The Foraker Group

Job Summary

Job Description

Position Overview

The Folk School seeks an inspiring, passionate and curious leader who is forward thinking and values relationship building to lead this dynamic organization during an extreme period of growth and transformation.  Our next Executive Director will be responsible for building upon recently implemented systems and structural improvements, while leading an extremely talented and dedicated staff in the continued modernization of daily operations. Our successes in developing our programming mean that we are now outgrowing our facilities, and our next Executive Director will play a key role in charting our path toward a space that matches our needs. 

Our Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer of The Folk School, overseeing strategic direction, operations, finances, and community relations. They report to the Board of Directors and lead staff, instructors, volunteers, and the community to achieve the mission, sustain growth, and expand impact. The strongest candidates will possess a passion for lifelong learning, community-building, folk education, and environmental stewardship. This is a full time 40-hour per week position.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Guide the organization in alignment with The Folk School’s mission and vision, fostering an inclusive community.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement sustainable strategic initiatives.
• Lead the organization in the continued modernization of systems and operational structures.
• Lead the growth and expansion effort by assembling a team to create a future location plan.
• Inspire and motivate staff, instructors, volunteers, and participants to build a vibrant, resilient, mission-driven organization.

Board Engagement

• Partner with the Board of Directors in maintaining the vision and upholding the values of The Folk School.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support effective governance, board engagement, and development.
• Provide timely and transparent reporting on organizational performance and strategic initiatives.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget.
• Ensure sound financial practices, reporting, and long-term sustainability.
• Align financial planning with strategic priorities and capital investments.

Fundraising

• Lead an earned revenue strategy that strengthens and sustains the school’s long term viability.
• Lead strategic and comprehensive annual fundraising efforts.
• Lead strategic grant writing efforts to expand opportunities across fiscal years. 
• Cultivate, solicit and steward major donors and strategic philanthropic partners.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead a team of 4 staff members and a program fellow in daily administrative tasks and operations, workshop management, program coordination and execution, and community engagement. 
• Recruit, develop and retain a high-performing team.
• Provide and support professional development and collaboration opportunities.
• Foster an inclusive, creative, curious and resilient workplace culture that perpetuates joy.
• Align staffing structure and systems to support organizational growth.

Program & Instructor Development

• Oversee educational experiences; championing the values that inspire learning, connection, and stewardship. 
• Maintain consistent program offerings and increase as capacity allows.
• Create and maintain instructor development opportunities.
• Work closely and collaboratively guiding the Programming Coordinator in program management, support, and development.

Community Outreach & Involvement

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador of The Folk School.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, public agencies, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Work closely with and guide the Communication Engagement Coordinator in developing communications, outreach and public relations strategies.
• Lead the effort to expand local involvement to better reflect the community served by The Folk School.
• Engage in the national and international folk school community through participation in the Folk School Alliance and other relevant networks.

Other Duties

• Coordinate with appropriate agencies for building maintenance. 
• Assist with classroom and event setup.
• Develop building cleaning schedules and oversee maintenance of our facilities.

Qualifications & Technical Competencies

Education & Experience

• Preference of 5 years experience in a directorial role or similar capacity.
• Experience building relationships with donors, partners, and boards.
• Strong financial, operational, and organizational leadership skills.
• A post-secondary degree in a related field is preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred, especially in the area of arts and culture.

Skills & Abilities

• Office Software, Google suite, relevant data entry software, financial software such as Quickbooks.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly.
• Familiarity with graphics applications; e.g., Adobe and Canva.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift or push up to 50 pounds.
• Capacity for long periods of standing, sitting, typing, and reviewing reports/data.
• Ability to navigate stairs, trails and woodland environments.
• Please note: The Folk School currently occupies a historic building that is not ADA compliant.