Executive Director

Organization Background

Spiral House Park, located in the Hudson Valley between the towns of Woodstock and Saugerties, is a newly-formed nonprofit organization at the intersection of care for the environment and enjoyment of the arts.  This 45-acre property, developed by Patty Livingston and the late artist Tom Gottsleben, is home to Gottsleben’s stone and crystal glass sculpture, a house that spirals five stories to form a bluestone nautilus with views of the Catskill Range, extensive native and traditional ornamental gardens, and trails that wind through woodlands and abandoned stone quarries. It is the mission of Spiral House Park to steward the property for public access, and to create programming that celebrates art, nature, and their power to transform the way we see and care for the world.

Position

Spiral House Park is looking for a dynamic strategic leader with a love of the arts, the environment, and the magic of this slice of the Hudson Valley to join the team as our first Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and collaborating with the leadership team, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the organization, including strategy, fundraising, financial planning, staffing, and program development. The Executive Director will oversee the park’s organizational and programmatic development, as well as operations of the facilities. 

The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead the organization at an exciting and formative time as it embarks on its first full season of public access and programs, and will play a pivotal role in driving forward the vision and mission of the park’s founder and creating a strategic plan for sustainability and growth.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership skills and experience managing a start-up organization and is inspired by the opportunity to work at a truly unique place, surrounded by the beauty of the natural setting and the wonder of the park’s sculpture collection, trails, and gardens. We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated record of successful fundraising as well as administrative oversight, and who will offer strong stewardship of the organization’s exceptional assets. 

This is a full-time position, with varied responsibilities depending on the season.

Location

This position is primarily on site at Spiral House Park in Saugerties, NY, with some opportunities to work virtually.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the board of directors and leadership team, develop and execute a multiyear strategic plan and budget, including plans for public programs, classes and workshops
• Oversee business operations including the annual budget, fiscal management, reporting, technology and database systems, compliance, and human resources
• Manage relationship with Open Space Institute, which is currently serving as the fiscal sponsor for Spiral House Park, and the transition to independent 501c3 status
• Work with leadership team to develop and expand Board of Directors
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a mission-driven staff and volunteer team
• Ensure sustainable funding from diverse sources including public and private foundations, government grants, individual donors, and earned income
• Identify, cultivate, and strengthen relationships with new and existing donors
• Supervise Property Manager to ensure proper maintenance and security of all aspects of the property
• Build strong community partnerships
• Ensure strong and effective Spiral House Park branding
• Oversee all social media and public relations
• Serve as the voice and ambassador for Spiral House Park

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree; advanced degree a plus
• A minimum of seven years of management experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting
• Thrives working in an entrepreneurial start-up environment
• Strong track record in fundraising with experience soliciting major donors and private and government grants
• Knowledge of nonprofit accounting requirements
• Experience creating and managing organizational budgets
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with the Mid-Hudson Valley community
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders
• Love and knowledge of the arts and environment
• Comfortable working in a park-like setting