Associate Director

Position title: Associate Director

Type: Full-time, Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Salary: $40,000 annual

Reports to: Executive Director

Closing Date: Open until filled.

PURPOSE:

The Associate Director plays a critical role in ensuring Artworks operates smoothly, programs are delivered with excellence, and the facility remains a welcoming and vibrant center for creativity, learning, and connection in the Big Rapids community.

SUMMARY:

The Associate Director supports the Executive Director in the successful day-to-day leadership and management of Artworks and is responsible for overseeing programming, education initiatives, facility operations, and administrative systems that bring the organization’s mission to life.

This position oversees classes, workshops, programs, gift shop operations, and facility rentals. The Associate Director ensures strong internal systems, high-quality participant experiences, and smooth operational execution while contributing to fund development, marketing, and community engagement efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming & Education

  • Oversee planning and execution of:

    • Classes and workshops

    • Community outreach and school partnerships (i.e. Festival of Banners, Art Attack)

    • Programs (i.e. camps, After-School-Art, Road Trip)

  • Expand and develop class offerings in alignment with the strategic plan and budget.

  • Work collaboratively with instructors to ensure high-quality teaching/learning environments.

  • Assist in shaping artistic/programmatic direction with leadership and Programming Comm.

  • Track participation data, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.

  • Support inclusive, accessible programming that reflects community needs and interests.

Facility, Gift Shop & Operations

  • Oversee daily operations of the Artworks facility.

  • Coordinate facility rentals, leases, and event logistics.

  • Maintain accurate sales, program, and rental records.

  • Oversee quarterly gift shop resets and cultivate relationships with regional artists and vendors.

  • Prepare artist payments and instructor reimbursements for accounting processing.

  • Assist with deposits, financial reporting, and operational tracking as assigned.

  • Implement and monitor internal operational systems and administrative processes.

Volunteers & Instructors

  • Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise volunteers and contracted employees.

  • Support professional development and maintain personnel documentation.

  • Assist with performance evaluations and HR processes.

  • Help maintain operational procedures, policies, and updates to the employee handbook.

  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture.

Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

  • Support development and execution of all marketing and public relations strategies.

  • In cooperation with the Development Coordinator assist in communications including:

    • E-newsletters

    • Website updates

    • Social media coordination

    • Promotional materials

    • Annual report content

  • Represent Artworks at community events, outreach initiatives, and committees as assigned.

  • Serve as an organizational ambassador and visible community representative.

Fund Development Support

  • Assist with donor cultivation, membership engagement, and stewardship efforts.

  • Support fundraising events, including gala logistics and campaign coordination.

  • Help manage donor database updates and grant implementation tracking and reporting.

Board & Strategic Support

  • Participate in committees or meetings as assigned by the Executive Director.

  • Provide operational insight to inform planning, budgeting, and decision-making.

 QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

  • Demonstrated commitment to nonprofit arts, humanities, and community-centered work.

  • Experience in program management, arts administration, nonprofit operations, education coordination, or related fields.

  • Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.

  • Collaborative, relationship-oriented, and effective at problem-solving.

  • Financial tracking and administrative experience preferred.

  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a leadership team.

  • Willingness to work flexible hours to support exhibitions, events, and community engagement activities.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email a cover letter and résumé to artworks@artworksinbigrapids.org

Development Coordinator

Position title: Development Coordinator

Type: Part-time (20-25 hours per week), between 8am-4pm Monday-Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours.

Salary: $20.40 - $21.50 per hour; commensurate with experience

Reports to: Executive Director

Closing Date: Open until filled.

PURPOSE:

The development coordinator is responsible for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive fund development plan that includes maintaining and increasing the list of donors. By working with the organization’s Executive Committee, co-directors and the co-chair of the Donor and Fund Development Committee, the development coordinator will assist in the ongoing fundraising and related operational needs. 

SUMMARY:

This role involves organizing large-scale fundraising initiatives, working with board members, contributing to the organization’s annual fundraising goals, and cultivating relationships with donors, members, staff, artists, instructors, and volunteers. The development coordinator will co-chair the Donor and Fund Development Committee and assist in implementing all fundraising strategies.  

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

· Sustain and expand relationships with existing donors, members, volunteers, artists, sponsors, and the community-at-large.

· Collaborate with the board of directors and the Donor and Fund Development Committee to create and implement a fundraising plan that includes planned gifts.

· Identify and cultivate gift prospects, as well as corporate donations.

· Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed to achieve fundraising goals.

· Source grant funding opportunities that align with organization’s mission, vision, and values.

· Work with staff in maintaining donor database.

BOARD RELATIONS

· Serve as co-chair of the Donor and Fund Development Committee.

· Report progress monthly to Executive Committee and board of directors.

FINANCIAL INSIGHT

· With staff, Finance Committee, and Executive Committee, develop projections and a budget, including strategic planning goals.

MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, and COMMUNICATIONS

· Develop and execute effective stakeholder communications and strategic marketing initiatives.

· Generate development materials such as grant applications, case statements, annual appeals, and membership appeals.

· Assist staff in creating and delivering talking points to board of directors, volunteers, artists, and instructors to encourage donor contributions.

SKILLS and QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates should possess a passion for and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the mission and vision of non-profit organizations.

REQUIRED:

· Degree and/or equivalent experience in a non-profit organization.

· Proven track record of success in fundraising.

· Connections to the Big Rapids community.

DESIRED:

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, marketing, economics, or a related field.

· Experience in donor development/fundraising at the community level or above.

· Experience with and an appreciation for the arts and humanities.

· Knowledge of fundraising and tax laws that affect charitable giving.

· Understanding of financial reporting, and budgets.

· Grant writing experience.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with good interpersonal skills.

· A dynamic, versatile, and detail-oriented strategic thinker.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email a cover letter and résumé to artworks@artworksinbigrapids.org

Equal Employment Opportunity:

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Artworks are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Artworks does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, military or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Artworks partners with leaders and visionaries who believe in the value of the arts and humanities. Their support brings the arts and humanities to life and Artworks is grateful for their commitment.