Executive Director

 Organization

Hook Arts Media (HAM), based
in Brooklyn, New York, has a rich history rooted in community
engagement and artistic expression. Founded in 1994, the
organization initially gained national acclaim for integrating the
arts into community development and recovery efforts in Red Hook.
Subsequently, the organization has focused on creative learning and
community change in historically disinvested communities across New
York City, while maintaining its Red Hook headquarters, with a
primary focus on offering transformative arts and media learning
opportunities for teens and young adults citywide. 

HAM centers their programming on young people, primarily Black,
Indigenous, and people of color, from historically disinvested
communities, such as the residents of NYC Housing Authority. Their
flagship education program, Arts Forward, encompasses both
school-based and community-based education programs for teens and
young adults. 

In-school multidisciplinary programs primarily serve NYC
transfer high schools, enhancing media literacy and preparing young
people for college and the workforce. These customizable in-school
and after-school arts programs include credit-bearing classes and
multi-day workshops on hip-hop poetry, dance, percussion,
filmmaking, and West African dance. Community filmmaking programs
offer teenagers and young adults opportunities to learn media
production skills, from filmmaking to digital storytelling, under
the guidance of experienced professionals, they also pay young
participants as they create original films, providing valuable
professional experience. Their film programs, such as the Fall and
Spring After-School Programs, the Summer Digital Boot Camp, and a
seven-month film workforce development program Digital Connections,
provide intensive training in professional filmmaking, editing, and
production techniques, culminating in public screenings of
student-produced films. Their programs have significant positive
outcomes, including improving student attendance, time management,
and career readiness, demonstrating the transformative power of
arts education.

Hook Arts Media’s impact on the New York City populations it has
engaged with has been profound. By providing a space for creative
expression and learning, the organization has empowered countless
young people to develop their artistic talents and pursue careers
in the arts. Alumni of HAM’s film programs have continued on to
college, positions in the industry, and graduate programs at
Columbia and the University of Southern California. The
organization’s belief that the arts are an effective vehicle for
social transformation has meant that the organization’s programs
often address systemic inequalities, fostering a more engaged and
informed community within and beyond its programs. For participants
and staff, HAM offers a nurturing and dynamic environment where
creativity meets community change, making it an ideal place for
anyone passionate about the arts and anti-oppression work. 
Their annual Red Hook Fest and other events further exemplify their
commitment to celebrating local talent and community
collaboration. 

HAM has a nine-member board of directors, led by its current
President Sam Sills. The administrative staff includes 2 full-time
employees, 4 part-time employees, and a roster of 13 teaching
artists. For the fiscal year ending in 2022, the total operating
revenue was $949,210 with approximately $732,267 from contributions
and grants and the remaining $216,943 coming from program service
revenue. Expenses were $1,020,148. Fiscal year 2023 annual revenues
are projected to be $1,027,185.

Community

Located on the western Brooklyn waterfront, Red Hook is a
vibrant and socio-economically diverse community. This neighborhood
brings together longtime residents, artists, and newcomers,
fostering a socially cohesive environment where collaboration is
key to addressing challenges and developing solutions that benefit
everyone.

Originally a bustling industrial port in the 19th and early 20th
centuries, Red Hook faced decades of redlining and disinvestment.
However, recent years have seen renewed investment and
revitalization. The 1930s saw the establishment of Brooklyn’s
largest public housing project in Red Hook, where 72% of the
population now resides.

A network of community organizations is one of Red Hook’s
greatest strengths. Groups like Hook Arts Media, the Red Hook
Houses Resident Associations (East and West), the Red Hook
Initiative, and the Red Hook Community Justice Center play pivotal
roles in supporting residents, developing vibrant programs, and
addressing community needs. The people of Red Hook exemplify
resilience, creativity, and an unwavering determination.

Today, the neighborhood’s sense of community, stunning
waterfront views, cobblestone streets, and historic industrial
charm make Red Hook an attractive place to live and work.

Sources: redhookconservancy.org; cityneighborhoods.nyc;
likealocaltours.com

Position Summary

HAM’s Executive Director will bring a proactive and strategic
approach to leadership. The Executive Director will oversee
organizational initiatives, foster stakeholder relationships, and
drive growth. Responsibilities include managing budgets, developing
partnerships, and ensuring program effectiveness. They must
demonstrate expertise in conflict resolution, employee development,
and effective communication. The Executive Director will also
demonstrate a proven ability to foster and maintain a culture that
prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong
commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices. The
Executive Director will be accountable for organizational
performance, implementing data-driven decisions, and achieving
collective goals. They should possess strong negotiation skills and
a collaborative and relationship-oriented personality. The
Executive Director will be expected to navigate challenges, build
robust networks, and lead the organization with vision and
determination. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Vision and Strategic Leadership

• Formulate and execute a comprehensive strategic plan that
  aligns with HAM’s mission, vision, and values, setting both
  long-term and short-term organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish and review
  organizational policies, prepare for quarterly board meetings, and
  ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
• Establish and manage annual budgets, track financial
  performance, and ensure the overall financial health of the
  organization.
• Ensure all programs and initiatives align with HAM’s mission
  and strategic goals, maintaining high standards of quality and
  impact.
• Lead the organization through potential expansions, including
  establishing community arts media centers in multiple locations and
  increasing HAM’s presence in the community.
• Embrace additional responsibilities, as necessary.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Maintain strong relationships with alumni and integrate them
  into the organization’s future, including board membership and
  advisory roles.
• Foster partnerships with local community groups, organizations,
  funders, and other stakeholders to both increase support and
  enhance HAM’s reach and impact.
• Advocate for HAM’s mission and values in various forums,
  enhancing the organization’s visibility through strategic marketing
  and public relations efforts.
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, building
  partnerships and expanding the individual donor pool to secure
  resources for HAM’s vision.
• Represent HAM at special events, festivals, meetings with
  community partners, and arts education events, ensuring strong
  community ties and organizational presence.
• Embrace additional stakeholder engagement and partnership
  duties, as necessary.

Operational and Performance Management

• Hire, train, and supervise core staff, fostering a
  collaborative and positive work environment, and conducting annual
  staff reviews to ensure high performance and professional
  growth.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring
  effective and efficient program delivery and operational
  performance.
• Work with key staff to develop, implement, and assess
  educational and cultural programming, ensuring alignment with
  organizational goals and community needs.
• Regularly visit programs and meet with departmental directors
  and teaching staff to ensure program quality and address any issues
  or concerns promptly.
• Oversee the production of the annual Red Hook Festival and
  other events, managing budgets, cultivating sponsorships, and
  curating artists for successful event execution.
• Embrace additional operational and performance management
  duties, as necessary.

Traits and Characteristics

The Executive Director will be a passionate advocate for the
arts with a strategic and visionary approach. They will excel in
building collaborative relationships with staff, artists,
educators, and the community. Demonstrating cultural competency,
integrity, and sound judgment, they will handle sensitive matters
with care. Committed to artistic education for all, they will be
adaptable, creative, and results-oriented, using innovative
solutions to drive the organization forward. With a focus on
teamwork, leadership, and resilience, they will cultivate a
supportive culture and align resources, mission, and strategy with
the communities HAM serves.

Other key competencies include the following:

• Leadership and Personal Accountability – The
  ability to influence others’ behavior to accomplish an objective
  while remaining answerable for personal actions.
• Creativity, Innovation, and Futuristic
  Thinking – Imagining, envisioning, and creating new
  approaches, designs, processes, technologies, and/or systems to
  achieve the desired result.
• Diplomacy and Conflict Management –
  Effectively and tactfully handling difficult or sensitive issues to
  resolve conflict constructively.
• Resilience and Flexibility – Readily
  modifying, responding, and adapting to change with minimal
  resistance and recovering quickly from adversity.

Qualifications

The Executive Director of HAM must have 5+ years of leadership
experience in nonprofit cultural arts organizations. This role
requires strong public relations, public speaking, marketing, and
fundraising expertise. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth
understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by
historically marginalized racial groups in the U.S., particularly
Black, Indigenous, and Latinx communities, with a comprehensive
grasp of institutional and structural racism and its effects on
underserved populations, in addition to a proven track record of
successful collaboration with a board of directors and leading
multi-disciplinary teams to execute programs. Knowledge and
understanding of the Red Hook communities and NYC’s fundraising
environment are desired, but it is essential that the Executive
Director be an energetic and engaging public representative with a
people-centric approach. Strong financial oversight skills,
including budget management and financial reporting, are essential.
Experience in media, video, filmmaking, or digital arts and/or an
education background is strongly desired. Exceptional communication
skills and a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required.

Compensation and Benefits

HAM offers a comprehensive compensation package, including an
annual salary in the range of $105,000 to $115,000. Benefits
include paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, personal days, and
medical insurance.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of
demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred),
please click
here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches.
For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity,
including the anticipated salary range, please contact:

Dat Ngo

Vice President, Planning and Capacity Building

1030 15th Street NW, Suite 283

Washington, DC 20005-1500

Tel       (888) 234.4236 Ext.
235

Cell      (571) 380.3776

Email    [email protected]

HAM is an equal opportunity employer. HAM is an
anti-racist organization and seeks an individual committed to
ensuring that its diversity, equity, and inclusion values are
actively and authentically implemented across all programs,
policies, and its workplace.