Bronx River Art Center :: About Us

Bronx River Art Center is hiring for two roles: Executive Director and Manager of Art Education!

BRAC is a 37-year-old community-based multi-arts organization located in the heart of The Bronx in West Farms Square. BRAC offers four programs serving the vibrant, and underserved community in the south-central section of the Bronx and the larger cultural community of New York City:

Free after-school education programs in the visual arts and fee-based art classes for youth, adults and families.
A diverse series of contemporary art exhibitions in a storefront gallery.
A studio program for professional artists.
A multi-disciplinary performance program.

Given our proximity to the Bronx River — a unique natural resource that runs the length of The Bronx — our arts programming integrates environmental studies and urban design to promote awareness of environmental justice issues and a commitment to local community development.

BRAC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience and vision for arts education to jobs@bronxriverart.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Executive Director directs and advances all elements of the organization’s mission, strategy, programming, and operations. The position serves as the face of the organization, guiding both internal and external stakeholders towards a shared vision for the Bronx River Art Center, and for the field of multi-arts, non-profit organizations that provide a forum for community, artists, and youth to transform creativity into vision. Our goal is to inspire and encourage participants, especially our teens and young adults, to take civic action to improve conditions within our Bronx communities.

The Executive Director partners with the Board of Directors and the senior leadership team to build organizational health and vitality through adaptable systems and processes, diverse, reliable and repeatable revenue streams, inclusive and collaborative decision making, responsive and impactful programming, and community engagement.

The position reports to the Board of Directors and oversees full-time and part-time staff. This is a full-time, exempt position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations and Financial Management

Develop responsible fiscal practices through multi-year financial goals, annual budgets, and cash flow projections
Carefully monitor revenue and expenses throughout the fiscal year
Oversee fiscal management activities, ensuring effective internal controls
Work with staff to prepare accurate and complete financial statements; complete annual audited financial statements
Ensure compliance with all accounting, reporting, filings, record keeping, and HR-related requirements

Strategic Visioning and Leadership

Uphold a shared strategic vision in line with BRAC’s mission, history, and values
Create long-range direction and strategic goals with board, staff and relevant stakeholders
Drive a communications strategy to attract donors, partners and program participants
Maintain a deep understanding of the nonprofit arts sector; take leadership roles in advocating for access to the arts and art education in The Bronx

Board Development and Fundraising

Build an annual fundraising plan incorporating grant-writing, major donors, earned income and events that engages staff and board in abundantly resourcing BRAC.
Cultivate a transparent working relationship with the board, keeping them engaged and informed about opportunities, liabilities, and successes
Set a regular meeting calendar, and establish efficient communication and reporting mechanisms
Support the board in developing itself to be a diverse and dynamic body with fresh perspectives and key areas of expertise

Program Excellence and Community Development

Position BRAC as a resource in the Bronx through excellent programming that is mission-aligned and reflective of current best practices and community needs
Develop systems and utilize data-based tools to evaluate programs
Engage with community leaders to understand and address the needs of the Bronx residents
Collaborate with other mission-aligned organizations to innovate, solve common problems, and develop joint programming

Culture and People

Embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in every area of the organization’s culture and operations
Build a cohesive and collaborative team environment among staff
Create policies and systems that embody the organization’s values and support BRAC in hiring and retaining talented, diverse staff
Facilitate relationship-building between board and staff, ensuring open communication, reciprocal learning, and alignment.

Facility Management

Oversee the facility, ensuring safety and functionality
Plan and fund routine maintenance and capital improvement projects
Supervise facilities staff and contractors
Oversee the development of maintenance policies and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (latter can be substituted for two years professional experience in the field)
Minimum of 5 years experience in the nonprofit sector with evidence in nonprofit management, fundraising, and leading community-based arts and exhibition programs
A clear artistic vision for community-based arts education and exhibitions
Demonstrated experience in developing community partnerships that support access to arts, art education, social and environmental justice
Demonstrated success in fundraising
Demonstrated experience with board development
Success in leading nonprofits in multicultural, multilingual environments
Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment; ability to problem solve quickly

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Spanish proficiency
Experience with community outreach and engagement
Knowledge of The Bronx, BRAC partners and work experience in NYC

COMPENSATION

The base annual salary is $80,000 - $85,000. Increases will be considered contingent on financial capacity. Benefits include 3 weeks of paid vacation, 8 holidays, up to 10 days sick days, and 3 personal days annually. Health benefits are provided.

APPLICATION PROCESS

MANAGER OF ART EDUCATION

This position will report directly to the Executive Director and will be responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining a multi-disciplinary art education program for youth and adults.

This is a full time position and candidates must be available to work Saturdays, our busiest program day. The Education manager supervises Education Assistants, teaching artists, interns, and volunteers. Some evenings are required for events and community meetings. Some travel within The Bronx and NYC is required.

Growth Opportunity: This role is designed to grow as our programs expand. We seek candidates who are eager to develop their careers in community-based environmental arts education, serving the communities of The Bronx, and take on more responsibilities over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration + Management – 50%
- Oversee three programs: classes for youth (Mon-Sat), a career development program in design industries for teens and young adults, and evening adult classes.
- Oversee class registration, including recruitment and online systems.
- Maintain student data tracking systems.
- Develop interdisciplinary curriculum initiatives and expand programs.
- Recruit and supervise artist instructors, interns, and volunteers.
- Supervise classroom safety and comfort, overseeing the maintenance of equipment, including ceramic kilns, woodworking equipment (including a laser engraver), 3D printers, a computer lab, and photography equipment. Maintain supply stock.
- Supervise the training of teaching artists on environmentally-focused art projects.
- Maintain digital documentation of student work, activities, and special events.
Outreach and Partnership Building – 30%
- Establish partnerships with schools, CBOs, and other organizations to provide art programming at BRAC or at their sites.
- Manage tours with school groups and community-based organizations.
- Serve as a liaison to local politicians and the media.
- Ensure the education section of BRAC’s website is up-to-date.
- Coordinate a robust outreach process, including the development and dissemination of digital and print marketing materials.
- Facilitate BRAC participation in community events, such as street or river festivals.
- Coordinate four annual student exhibitions.
Grant writing + Management – 20%
- Collaborate on grant writing, management, and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements and data management.
- Other activities as directed by your supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s Degree, in visual arts, or arts administration. Five years of professional experience may be substituted for a Bachelor’s Degree.
In addition to the above, a minimum of four years of experience in arts-based youth and adult education.
Excellent verbal, writing, and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and supervisory skills, including the ability to meet deadlines.
Resourceful, flexible, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, and digital art programs for Mac.
Excellent time management skills and the ability to multitask across projects.
Experience in arts-based nonprofit management or community development.
An interest in the environmental arts and urban environmental issues.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Master's Degree in arts administration, visual art education. Two additional years of professional experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree.
Knowledge of Bronx cultural, community institutions and schools.
Conversational fluency in Spanish.
Familiarity with the NYC government agencies, particularly DOE, and NYC grant-making and reporting.

COMPENSATION

The base annual salary is $60,000 - $65,000. Increases will be considered contingent on financial capacity. Benefits include 3 weeks of paid vacation, 8 holidays, up to 10 days sick days and 3 personal days annually. Health benefits are provided.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Opportunities

Internship:

Interns assist the Executive Director, the Education Director, the Gallery Director, Staff, and Teachers in all projects at the Bronx River Art Center, including teaching preparation and classroom instruction, administrative tasks, exhibition installations, and other assigned duties. Enthusiasm for working in a multi-ethnic community is a must.

Qualifications: College students pursuing a degree in Fine Arts, Visual Media Arts, Arts Management, or Art Education. Interns assisting with media classes should have experience operating filmmaking equipment and knowledge of Final Cut Pro. Junior level or above preferred. Good writing skills, computer literacy, and graphic design or internet skills are desirable.

Days/hours required: To be arranged. 10 to 20 hours per week. BRAC is open Monday through Friday, from 10am-6:30pm, and Saturday, from 10am-5pm. After-school classes begin at 4 or 4:30pm.

How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining what type of internship you are interested in and why you want to intern with BRAC to info@bronxriverart.org.

Questions? Call us at 718-589-5819.

Volunteer:

Are you interested in donating your valuable time to helping some of the most talented youth in the Bronx?

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available at BRAC:

Cataloging and Archiving
Classroom Monitors
Education Programs Assistants
Entrance Monitors
Fundraising Committee
Student Exhibition Assistants
Website/Newsletter Team

Please contact us at info@bronxriverart.org or 718-589-5819 for more information about internships or volunteer opportunities. Thank you!