Associate Director, The Art Institute

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, THE ART INSTITUTEPoughkeepsie, NYTHE ART EFFECTThe Art Effect empowers youth to develop their artistic voice to shape their futures and bring about positive social change.

Based in Poughkeepsie, we help young people in the Hudson Valley explore, experience, and excel in the arts, introducing them to visual arts and media, giving them the opportunity to develop real skills in these fields, and guiding them toward achieving their academic and career goals.JOB DESCRIPTIONThe Associate Director, The Art Institute provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for The Art Institute, The Art Effect’s tuition-based, pre-college arts education pathway for ages 5-19.

This position is responsible for advancing the quality, growth, sustainability, and impact of The Art Institute through curriculum development, management of teaching staff, student and family engagement, college partnerships, and tuition revenue strategy. The Associate Director oversees all aspects of The Art Institute’s programming, including course development, scheduling, instructor recruitment and coaching, student advising, budget management, event management, and program operations.

This position reports to the Director of Programs and works collaboratively with Development, Communications, and Operations departments to ensure The Art Institute remains a high-quality, accessible, and financially sustainable pathway for young artists.The ideal candidate is an innovative arts educator and leader who understands youth mentorship, portfolio development, and the value of preparing students for creative careers and higher education opportunities.RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIESProgram Leadership & Strategic GrowthProvide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for The Art Institute in alignment with The Art Effect’s mission and goalsDevelop and implement annual program goals, benchmarks, and growth strategiesEvaluate program effectiveness through student outcomes, enrollment trends, family feedback, and financial performanceIdentify opportunities to expand and strengthen tuition-based educational offeringsDevelop and maintain systems that support student recruitment, retention, engagement, and successEnsure The Art Institute continues to meet the evolving needs of students pursuing creative career pathwaysCollaborate with Communications on marketing strategies, enrollment campaigns, and storytellingCurriculum Development and Educational QualityDevelop and oversee course curriculum, schedules, and learning objectivesBuild pathways that support student growth, portfolio development, creative exploration, and technical skill-buildingCollaborate with teaching artists to maintain high-quality instructional standardsReview and assess student outcomes to continually improve program qualityTeaching Artist Management and EvaluationsRecruit, interview, hire, onboard, and train a staff of approximately 10 part-time professional artists and educatorsProvide supervision, feedback, evaluation, and professional development opportunities for instructional staff including interns and teaching assistantsManage teaching artist contracts, schedules, and program expectationsBudget and Tuition Program ManagementWork with the Program Director and Associate Director of Administration to develop, manage, and monitor The Art Institute budget and fiscal responsibilityOversee tuition revenue goals, enrollment targets, and financial sustainability of programDevelop strategies to increase enrollment, retention, and earned revenueAssist the Program Director and Development Manager in grant proposals and reporting requirements, including compliance with funder guidelinesSupport the Development Manager in identifying sponsorship and donor engagement opportunities related to The Art InstituteStudent/Family Recruitment, Engagement, and RetentionBuild meaningful relationships with Art Institute students and familiesEvaluate and advise students on potential opportunities for growth and recognition, including competitive submissions such as Scholastic awardsTeach at least one advanced-level course per semester supporting students in developing artistic confidence, technical skills, and personal voiceRecruit and oversee The Art Effect’s ArtsBridge, college access program, and chapter of the National Art Honor SocietyCurate the planning and execution of student exhibitions such as Teen Visions and Senior Project in collaboration with program staffCollege and Community PartnershipsDevelop and maintain relationships with representatives of art colleges, universities, and creative institutionsCoordinate college representative engagement and opportunities for studentsLead planning and implementation of Hudson Valley Regional Portfolio DayManage ArtsBridge, The Art Effect’s college access program for first-generation high school students by providing integrated, year-round support that combines advanced visual arts instruction with comprehensive college readiness services