Executive Director

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The Horological Society of New York (HSNY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of horology. Based in New York City, HSNY brings together a diverse community of watchmakers, clockmakers, industry professionals, historians, journalists, auctioneers, and collectors.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director is the chief executive of HSNY, its chief fundraiser. The Executive Director is responsible for the organization’s operational health, financial sustainability, fundraising leadership, staff, membership, educational programming, and public standing. This role calls for a seasoned, people-centered executive who leads staff with clarity, accountability, and genuine investment in their development. Strong operational discipline, strategic thinking, financial acumen, and a genuine commitment to horology, education, and institutional stewardship are essential. 

Structure: Hybrid, with significant local presence.

Travel: Up to 50% domestic and international.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACCOUNTABILITIES 

1. Organizational & Operational Leadership  — Oversight, systems, workflows, reporting, staff coordination
2. Fundraising & Financial Stewardship — Donor cultivation, sponsorships, grants, UHNWI engagement
3. Board, Membership & Public Leadership — Governance partnership, membership, communications
4. Education, Culture & Institutional Advancement — Educational excellence, curriculum, programming, archives
5. Staff Leadership & Organizational Development — Team development, org design, succession, hiring strategy

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic & Operational Leadership 

· Execute the Board's strategic vision with clarity and discipline 

· Translate institutional goals into measurable execution 

· Identify operational gaps and organizational growth opportunities 

· Build and expand team structure aligned with organizational goals 

· Support long-term sustainability and succession planning 

· Lead with professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment 

Fundraising, Development & External Relations 

Serves as the organization’s Chief Fundraiser, with primary responsibility for driving contributed revenue growth, strengthening membership, and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of HSNY. Works in close partnership with the Board of Trustees and all relevant committees to advance fundraising strategy and institutional development. 

· Lead fundraising across individual giving, sponsorships, grants, and events 

· Cultivate relationships across the full donor spectrum including UHNWI 

· Partner with Trustees on fundraising strategy and donor engagement 

· Expand visibility across collectors, brands, and cultural organizations 

· Support long-term donor stewardship and institutional trust 

· Pursue innovative and non-traditional revenue channels 

Board, Membership & Education 

· Partner with the Board and committees; provide consistent reporting 

· Grow and strengthen a globally engaged membership community 

· Ensure best-in-class watchmaking education and instructional excellence 

· Oversee public programming, events, and institutional collaborations 

· Position HSNY as a leading international authority in horology 

· Ensure membership value remains meaningful and culturally connected 

Team & Financial Leadership 

· Lead, mentor, and empower staff through collaborative management 

· Create a stable, accountable, and mission-aligned organizational culture 

· Clarify reporting structures, workflows, and operational expectations 

· Create and manage the annual business plan and operating budget; monitor cash flow and financial performance against plan 

· Ensure organizational compliance with applicable legal, tax, and regulatory requirements 

· Partner with the Finance Committee and Treasurer on planning, reporting, and audit readiness 

QUALIFICATIONS

· Senior leadership in a nonprofit, cultural, educational, or mission-driven organization 

· Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and sponsorships 

· Experience stewarding relationships across the full donor spectrum including UHNWI 

· Strong financial management and operational oversight capability 

· Experience partnering effectively with Boards of Trustees and senior stakeholders 

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences 

· Demonstrated ability to lead through growth, change, or organizational transition 

· Strong judgment, professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence 

· Experience overseeing public-facing programs, events, or cultural engagement 

· Genuine appreciation for education, craftsmanship, scholarship, cultural stewardship, and institutional mission 

EDUCATION

· Bachelor's degree required 

· Advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, arts administration, or related field preferred 

· Equivalent senior leadership experience may be considered in lieu of advanced credentials 

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS 

· Strategic and operational thinker 

· Relationship-driven and collaborative 

· Calm and solutions-oriented under pressure 

· Empowering manager and team builder 

· Comfortable in both Board-facing and public-facing environments 

· Entrepreneurial while maintaining operational discipline 

· Mission-aligned and institutionally minded 

Compensation 

$165,000 – $180,000 annually. The total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program and performance-based bonus eligibility, subject to organizational policy and Board approval. 

To Apply 

Please forward your resume and cover letter to careers@hs-ny.org for consideration.