Executive Director (The Hudson Valley Writers Center) - Sandi Haynes Executive Search Consulting : Job Details

Executive Director (The Hudson Valley Writers Center)Executive Director (The Hudson Valley Writers Center)

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$125,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

As the Hudson Valley Writers Center approaches its 40th anniversary, the organization stands at a pivotal moment—ready to reimagine its future and deepen its impact as a vital force in the literary arts. We seek a visionary, strategic leader to guide the Center into its next chapter—someone who will honor HVWC's legacy while boldly advancing its mission, reach, and creative footprint.

In recent years, HVWC has expanded significantly through the growth of online programming, allowing the Center to engage a broader national—and increasingly international—audience. This digital evolution complements HVWC's continued commitment to cultivating a literary community close to home, grounded in values of access, inclusion, and artistic excellence.

The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on this strong foundation while pushing the boundaries of what a literary center can be—exploring intersections with other art forms, embracing new platforms, and reimagining how people experience and engage with literature.

We seek a leader with a discerning understanding of the arts and culture landscape—someone attuned to shifting trends and collaborative opportunities. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a beloved institution whose relevance and reach continue to grow.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead a dedicated team of full-time and part-time staff and manage an annual budget of approximately $500K.

In 2022, HVWC purchased and restored the historic Philipse Manor Train Station in Sleepy Hollow, New York—now its permanent home. The Center envisions this landmark as a vibrant gathering space for writers and readers alike, where the literary community is both created and celebrated – a multidisciplinary hub for creative expression.

The Executive Director will serve as HVWC's public face—building meaningful partnerships, championing its mission and values, and ensuring its continued recognition as a vital cultural resource across the Hudson Valley, the state, and beyond.

To learn more, visit writerscenter.org

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

VISION & STRATEGIC PLANNING

• In partnership with staff and board, refine HVWC's vision and distinct identity; critically assess programs to ensure they are mission-aligned, viable, and sustainable;
• Leverage HVWC's uniqueness as an organization with both strong in-person and online programming; seek opportunities to innovate in both areas;
• Within the first 12–18 months, lead staff and board in developing a strategic plan that sets long-term goals to position HVWC as a transformative force in the literary and cultural landscape;
• Inspire collaborative thinking in the design of new initiatives;
• Keep abreast of trends and developments in areas and fields relevant to HVWC's work;
• Continue to seek out and enhance partnerships that deepen the organization's work, expand its reach, and raise its visibility;

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Evolve HVWC's role as a primary and collaborative member of the Hudson Valley cultural community; serve as a vital bridge between HVWC and the community;
• Strengthen HVWC's outreach programs which aim to bring writing and reading instruction to historically underserved individuals and communities;

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FISCAL & FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Lead a small, but highly-skilled professional team, providing meaningful opportunities for staff development and growth; Advance an organizational culture, grounded in collegiality, diversity and equity;
• Assess and refine HVWC's infrastructure, business and financial models, as needed; ensure appropriate capacity, optimal efficiency, and that budget and financial strategies are aligned with HVWC's vision and goals;
• With the support of HVWC's financial staff and the Board Treasurer, oversee all financial systems, including the annual budget, audits, cash flow management and financial analysis; ensure that sound financial structures and timely reporting systems are in place;
• Ensure the sound and efficient operation of HVWC's physical plant, including regularly assessing and budgeting for building maintenance and repairs;
• Through appropriate staffing, oversee facilities rentals, helping to optimize income streams;

FUNDRAISING, MARKETING & EXTERNAL RELATIONS

• Collaborate with the Board and staff to develop a plan aimed at diversifying and expanding funding sources; Identify revenue opportunities, both earned and contributed, with a focus on building an endowment for long-term financial sustainability and growth;
• Oversee all organized fundraising events, especially the annual Gala, managing both staff and volunteer committees in planning and executing benefit events;
• Expand HVWC's membership by developing effective recruitment strategies, pricing models, and benefits;
• Act as a visible thought leader and the primary public representative for HVWC, engaging with the media, elected officials, community leaders, and the literary and broader cultural communities on issues central to the organization's mission;
• Collaborate with appropriate staff to develop HVWC's marketing plan, focusing on competitive analysis, product and pricing refinement, and performance measurement; design and interpret marketing research data as needed;
• Oversee institutional branding and media campaigns (traditional and social);

BOARD RELATIONS & GOVERNANCE

• Cultivate positive, communicative, and responsive relationships with all Board members;
• Assist in identifying and recruiting new Trustees whose skills, perspectives, and dedication will advance HVWC's mission and broaden its support;
• Participate in Board meetings and collaborate with the Executive Committee on planning and policy development.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Ideally, the Executive Director should have:

• At least 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, preferably within the literary or broader arts sector;
• Experience with strategic planning, fiscal and staff management and working with Boards;
• Established networks and credibility with leaders, thinkers, and advocates across relevant fields;
• Proven success in fundraising, including goal-setting and donor identification;
• Presence and ability to serve as an effective spokesperson and ambassador for HVWC, with demonstrated experience in marketing and communications, supported by strong writing and public speaking skills; and
• Political savvy, with the ability to work effectively and build strong partnerships with stakeholders from a wide array of backgrounds, perspectives and communities.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The ideal candidate will be:

• Passionate about the literary arts, and personally committed to HVWC's mission, values and goals;
• An inspiring and entrepreneurial leader; able to think in interdisciplinary ways, and to anticipate and act on events which might create opportunities for HVWC;
• Able to unify stakeholders around a shared vision;
• Authentic, transparent and self-possessed; one who listens well, imparts trust and integrity, and is able to motivate others in a similar vein.

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The Hudson Valley Writers Center is based in Sleepy Hollow, NY (roughly 30 minutes from NYC by MetroNorth)

The Executive Director position is hybrid, and includes some weekly on-site responsibilities.

To apply, please forward a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, and your resume, in confidence, to:

Executive Search Consultant

Seniority level

• Seniority levelExecutive

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionBusiness Development and Sales
• IndustriesNon-profit Organizations

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