Executive Director, Sanctuary for Independent Media

Who We Are

The Sanctuary for Independent Media (Media Alliance) is a diverse arts, science and media organization in New York State’s Capital Region, and an integral part of the struggle for social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression. Our headquarters, The Sanctuary for Independent Media, is based in a former church–part of an urban campus that includes indoor and outdoor presenting and multimedia production spaces, a science and environmental center, a health sanctuary, and extensive gardens. This urban campus serves as a hub for creative organizing and action, hosting activities ranging from screenings, talks, performances and workshops to youth programming, public art projects, student internships, and more. We also have media production and broadcasting facilities–including radio station WOOC 105.3FM–with a local focus and worldwide reach. Our vibrant community is built on foundations provided by generations of artists, scientists, and activists representing a rich radical tradition.

We use art, science and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate for this exciting role is someone who is a leader, community builder and collaborator. If you are someone who is passionate about media, art and science and believe it is a pathway to social and environmental justice, then we are the place for you!

Of critical importance is building a fiscally sustainable future. Your ability to collaborate, develop, and motivate a diverse, dedicated and talented staff is also central to this role.

The right candidate will seek to advance the organization’s mission by executing the strategic direction and social justice objectives of the organization, with equity at the forefront. This includes serving our diverse multi-generational community, including the North Troy neighborhood, by building alliances and collaborative relationships centered in trust, responsibility and accountability.

The successful candidate will ensure the organization’s commitment to continue our service to the North Troy community as well as the larger community of activism and advocacy. This person will do this by building collaborative relationships centered in trust, responsibility, and accountability with staff and all stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead the organization’s strategic direction to carry out the social justice mission, vision, and values by promoting growth; engage, motivate and manage an accomplished, dedicated and collaborative small paid staff, committees of volunteers, and collaborate with the board of directors and its staff/volunteer committees;
• Finance and Administration: Oversee the budget development and property management. Ensure a long-range financial plan is in place with the appropriate financial checks and balances to promote fiscal sustainability; work with the Finance Committee; work with bookkeeper for grant management, spend down, compliance, audits, taxes, payroll, etc.
• Fundraising: Cutivate a stronger, more diversified, base of support and manage existing grants; including sustainer campaign, foundation grants, state and federal grants; develop relationship with individual donors; seek new funding streams;
• Program Development: Manage the goal setting and implementation of programs and initiatives, determine where and when growth opportunities can be realized; work with the Programming Committee;
• Outreach & Community Engagement: Elevate the organization’s presence in the community by serving as the public voice in developing our base of supporters and partners;
• Board Relations: Collaborate with the Board to diversify and expand its members to ensure its active involvement and support for organizational growth. Partner with the Board and its Governance Committee to set strategy, model the vision, mission and values of the organization.

Qualifications

We are seeking someone with a good mix of many of these qualifications. We encourage applications from Black, LatinX, Indigenous and other People of Color, LGBTQ, women and other underrepresented groups.

• Experience in managing a budget, working in concert with a board of directors; experience in managing accountants and other contractors;
• 5+ years of experience in leading fundraising activities to support growth by sourcing, attracting, and retaining individual, corporate, private, and government funders; as well as developing new grassroots fundraising strategies;
• Proven track record of success in cultivating and managing relationships with various stakeholders, including but not limited to: a board of directors, staff, volunteers, donors, contractors, partners/allies and community members;
• Strong project management skills, especially related to full-cycle grants management, with experience initiating and overseeing multi-phase projects to completion in a collaborative and streamlined way;
• 5+ years in a management or leadership role within a community-based arts, radio, science, environmental, advocacy or activist organization;
• Creative and strategic problem-solving skills, including flexibility in an ever-changing environment;
• Quantifiable success in building and sustaining alliances and support;
• Volunteer management experience, fostering relationships and recognizing contributions, vital to our success;
• Familiarity and comfort with learning technical tools, including GSuite, SalesForce, Quickbooks, and Zoom;
• Bachelor’s degree, strongly preferred;
• Grace under pressure and a sense of humor!

Hopefully after reading the job description you have a solid idea of the spirit of this role. If you feel in your bones you are the right person for this job, we welcome you to apply, even if you do not meet every qualification.

Join Us

To apply for this role, please submit your resume directly to Melea Seward via email at [email protected]. Ensure your resume is saved in a widely accepted format such as PDF to preserve formatting and make it easy to review. In your email, include a clear subject line: “Executive Director”, and consider attaching a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience. 

Be sure to double-check that your contact information is up to date and that your resume addresses the qualifications outlined in the job description. We look forward to receiving your application and learning how you can contribute to the team!

The Sanctuary for Independent Media, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to diversity in the workplace and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s race, creed (religion), color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender expression), or sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, disability (including AIDS and HIV infection), predisposing genetic characteristic, military status, domestic violence victim status, or any other legally protected status. All employment is decided on qualifications and merit.

Start Date:  Immediately

Role Type: Full-Time

Location: Troy, NY

Reports To: Board of Directors

Compensation: $65,000-70,000 plus benefit contribution & sick/vacation time