Executive Director

New York Folklore is seeking an experienced and community-focused administrator to serve as Executive Director for the Schenectady-based, state-wide organization.

New York Folklore (AKA New York Folklore Society) supports folk and traditional artists and organizations, showcases traditional arts and culture of New York State, connects traditional artists and communities to a network of artists and tradition bearers, produces publications and programs, and builds community-based skills and expertise for greater appreciation of New York’s diverse communities and heritages. New York Folklore’s mission is to collaborate with communities to identify, understand, and advocate for the needs of tradition bearers, artists, and everyday working people in the state, supporting cultural self-determination, agency, and sustainability. New York Folklore strives to bridge lines of difference to create a world of greater dignity, respect, joy, and mutual understanding. New York Folklore is a membership organization, open to all, concerned with furthering cultural equity and strengthening the understanding of the role of folk and traditional arts in our lives.

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of New York Folklore. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for advancing its mission through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, organizational management, and external engagement. The Executive Director is expected to be a highly visible leader who inspires confidence among staff, volunteers, donors, members, and community partners while ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability and continued growth.

The successful candidate will possess strong, collaborative leadership skills, and excellent organizational, administrative, communication, and managerial skills. Experience with grant writing and fundraising is essential to identifying and sustaining new projects and initiatives.

The Executive Director position is full-time and exempt. Applicant is expected to reside in the Capital region if offered the position. Some evening and weekend work should be expected. Statewide travel as needed.

Job Requirements

A master’s degree in folklore with a focus on public folklore is preferred. A master’s degree in a related or adjacent field of study (ethnomusicology, cultural heritage studies, museum studies, anthropology, etc.) will also be considered.  A minimum of five years of experience in a managerial capacity within a cultural organization is required (e.g., Executive Director or Program Director).  A knowledge of the geography and cultural/social history of New York State and its diverse regions is a plus. The ideal candidate leads first-and-foremost with compassion. They focus on building and caring for relationships, coalition building, collaboration, and “leading from the back.” They are flexible, sensitive, understanding, and have exceptional listening skills.

Annual salary range: $72,000-$75,000

Benefits: Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave. Up to 5% employer contribution to a 403(b) plan. Employer-sponsored health insurance plan available after a probationary period, with employer paying 50% of the premium.

How to Apply: Please submit the following as a single PDF:

• Resume/cv
• Cover letter
• Contact information for 3 references
• 2 professional work samples (written, video, presentation, exhibition, etc.)

Send materials to: executivesearch@nyfolklore.org OR Search Committee ℅ New York Folklore PO BOX 110 Schenectady NY 12301

Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027

Contact Wilfredo Morel, President at executivesearch@nyfolklore.org or 518-346-7008 for more information.