the arts
    • Experience with special needs youth and/or in inclusion settings

Physical Demands:

This role requires the employee to report to the office or an event location regularly. The employee will be required to sit, walk, stand for long periods of time, bend, pack and unpack inventory, use hands repetitively to handle or operate office equipment including dollies, and lift up to 50lbs.

Other: 

Free Arts NYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to seeking a diverse staff with respect to gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, class, educational background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. All applicants are welcome. Individuals who have working proficiency, or more, in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Proof of vaccination and a successful background check are required for employment. 

This job description is not designed to cover or constrain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required.  When duties and responsibilities change and develop, generally the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.

How to Apply:

Please address resume and cover letter to Jen May ([email protected]) with the subject Teaching Artist Facilitator position.


Communications & Marketing Manager

Department: Development
Reports to: Deputy Director 
Rate: $55,000 – $60,000 
Status: Full Time 
Start Date: Immediate

The Communications & Marketing Manager will play a key role in the development, management and implementation of communications materials, campaigns, initiatives and events across the organization including email, print, website and social media channels. They will design and implement communication strategies to cultivate Free Arts NYC’s varied internal and external stakeholders motivating them to engage and support.

This role will report to the Deputy Director, and will also work closely with the Creative Strategist, Designer, outside consultants as well as other staff to effectively tell the story of programmatic achievements and goals. 

The ideal candidate for this position is a natural storyteller and highly effective communicator, excellent writer, capable of engaging diverse audiences, and motivated to join a collaborative team of passionate people. They will be mission-driven and interested in the ecosystems and communities of arts engagement in New York City and more broadly. They will also share in our commitment to the values of access, equity, and justice.

Responsibilities Include: 

Project Management & Execution

  • Maintain a holistic organization-wide communication calendar incorporating, programs, events, campaigns and relevant outside activities 
  • Actively engage in daily outreach efforts to increase visibility of organization’s content and platforms 
  • Develop and execute targeted outreach for particular programs and campaigns as necessary
  • Work in partnership with the Development Team and an outside consultant on website redesign
  • Develop and oversee social media campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok etc.) ensuring content is up-to-date and reflects current activities and interests. 
  • Schedule and lead editorial and communications planning meetings to develop content concepts and themes.
  • Work in tangent with the Designer and Design Intern to capture and create content and manage print  and online needs for marketing collateral
  • Help ensure the consistent communication of Free Arts NYC’s brand strategy and image, both internally and externally.

Data & Analysis

  • Monitor and provide monthly media, website and social media metrics to track and report on effectiveness of communications and marketing initiatives.
  • Synthesize communications and fundraising campaign results across platforms at the end of each campaign and year over year
  • Manage Google Paid Ads in relations to campaigns and program initiatives
  • Manage Paid Promotions & Partnerships across social media platforms

Writing & Editing

  • Develop and ensure accurate and consistent language across all forms of communication and departments that adheres to and builds upon Free Arts NYC’s brand voice
  • Write and edit copy for emails, newsletters, organizational correspondence, website, campaigns, special projects, flyers, captions, pitch decks, press releases and kits, acknowledgement letters and other external communications
  • Develop language in sync with content to support program and fundraising campaign goals
  • Archive and organize language and marketing collateral for cross-department use
  • Work with outside developers and consultants as needed

Character & Motivation

  • Inspired storyteller who loves art! 
  • Positive thinker who is able to communicate in a productive optimistic and efficient manner
  • Problem solver who is motivated to mitigate and resolve issues and challenges that arise
  • Quick learner who is able to pick up new tools and learn new processes
  • Collaborator who is motivated, highly organized, and self-directed when necessary
  • Energetic, with a spirit of resourcefulness, flexibility, and commitment

Qualifications:

Free Arts NYC recognizes that individuals have diverse life experiences and trajectories that may qualify them for this role, and prioritizes characteristics, skills, and lived experience that will allow for a candidate to undertake the role and learn from Free Arts NYC’s context in ways that support both the organization and the employee’s future career goals. The qualifications listed below are simply a guideline, and we encourage those who do not meet them all but believe they are a great fit to apply anyway.

In addition, we prefer candidates to have:

  • 2-3 years of experience in communications or editorial support at a cultural organization, museum, gallery, educational institution, or other creative context
  • Strong interest in emerging and contemporary art; experience working with artists or in an artist-centered context is highly desirable
  • Familiarity with or eagerness to develop experience within the NFT/Crypto community
  • Strong competency using social media, growing new accounts, and engaging diverse target audiences
  • Understanding of nonprofit and mission-driven contexts; willingness to work on a small team and on many concurrent projects

Work Environment

Currently Free Arts is operating with a hybrid of remote and in-office work. Presence in-office is required 3 days a week. This role will regularly require in-person attendance for events at Free Arts NYC’s office and other offices across the city.  The day-to-day operations of this role require the use of a MacBook Pro, the ability to appear and participate in video conferences and commute throughout the city to events as needed.

Other

Free Arts NYC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to seeking a diverse staff with respect to gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, class, educational background, religion, sexual orientation, and physical ability. All applicants are welcome. Individuals who have working proficiency, or more, in Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Proof of vaccination and a successful background check are required for employment. 

This job description is not designed to cover or constrain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required.  When duties and responsibilities change and develop, generally the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.

How to Apply:

Please address resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Liz Hopfan, Executive Director, at [email protected] with the subject Communications & Marketing Manager.


INTERNSHIPS

Thank you for your interest! We do not currently have internship openings.