Executive Director

Seeking an Executive DirectorThe Bay School Community Arts CenterMathews, VirginiaLead. Inspire. Connect. Create.The Bay School Community Arts Center is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and community-minded Executive Director to lead our nonprofit community arts center in Mathews, Virginia.For more than 20 years, the Bay School has provided opportunities for people of all ages to experience, learn, create, and connect through the arts. Our center includes a gallery, art classes and workshops, summer art camps, community outreach programs, special events, and a pottery studio. We are proud of our strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, community groups, and residents throughout Mathews County.This is an exciting opportunity to build on the Bay School's solid foundation and help shape its next chapter.About the PositionThe Executive Director serves as the day-to-day leader of the Bay School, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, teaching artists, members, donors, community partners, students, and the community.The Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership while ensuring that the Bay School remains financially responsible, artistically vibrant, community-focused, and sustainable for the future.

Key Responsibilities

See https://bayschoolarts.org/join-us for full details.The Ideal CandidateThe Bay School is looking for a hands-on, relationship-oriented leader who is passionate about the arts and understands the importance of community.Qualifications and Education Requirements:· Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent work experience.· 2-5 years of leadership or management experience, preferably in a non-profit, arts, cultural, educational, or community-based organization· HR Knowledge – Compliance/ADA/staff management· Fluent computer-based skills – accounting/office software essential· Budget creation/management· Fundraising Experience· Art Background or Art Appreciation/understanding· Previous experience working with a board/leadership team

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following is especially valuable:· Strong Communication Skills· Experience with Social Media Management and Content Creation· Marketing/Branding/Advertising Experience· Grant Writing· Strategic Planning· Donor Development· Public Speaking· Project Management Experience· Curriculum Development· Community Engagement· Organizational Skills· Volunteer Management/Leadership· Experience working with teens and children of all ages.What We OfferThis position provides an opportunity to become an integral part of a vibrant small-town community and to help guide a well-established community arts organization into its next chapter.The Executive Director will have the opportunity to:Build upon a strong history of community involvement and support.Collaborate with artists, educators, volunteers, donors, students, and community leaders.Help shape the future direction of the Bay School.Expand the organization's programs and community impact.Work in the beautiful coastal community of Mathews, VirginiaPosition: Full-Time, Exempt Salary: To be discussed at offer Benefits: Vacation and sick leave, extended sick leave, employee discount, longevity bonus Schedule: Primarily weekday hours, with evenings and weekends required for exhibitions, classes, meetings, fundraising activities, and special events.Background Check RequiredHow to ApplyPlease submit:A cover letter describing your interest in the position and the Bay School's mission.A current résumé.Three professional references.Submit applications via email or mail:boardchair@bayschoolarts.org Subject: Executive Director Search Mailing Address: Sherri Hamm Attn: Executive Director Search PO Box 31 Gloucester, VA 23061Application Deadline: October 30, 2026