Director

One River School of Art and Design•Ramsey, NJ

8h•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a school director, you will lead a creative business—building a team, shaping culture, and creating exceptional experiences for students and families. You will have the opportunity to lead and grow a purpose-driven art education school, stay deeply connected to contemporary art and the local creative community, mentor and inspire a team of artists and educators, make a visible, lasting impact on students’ confidence and creative growth, and balance creative leadership with real operational ownership. The company aims to be the best place to work in the arts, being honest about challenges, supportive in leadership, and committed to employee growth, providing realistic job expectations and the tools, systems, and support to succeed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a visual arts related field from an accredited, four year college or university required
5 years work experience with at least 1 year in a leadership /management role in a customer facing setting
Available to work in the evenings and on Saturdays during the school year (September to June)
Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to network, collaborate and build relationships with clients, partners, staff, remote colleagues and others.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Business, Art History or Education would be a huge plus

Responsibilities

Lead and support a team of full-time and part-time educators, setting shared goals that nurture a vibrant, growing student community.
Step into the studio to teach classes when needed and stay connected to the classroom experience.
Collaborate closely with educators to create inspiring classroom experiences through thoughtful hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing support.
Foster long-term student relationships by ensuring strong onboarding, clear and caring parent communication, and continually finding new ways to build loyalty, referrals, and retention.
Welcome new students into the school by responding thoughtfully to inquiries, guiding families through the enrollment process, and leading school tours.
Plan and activate local marketing efforts—including events, partnerships, press, and outreach—to increase visibility and community engagement.
Build meaningful partnerships with local businesses, public and private schools, PTAs, and community organizations, maintaining an active, visible presence in the neighborhood.
Curate and produce professional and community exhibitions in the gallery, supporting local artists and engaging collectors.
Care for the physical space, ensuring the school is always welcoming, well-maintained, and fully equipped for creative work.
Monitor income and expenses with care, addressing challenges as they arise to keep the school healthy and sustainable.
Work collaboratively with leadership to set thoughtful, achievable revenue goals that support the school’s mission and long-term growth.