EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Holyoke Media, Inc. (The MH Group)

Job Description

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Holyoke Media, Inc.  |  Holyoke, Massachusetts
Full-Time, Exempt  |  Nonprofit · Community Media  |  $68,000–$75,000/year, commensurate with experience

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

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.

Our mission: To create an open forum that enables and encourages the exchange of ideas, information, and culture across the City of Holyoke.

ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE

•  Residents served: 40,000+
•  Established: 2007
•  Annual budget: $840K
•  Net asset base: $2.7M

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 strategic plan. Reporting to a nine-member working 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

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.

Fundraising, Development & Marketing
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.

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.

Financial Oversight & Administration
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 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 into 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 considered.
•  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 engagement.

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.

POSITION AT A GLANCE

•  Salary range: $68,000–$75,000, commensurate with qualifications & experience
•  Location: Holyoke, MA — statewide search across Western Mass., Berkshire County, Greater Boston, Northern CT, and Hampden/Hampshire counties
•  Work model: Primarily on-site; remote flexibility Monday & Friday negotiable
•  Reports to: Nine-member working Board of Directors
•  Employment: Full-time, exempt; at-will
•  Best consideration: Rolling review — early applications encouraged

ABOUT THE MH GROUP

This search is conducted by The MH Group on behalf of Holyoke Media, Inc. 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.

Holyoke Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.
Final JD Holyoke.pdf 1.62 MB