ENGINE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH 

Engine, a nonprofit arts and creative-economy organization based in Biddeford, Maine, is seeking a new Executive Director to succeed its founding Executive Director, who is leaving the organization after eleven years. Engine’s mission is to “connect and inspire our community through art, innovation, and education.”

Engine hosts contemporary and community art exhibitions, events, performances, and creative workshops for both youth and adults. In addition, Engine also leads several local initiatives, including the Maine FabLab Makerspace, the Compass Project, Darkroom, Studios at Engine (twelve artists’ studios), and is in the process of launching IGNITE, a startup incubator for design and art-focused businesses in partnership with the University of Maine’s Foster Center for Student Innovation. 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Engine seeks a proven, self-motivated, visionary leader who is committed to community outreach and engagement, and who brings a passion for the arts and creative economy both in and beyond Maine. Candidates should have several years of relevant nonprofit leadership experience—if not as an actual executive director, then as an assistant director, associate director, program director, or similar position—working in a field such as arts, education, or the creative economy for an organization with a budget of at least $250,000.Relevant experience should also include strong practical knowledge in grant writing, nonprofit budgeting, programming (i.e., earned income), development (i.e., fundraising), and membership cultivation and coordination. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director reports directly to and is supported by the Board of Directors. Candidates for the position should have demonstrated success in:

Programmatic Direction  

• Hiring and supervising of staff, including a Program Manager, who will be responsible for the implementation of Engine’s current and future programs.

• Ensuring programs are in alignment with the mission and strategic direction of the organization.

• Overseeing the organization’s volunteer and internship programs and participants.

Financial Performance & Viability

• Ensuring the fiscal viability and integrity of Engine across all areas of the organization, including earned income, fundraising, grant writing, and the development of new revenue streams.

• Drafting monthly financial statements that accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization in collaboration with Engine’s bookkeeper, Treasurer, and Finance Committee.

• Developing the annual budget in collaboration with Board and staff.

• Overseeing all fiscal management within approved budgets; ensuring all resources are being used to their maximum financial potential; and strengthening the long-term financial sustainably and growth of the organization. 

Organization Mission & Strategy 

• Working with the Board and staff to ensure that Engine’s mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.

• Shaping and executing the organization’s strategic plan.

• Enhancing Engine’s image and brand by developing and implementing an effective communications, marketing, and program-promotion strategy.

• Developing strategic partnerships—across the city, state, and region—and working collaboratively with the civic, business, and nonprofit communities in Biddeford and beyond.

Board Governance

• Working with the Board of Directors to lead Engine in a manner and direction that supports, advances, and sustains the organization’s mission as defined in the Board-approved Strategic Plan.

• Communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions.

Operations 

• Managing organizational resources appropriately, efficiently, and effectively to ensure that the operation and programs of the organization remain viable and successful.

• Overseeing the management of facilities, artist studios, rental tenancies, and organizational equipment (both hardware and software). 

• Executing all agreements and other legal requirements entered into or on behalf of the organization in conjunction with, or under the advisement of, the Board of Directors.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Engine is looking for an Executive Director with the following characteristics, skills, and abilities:

• A self-motivated, creative, entrepreneurial, and visionary leader who can capitalize on opportunities to facilitate the organization’s growth.

• A personable, diplomatic, tactful, and patient collaborator and listener.

• Exemplary organizational abilities in areas such as planning, project management, delegation, program development, and group facilitation.

• Strong financial-management skills in areas such as budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.

• Strong written and oral communication skills and public-speaking ability.

• Demonstrated ability to generate new revenue streams and improve financial results.

• Demonstrated fundraising experience and excellent donor-relation skills.

• Demonstrated success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence, including existing and prospective funders, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, hire, supervise, and collaborate effectively with staff.

• Experience working with a Board of Directors or similar governing body.

WORK CONDITIONS, SALARY, AND BENEFITS

• Full-time salaried position of $50,000–$65,000 plus health insurance; final salary commensurate with candidate experience.

• Attending daytime, evening, and weekend events and/or meetings for Engine programs is required on a weekly basis. When feasible or advisable, remote work is an option.

TO APPLY
Please email a complete PDF of your resumé and cover letter with at least three professional references to search@feedtheengine.org no later than October 18 by 11:59 p.m. No phone calls or emails please. Late applications will NOT be considered.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Engine is an equal-opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and to hiring staff members who represent, reflect, and understand the wide range of communities and stakeholders we serve. Applicants with racially, ethnically, or culturally diverse identities or backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Engine is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary.