The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of New York Folklore. The
Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for advancing its
mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, organizational management, and
external engagement. The Executive Director is expected to be a highly visible leader who
inspires confidence among staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners while
ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.
The successful candidate will possess strong, collaborative leadership skills, and excellent
organizational, administrative, communication, and managerial skills. Experience with grant
writing and fundraising is essential to identifying and sustaining new projects and initiatives.
The Executive Director position is full-time and exempt. Applicant is expected to reside in the
Capital region if offered the position. Some evening and weekend work should be expected.
Statewide travel as needed.
Duties include:
Program development
● Work with Board of Directors and staff in developing a long-range strategy that achieves
the organization’s mission and reflects its organizational values, including an emphasis
on public folk arts programming rooted in field work and community-based relationship
building
● Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of
public folklore and community-based arts
● Maintain community partnerships and relationships with artists, cultural organizations,
and community stakeholders
Personnel Management
● Supervise a current staff of 5, and hire for any vacancies or new positions that may arise
● Ensure that job descriptions are developed and revised as necessary, that regular
performance reviews are conducted and that sound human resources are in place
● Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of high-quality
people
● Other duties and responsibilities as may be necessary to ensure the safe and
responsible operation and management of the organization and its staff
Budget and Finance
● Work with staff, Finance Committee and Board in preparing the annual budget; ensure
that the organization operates within budget guidelines
● Take the lead on fundraising efforts on behalf of the organization, including longstanding
and new grants through New York State and local governments, regional and national
foundations, federal agencies, other organizations, and large individual donors
● Advance earned revenue through leading fundraising events, membership growth and
retention, solicitation of gifts, and fee for service opportunities
● Work with contractual book-keeping firm to ensure that adequate funds are available to
permit the organization to carry out its work , including by-weekly payroll; in addition,
prepare financial information for annual accounting review, with annual filings such as
the IRS 990, CHAR-500, and IRS-529
Communications
● Maintain regular communication with the Board of Directors on the condition of the
organization and all important factors influencing it; prepare and convene quarterly
Board meetings, committee meetings, fill vacancies as needed, etc.
● Ensure that activities, programs, mission and goals of the organization are publicized
using traditional and social media, including New York Folklore’s website, social media
pages, and email lists
● Coordinate with the editor and editorial board the preparation and distribution of
Voices:
the Journal of New York Folklore
● Serve as the official spokesperson for New York Folklore with various constituents,
including community leaders, politicians, organizational partners, funders, and the
general public
Advocacy
● Serve as the organization’s primary contact for the New York State Council on the Arts
(NYSCA), New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), National Endowment for the Arts
(NEA), and other government-based arts organizations
● Develop and lead local advocacy efforts with local, State and national elected officials
● Serve as the organization’s representative to State and national arts advocacy
organizations
Experience:
A master’s degree in folklore with a focus on public folklore is preferred. A master’s degree in a
related or adjacent field of study (ethnomusicology, cultural heritage studies, museum studies,
anthropology, etc.) will also be considered. A minimum of five years of experience in a
managerial capacity within a cultural organization is required (e.g., Executive Director or
Program Director). A knowledge of the geography and cultural/social history of New York State
and its diverse regions is a plus. The ideal candidate leads first-and-foremost with compassion.
They focus on building and caring for relationships, coalition building, collaboration, and
“leading from the back.” They are flexible, sensitive, understanding, and have exceptional
listening skills.
Disclaimer: We recognize that it’s unlikely that any candidate will meet 100% of the desired
qualifications for a role. If much of this job description resonates with you, we strongly
encourage you to apply today. We’re committed to welcoming candidates with a wide range of
experiences and perspectives – especially those who see themselves contributing to our
mission to support folk and traditional artists, organizations, and communities.
Qualifications:
● Visionary and innovative thinker
● Understanding of the unique needs of folk and traditional artists and tradition bearers
from multiple backgrounds, and with multiple languages
● A commitment to assisting others in enriching the cultural fabric of New York State
● Understanding of non-profit funding sources available in New York State
● Ability to motivate and work collaboratively with all sectors of the community, Board of
Directors, and staff
● Cultivate the energy and expertise of the Board of Directors to implement policies and
directives
● Advanced knowledge of PC based computer systems and technology, including MS
Office Suite (Excel, Word), Adobe, WordPress, POS systems, donor management and
collections management software
This Position is: In-Person, with one day remote following probationary period
Position Type: Full-Time, exempt
Salary Range: $72,000 – $75,000 depending on education and experience.
Benefits: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Up to 5% employer contribution to a 403(b)
plan. Employer-sponsored health insurance plan available after a probationary period, with
employer paying 50% of the premium.
How to Apply: Please submit the following as a single PDF:
● Resume/cv
● Cover letter
● Contact information for 3 references
● 2 professional work samples (written, video, presentation, exhibition, etc.)
Send materials to: executivesearch@nyfolklore.org OR
Search Committee
℅ New York Folklore
PO BOX 110
Schenectady NY 12301
Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027