Director of Operations

Arrowmont is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and results oriented individual to serve as Director of Operations, a full-time exempt position.

  Position Summary The Director of Operations is a central management position in the organization and reports to the Executive Director. Functioning as part of a senior management team made up of the Executive Director, Director of Operations, Director of Programs, Director of Finance, and Director of Institutional Advancement. The position is responsible for internal operations, budget management, strategic planning implementation and directly oversees housing, food services, buildings and grounds, studio utilities and facilities, group rentals and contracts, administrative, registration, logistical support, technology, artists supply store, library and capital projects, and shares responsibility with the Director of Finance for human resources and insurance. The Director of Operations works collaboratively with the management team to ensure effective day-to-day operations of the School. The Director of Operations supervises three professional employees, overseeing a staff of 14.

The School

Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a community of individuals who seek meaningful arts and crafts experiences.  The community includes people of all skill levels, ages and backgrounds.  It includes makers, aspiring makers, skilled artists and craftspeople, appreciators of arts and crafts, and any individual who wants to be part of a dynamic and welcoming community.

Nestled on a wooded hillside in the heart of Gatlinburg, TN, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts is a creative oasis in the midst of a popular tourist destination. Arrowmont is a national arts and crafts education center offering weekend, one and two-week workshops for beginner to advanced artists. Workshops are taught by national and international practicing studio artists and university faculty. Students work and learn in professionally equipped studios on an historic 13-acre campus located just minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The 109-year old school also serves as a community cultural center offering exhibitions, community classes, conferences and symposia, and an acclaimed artist-in-residence program.

Responsibilities

• Supervision and leadership for facilities, grounds, operations and services. The Director of Operations supervises and provides direct leadership and guidance to the maintenance, housekeeping, food services, office administration and supply store staff.
• Works with the Executive Director, Director of Finance and the Board Finance Committee to develop the final budget for operations and facilities.  Provides support to Program Director and staff for programming logistics and directly manages operations, maintenance and facilities.
• Assumes responsibility for development and management of service and facility rental contracts, and contracts for special projects as requested.
• Ensures proper and safe operations of all infrastructures, including but not limited to: water, septic, and utilities. Ensures proper operation of all internal systems, HVAC, Internet Telecommunications and campus technology.
• Provides oversight of capital projects and ensures that school policies and procedures related to capital projects are followed. In consultation with the Director of Finance establishes and maintains a capital budget and plan for infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
• Responsible for the oversight and management of property and casualty, workers compensation, and automobile insurance policies.
• Provides leadership in strategic planning for the organization and oversees the implementation of adopted plans.  Works with staff to provide program, facility, physical plant infrastructure, enrollment, student services, and financial strategies, objectives and policies.  Responds to requests for information, including providing statistical analysis of trends, current conditions and other variables that impact decision making at the executive director and board level.
• Works with appropriate Director(s) when issues arise to find solutions including determining best course of action.
• Works with Program Director and Director-Institutional Advancement to provide logistical support for events.
• Understands and supports the special needs of historic preservation as well as renovation and new construction processes.
• Provides support to the Program Director to ensure studio, Artists-In-Residence, community programs, and special projects are successful.
• Works with the Office Manager and Registrar to ensure that registration, office administration, and student needs are well planned and carefully carried out. Ensures smooth communications and support in these areas.
• Works with the store manager, library staff, housekeeping, and food services to ensure that each area is well planned and carefully administered with customer service a high priority.
• The Director of Operations assists the Executive Director as requested.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of nonprofit management experience; experience in arts councils, museums, educational non-profit or college or university preferred. Budgeting, management and facilities planning and administration required.
• Experience working with organizations experiencing growth, with an ability to motivate and support others in adapting to a changing environment.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, with the ability to communicate accurately the vision, mission, and achievement of Arrowmont.
• Strong, creative, organized, problem-solver with the ability to work on multiple projects while adjusting quickly to shifting priorities.
• Meet deadlines, exercise good judgment, and handle pressure situations.
• High energy, creativity, a sense of humor and a willingness to “jump in with both feet.”
• Ability to work well as a member of a team and guide others in collaborative problem solving.
• Demonstrated success initiating and building relationships with a diverse set of constituents, including students, instructors, staff, trustees, donors, grantor organizations, community members, local business and government leaders.
• High proficiency in MS Office applications, including Excel, Word and other organizational technology needs.
• BA, BS, BFA required. MA, MBA or MFA preferred.

We seek candidates who demonstrate excellent strategic thinking, have the ability to maintain professional relationships, manage others effectively, and believe deeply in our mission.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Statement:  Arrowmont is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Arrowmont strongly encourages people of color, women, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. Arrowmont is committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status

Review of Applications will begin immediately. Applications received by February 1, 2021 will receive full consideration. Position is open until filled.

To apply: Please send the following as email attachments to Teri Bilbrey, Office Manager, at tbilbrey@arrowmont.org.

• Letter of interest addressing how your qualifications meet the position requirements
• Resume
• Contact information for five professional references

No phone calls please.