Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $85,000-$100,000, depending on experience
Reports To: Executive Director
Supervises: Operations and Programs Teams
Location: Newton, MA - In-Person
The Director of Operations and Programs is the Executive Director’s most senior internal leader and trusted thought partner, bringing the Executive Director's vision to life inside the New Art Center - a beloved, nearly 50-year-old community arts organization - with real agency to shape how programs, people, and operations come together.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations and Programs leads all operational and programmatic functions at the New Art Center. This is the organization's number-two role, with the primary responsibilities of managing teams and turning strategy into strong internal execution. The Director of Operations and Programs oversees the Programs Teams to deliver exceptional educational offerings, holding them accountable for program quality, student retention, and ambitious earned-revenue goals. Personal fluency in curriculum and pedagogy is a real asset but not a prerequisite - what matters most is knowing how to identify, hire, and manage the talent who has that expertise, while running a well-organized, efficient internal operation.
The Director of Operations and Programs is responsible for ensuring operational excellence in the daily functions of the New Art Center. This means establishing excellent communications with students, families, faculty, and staff to optimize visitor experience and support robust enrollment; managing internal financial controls and reporting; overseeing building maintenance and safety; and facilitating consistent, reliable administrative systems across the organization.
The Director of Operations and Programs will work in close partnership with the Executive Director. We're looking for a strategic, detail-oriented leader who is achievement-driven, resilient, and brings a positive, can-do attitude to everything they do. The Director of Operations and Programs must have a strong management track record, holding teams to high standards while remaining warm, motivated, and invested in their growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations, Systems & Infrastructure
- Oversee daily operations, systems, and administrative workflows - registration, scheduling, the Art Center Canvas CRM, and reporting - for efficient, student-centered service.
- Support the Executive Director in the annual budget process and expense management - monitoring expenses and income against the annual budget, running audits, and proactively eliminating waste and unnecessary spend; participate as needed in the annual external audit.
- Serve as the internal HR lead: hire, supervise, and support all staff and contractors (recruitment, hiring, onboarding, performance management), partnering with an external HR consultant or Board representative as needed.
- Oversee the administration of payroll and benefits, and monitor compliance of employment practices, including employee handbooks, performance reviews, and personnel record-keeping.
- Responsible for the 24/7 security, safety, maintenance, cleanliness, and timely repair of the building.
- Manage space rentals, daily building operations, and relations with service suppliers and contractors.
- Establish and ensure compliance with all organizational policies and operational best practices.
2. Educational Programs, Curriculum & Earned Revenue Growth
- Oversee all visual arts education programs (adults, teens, youth, camps, workshops), managing the Programs Teams to build strong curricular pathways and to drive earned-revenue growth through enrollment, pricing, and retention strategy - with accountability for program quality and results.
- In collaboration with the Operations Coordinator, grow revenue from space rentals, events, and membership programs, and help identify alternate streams of earned revenue beyond core programming.
- Collaborate with marketing professionals to promote programs, strengthen enrollment, and raise the New Art Center's visibility in the community.
- Recruit and develop faculty, and improve student retention and loyalty through program quality, pathway clarity, and community-building.
- Diversify faculty and student populations through targeted recruitment.
- Champion new, unconventional approaches to programming and engagement, particularly where there are opportunities to strengthen participation, relevance, and revenue.
3. Partnership with the Executive Director
- Serve as the Executive Director's most trusted internal advisor, translating the Executive Director's vision and strategy into concrete plans, staff direction, and day-to-day execution.
- Partner with the Executive Director on the FY27 annual plan and long-term program strategy.
- Support the Executive Director with reporting to the Board of Governors on programs, operations, and financial sustainability, and collaborate directly with the relevant Board of Governors committees as needed.
- Bring forward ideas and recommendations candidly, exercise sound independent judgment, and partner closely with the Executive Director - recognizing that final direction and organizational decisions rest with the Executive Director.
- Communicate the Executive Director's priorities to staff clearly and consistently.
4. Team Leadership
- Set a high bar for team performance and accountability, while providing genuine mentorship, warmth, and investment in each person's development.
- Model consistent follow-through and attention to detail, and build a culture of accountability, ownership, and improvement.
- Provide the steady leadership and motivational presence that keeps the team focused, energized, and driving toward ambitious goals.
What We're Looking For
- 8–10+ years of progressive management experience in operations, programs, or finance, ideally within an arts, education, or mission-driven nonprofit organization. Bachelor's degree required; an advanced degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field is preferred.
- Strong command of how to evaluate program and curriculum quality and hold managers accountable to it - knowing how to identify, hire, and manage the talent that has that expertise; personal fluency in pedagogy is a plus.
- A collaborator with executive presence to lead staff, faculty, and cross-functional teams.
- A track record of driving and exceeding ambitious revenue or performance targets, with strong financial acumen and an entrepreneurial, outside-the-box mindset.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and relentlessly focused on execution and results.
- A direct, clear communicator and natural collaborator who welcomes feedback and coaching, and follows through on implementation.
- The judgment to operate as a strong second-in-command - collaborative, trustworthy, discreet, and able to build confidence across staff, faculty, Board members, and community partners.
- Strong working knowledge of finance systems and experience with CRM/registration systems, budgeting tools, and data-driven decision-making.
- A genuine passion for community arts, nonprofit work, and mission-driven impact, with a commitment to equity-centered programming. Experience with a nonprofit Board of Directors/Governors and/or Newton community is a plus.
We recognize that great candidates don't always meet every qualification. If you're excited about this role and believe you could contribute meaningfully to the team at New Art, we encourage you to apply.
What We Offer
- Salary range: $85,000–$100,000, based on experience, including a $5,000 discretionary wellness, professional development, or health care stipend.
- Generous paid time off, including full compensation during closure between Christmas and New Year's.
- Complimentary New Art Center classes.
- A collaborative, mission-driven team environment.
- The opportunity to directly deliver on mission - strengthening arts education and community impact through the programs and operations you lead.
- The chance to build and elevate the New Art Center's programs and operations while mentoring the next generation of nonprofit and arts professionals.
- The opportunity to help shape the future of a beloved, nearly 50-year-old community arts organization - recently named one of the top 5 places to discover (or rediscover) creativity by Boston Magazine.
You will keep New Art operating efficiently from the inside. The Executive Director will lead the organization overall, with an increasing focus outward - on fundraising, partnerships, and community relationships. As New Art looks toward its 50th year and beyond, you are a vital part of that forward motion.
Above all, this is a trusted-advisor and internal leadership role for someone who wants to help shape New Art’s next chapter - translating organizational vision into results, building strong and accountable teams, and creating an internal operation that runs with excellence and heart.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and a cover letter - we’d especially like to hear, in your own voice, what draws you to the New Art Center and why this opportunity speaks to you. We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible and encourage early applications.
Please email all application materials to [email protected] with the subject heading: [Name], Dir of Ops and Programs Applicant
About Us
New Art Center is a nonprofit visual arts organization in Newton, MA, offering classes, exhibitions, and community programs for artists of all ages and experience levels. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to apply.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
