Executive Director

Elmwood Village Association (EVA) is the nonprofit heart of one of Buffalo's most beloved neighborhoods — the organization behind the summer concert series, Porchfest, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and coordinating with the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, along with the beautification work that keeps the neighborhood's sidewalks and tree beds looking their best. With a full calendar of community programming, EVA is looking for an Executive Director to lead the organization day to day.

This is a rare chance to run a well-established, highly visible nonprofit with strong community support and real room to grow. You'll report to the Board President and partner closely with an engaged Executive Committee, with the autonomy to run operations and the backing of a board that wants to invest in new revenue, stronger systems, and a bigger footprint for EVA's programming.

Reporting & team

• Reports to the Board President and partners with the Executive Committee on strategy and priorities.
• Leads EVA's staff team, with room to grow the team as programs and revenue expand.
• Works alongside board committees (Finance and Audit, Farmers Market, Nominating) on matters within their scope.

What you'll do

Event leadership. EVA runs a full slate of community events year-round — the summer concert series, Porchfest, the Christmas Tree Lighting, monthly happy hours, and our annual fundraiser. You'll own planning and execution end to end: vendors, contractors, staffing, permits, and delivering a great experience for the neighborhood.

Financial stewardship. Manage EVA's day-to-day finances in partnership with the Treasurer, including vendor payments, reimbursements, and staff compensation. Prepare monthly financial reports for the board, keeping the organization's books clean, current, and easy to understand.

Community and vendor relationships. Be EVA's face to vendors, contractors, and community partners, and see projects through from kickoff to completion — including capital and beautification work.

Business district advocacy. Champion the independent shops, restaurants, and small businesses that make Elmwood a destination. Build relationships with business owners, advocate for their interests with the City of Buffalo and other partners, and find ways for EVA's programming to bring more people into the district.

Board partnership. Work hand in hand with the Board President and Executive Committee to execute the board's priorities and keep them informed on programs, finances, and operations.

Grant writing and revenue growth. Build out grant writing as a new revenue stream for EVA — researching opportunities, writing applications, and managing reporting and compliance — alongside other development work like donor outreach and sponsorships.

Team and office leadership. Oversee EVA's staff and day-to-day office operations, and support board-led initiatives like membership growth and community outreach.

What we're looking for

• Experience planning and executing public events at scale — festivals, concert series, markets, or similar community programming.
• Nonprofit, community organization, or association management experience.
• Grant writing experience, with a track record of securing funding for a nonprofit or community organization.
• Strong financial acumen: budgeting, vendor management, and clean financial recordkeeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent EVA professionally with the City of Buffalo, vendors, donors, and residents.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Familiarity with the Elmwood Village neighborhood or comparable Buffalo-area community work is a plus.

Compensation

• Status: Full-time, exempt.
• Salary range: $62,354–$66,514, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Paid time off and paid holidays, monthly health insurance stipend, NY Paid Family Leave and disability coverage, flexible scheduling, and professional development support.

EVA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

Pay: $62,354.00 - $66,514.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Work Location: In person