Executive Director

Holyoke Media; Holyoke, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Holyoke Media, Inc. invites collaborative, community-minded leaders to explore the opportunity to serve as its next Executive Director – a meaningful role leading an independent 501(c)(3) community media organization serving Holyoke, MA and its residents.

From its downtown Holyoke studio, the organization provides PEG access programming, training, and studio space while expanding community partnerships, fundraising, and strategic growth to ensure every resident has a voice.

Qualifications

• Exceptional leadership, management, and organizational skills.
• Experience in fundraising, donor development, sponsorship, or grants oversight.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across government, education, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a background in marketing, PR, or public-facing communications.
• Experience with financial oversight, budgeting, and monthly financial reporting and supervising staff.
• Strong strategic-planning ability to turn vision into an actionable plan.
• Open-minded, flexible leadership that welcomes feedback.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field; bilingual preferred.
• Charismatic, entrepreneurial, and visionary approach to organizational growth.

Responsibilities

• Serve as chief executive, providing vision, direction, and day-to-day leadership.
• Partner with the Board to develop and implement a new strategic plan informed by community feedback.
• Build and grow the donor base; lead fundraising campaigns spanning sponsorship, grants, and endowment support.
• Act as the organization’s principal spokesperson and connector with government, education, and community groups.
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning, ensuring sound administrative and facility operations.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Donor development

Partnerships

Communication

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Business/Nonprofit Management

Job description

Holyoke Media, Inc. invites collaborative, community-minded leaders to explore the opportunity to serve as its next Executive Director – a meaningful opportunity to lead an independent 501(c)(3) community media organization serving the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts and its approximately 40,000 residents.

From its studio and offices in downtown Holyoke, the Organization provides Public, Education, and Government (PEG) access programming – including government meeting coverage, community news, podcasts, and arts programming – along with production training and studio access for local residents, students, and organizations.

• 40, 000+ Residents Served.
• Established in 2007.
• $840K Annual Budget.
• $2.7M Net Asset Base.

THE MANDATE

Lead Holyoke Media through its next chapter – a new state-of-the-art studio, a renewed sponsorship and endowment strategy, and a community-informed strategy plan.

THE ENVIRONMENT

An independent, mission-driven 501(c)(3) community media organization at the intersection of local journalism, education, and civic life.

THE PARTNERSHIP

A close working relationship with a nine-member Board of Directors.

THE IMPACT

A defining role in shaping the future of community media in Holyoke and ensuring every residents’ voice has a platform.

THE ROLE

Performance Objectives

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as Chief Executive of the Organization – the public face and principal spokesperson for Holyoke Media in the community, with partners, and with the media. The role centers on five areas of responsibility.

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

Serve as chief executive, providing vision, direction, and day-to-day leadership. Partner closely with the working Board to develop and implement a new strategic plan informed by community feedback.

Build and grow the donor base; design and lead fundraising campaigns spanning sponsorship, grants, and endowment support. Direct the Organization’s grant writer and lead marketing and PR efforts.

External Relations & Community Partnerships

Act as Holyoke Media’s principal spokesperson and “connector,” building collaborative partnerships across local government, higher education, public schools, and grassroots community organizations.

Operations & Staff Leadership

Lead with a hands-off, empowering style that trusts staff to do their jobs. Recruit, train, and support a small team; conduct yearly performance reviews; and build strong relationships among the Board, staff, and partners.

Oversee organizational budgeting and financial planning alongside the Organization’s accountant, including monthly reporting, ensuring Holyoke Media operates within budget guidelines and maintains sound, compliant administrative and facility operations.

THE CANDIDATE

The Qualified Candidate

Holyoke Media seeks a collaborative, community-oriented, and relationship-driven leader who is passionate about local media and the vital role it plays in public life. Specific requirements include:

• Exceptional leadership, management, and organizational skills, including experience overseeing staff, budgets, and vendor relationships.
• Experience – or strong transferable skills – in fundraising, donor development, sponsorship, or grant oversight.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across government, education, and community-based organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a background in marketing, PR, or public-facing communications.
• Experience with financial oversight, budgeting, and monthly financial reporting and with supervising staff.
• Strong strategic-planning ability – formal or informal – with the capacity to turn vision in to an actionable plan.
• An open-minded, flexible, easygoing approach to leadership that takes feedback well.
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, Multimedia, or a related field; equivalent experience.
• Bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English) strongly preferred, reflecting the demographics of Holyoke; nonprofit board experience a plus.
• A charismatic, entrepreneurial, and visionary approach to organizational growth and community

If you don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above, you should still consider applying. Holyoke Media is dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that fosters a sense of belonging.

Connecting Holyoke.

Holyoke Media shows up where its community gathers – from citywide celebrations to civic conversations – connecting residents to government, education, the arts, and one another.

A Community-Minded Leader Ready for the Next Chapter.

The next Executive Director will partner closely with the Board to translate Holyoke Media’s next chapter into measurable results, cultivate a high-performing and mission-driven staff, and ensure that Holyoke Media remains an indispensable resource to the residents of Holyoke.

If you don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above, you should still consider applying. Holyoke Media is dedicated to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that foster a sense of belonging. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to still consider applying.

COMPENSATION & POSITION AT A GLANCE

$68,000-$75,000, commensurate with qualifications & experience.

WORK MODEL
Primarily on-site; remote flexibility Mon. & Fri. negotiable.

LOCATION
Holyoke, MA – statewide search across Western Mass., Berkshire County, Greater Boston, Northern CT & Hampden/Hampshire counties.

BEST CONSIDERATION
Rolling review – early applications encouraged.

REPORTS TO
Nine-Member Working Board of Directors.

The MH Group LLC is a certified WBE and MBE nationwide executive search, workforce strategy, and advisory firm that partners with organizations to identify, attract, and recruit exceptional leaders who drive long-term success, strengthen culture, and accelerate strategic growth.

THE MH GROUP

This search is conducted by The MH Group on behalf of Holyoke Media, Inc. Holyoke Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.