Director, Art Center Operations and Administration - 92nd Street Y

Job Summary

The Director of Art Center Operations and Administration is responsible for overseeing all operational and administrative functions of the Art Center, ensuring the smooth and efficient management of finances, patron support, studio and gallery operations, business systems, and logistics. This senior leadership role involves managing a team of staff who execute day-to-day tasks while providing strategic oversight to ensure that the Art Center operates effectively and aligns with its mission and goals. The Director collaborates closely with other senior team members to support the overall success and growth of the Art Center’s programs and services.

Job Responsibilities Include

Business Systems, Financial & Data Management

• Oversee the management of the Art Center’s budget and finances, including payroll, invoice processing, and budget projections and tracking, ensuring financial health and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the Art Center Executive Director to develop and monitor the annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage sales data and reporting, providing insights and analysis to inform decision-making and support the Art Center’s strategic goals.
• Establish, improve and maintain Art Center business processes and workflows working in close collaboration with 92NY service departments like Sales, Finance, Web, HR, IT, Building Services, Security and more.
• Oversee the development and management of contracts related to Art Center operations, including those for artists, vendors, and service providers.
• Provide strategic oversight of supply and equipment management with a focus on cost control and efficient resource allocation.
• Oversee the creation, editing, and tracking of course data, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in class scheduling.
• Oversee the Art Center’s website, ensuring that content is accurate, up-to-date, and effectively promotes the Center’s offerings.

Patron Support & Experience

• Lead and develop Art Center patron support  strategy and procedures to ensure exceptional service for all students, faculty, and visitors, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Cultivate a customer care culture that emphasizes empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting the needs of all Art Center participants.
• Design and implement comprehensive training programs for the Art Center team, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle registration, sales, waiting lists, and other inquiries with expertise and courtesy.
• Oversee the management of the Art Center’s enrollment process, including class cancellations and waiting lists, to optimize class participation and enhance student satisfaction.
• Regularly assess and refine Art Center support strategies, keeping the team aligned with the 92NY’s mission, values, and commitment to providing a top-tier educational environment.
• Respond to escalated customer issues, ensuring they are handled in a fair, consistent, and timely manner.

Studio & Gallery Operations

• Provide strategic oversight of studio operations, including physical spaces, equipment, furniture, and supplies, ensuring that all facilities are well-maintained, secure and fully operational.
• Collaborates with Building Services to manage room set up, cleaning, maintenance request, and other processes for the Art Center.
• Manage the procurement and distribution of supplies, equipment, and materials, ensuring that all studios are fully stocked and that faculty ordering requests are handled efficiently, with a focus on cost control and timely fulfillment.
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring that supplies are tracked and replenished as needed to support ongoing programs and operations. Collaborate with faculty and staff to anticipate and fulfill supply needs for upcoming courses, workshops, and exhibitions, ensuring that all necessary materials are available.
• Lead the management and coordination of technology equipment, ensuring smooth operation and high-quality delivery of virtual programs.
• Oversee recruitment and scheduling of figure models in collaboration with Art Center faculty, ensuring that all classes are adequately staffed.
• Oversees the locker rental system.
• Oversee gallery operations, including the management of art handlers, supplies and equipment, and the coordination of exhibitions logistics and installations.
• Manage annual Art Center student and faculty exhibitions, overseeing communication to participants, coordinating juries and entry processes as needed, and installation.
• Manage logistics for travel programs, field trips, excursions, and visiting artists ensuring that all arrangements are made efficiently and meet the needs of the program.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, mentor, and manage the performance of the Art Center’s operations and administration staff, including front desk associates, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped to perform their roles effectively.
• Schedule and manage the front desk staff, ensuring appropriate coverage and maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment, encouraging professional growth and development among staff.
• Ensure that all operational and administrative processes are aligned with the Art Center’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
• Serve as a leader and representative of the Art Center, building relationships internally and externally with partners and donors, promoting its programs, and elevating its standing as a hub for arts education. Serves as senior leader on duty at times, ensuring smooth operations and resolving any issues that arise.

Experience, Education, & Skills Desired

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, arts management, finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years administrative/operations experience in a supervisory role, preferably within an arts educational environment.
• Proven experience in financial management and budget oversight.
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing budgets, forecasting, and providing financial analyses to drive organizational strategy.
• Strong background in operations management, including facilities, technology, and inventory control.
• Experience overseeing studio or gallery operations, managing exhibitions, and coordinating with faculty or artists.
• Leadership experience, including mentoring and performance management of diverse teams.
• Adept at coordinating with multiple departments or external vendors, including contract management and logistics coordination.
• Expertise in improving and maintaining efficient workflows and business processes.
• Solid understanding of nonprofit or arts organizational structures.
• Experience working in customer-facing roles, focusing on patron support and creating inclusive environments.
• Proficiency with tools like Salesforce, QuickBooks, or other financial and CRM software.
• Knowledge of website content management systems and online enrollment systems.
• Commitment to creating equitable and inclusive environments in educational or cultural settings.

Work Environment & Requirements

40 hours per week.

Application Instructions

Due to a high volume of applications that we receive, we are only able to contact those applicants whose experience most aligns with the position profile.

Compensation Range

$80,000 - $90,000

The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of factors including, but not limited to the qualifications of the applicant, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.