ARTS & CULTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
A career in the arts is closer than you think. ASI regularly works with arts organizations both big and small in the Western New York area and has compiled this list with the most pertinent career opportunities. This list is constantly being updated so check back frequently.
NOTE: If you have specific questions regarding a listed career opportunity outside of Arts Services Inc., please directly contact the organization. If you are an arts and cultural organization and have a career opportunity available, please submit your information to [email protected] and we would be glad to add it to our listing.
Additional career resources:
The Glass Studio Technician works within the Sculpture Dimensional Studies (SDS) Division in the School of Art and Design at The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. This position is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, and safe operation of all SDS glass facilities, including all areas of glassblowing, glass casting, and the neon studio, as well as the hot shop, kiln room, flat glass shop, cold shop, and glassrelated equipment in plaster and wax areas.
This is a highly hands-on, technical position responsible for ensuring all equipment, materials, and facilities are maintained, safe, and fully operational to support teaching, research, and visiting artists year-round. The technician works closely with faculty and collaborates with SDS technical staff, student workers, and university departments.
The Glass Studio Technician is responsible for the instaUation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of specialized glass equipment and systems. This includes oversight of ventilation, plumbing, electrical, electronic, gas, and combustion systems, as we{{ as coordination with Facilities, Maintenance, IT, and Environmental Health & Safety. Responsibilities also include maintaining compliance with safety standards (fire codes, ADA, MSOS, chemical storage and disposal), coordinating inspections and renovations, and supporting the implementation and enforcement of studio safety protocols.
While this position will assist faculty with demonstrations and support the enforcement of studio protocols, it is not a teaching role.
This position plays a critical role in maintaining Alfred University’s significant investment in glass facilities and ensuring a safe, uninterrupted, and high-quality educational environment.
This position/title is covered by the CSEA, Local 749 union contract. The successful candidate will be a member of the CSEA, Local 749 bargaining unit.
The New Media and Electronic Arts Technician will provide skilled technical assistance to faculty, staff, students, and graduate students in support of the electronic arts and digital technology components of the Division of Expanded Media (EM). This position also liaises with other technicians and serves the new media needs of the Institute for Electronic Arts (iea).
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Program Manager will be responsible for the management of the organization’s major program partnerships and initiatives, as well as the administration duties of the ArtWorks program. The successful candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and a strong relationship builder. Arts for Learning WNY seeks to hire candidates with a diversity of experiences and perspectives in respect to race, gender, and geography. We believe that our board, staff, and teaching artist roster should reflect the beautifully diverse community that makes up Buffalo and Western New York. People from BIPOC, LGBT+, working class, and/or other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
POSITON SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Advancement serves as a senior leader within the Advancement Department and the principal partner to the Director of Advancement in achieving the museum’s philanthropic goals. The Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the museum’s fundraising programs, translating institutional priorities into measurable fundraising outcomes.
The Associate Director oversees frontline fundraising efforts, including major gifts, leadership annual giving, planned giving, campaign fundraising, and institutional giving, while maintaining a personal portfolio of leadership donors and prospects. Working closely with the Director of Advancement, the Associate Director develops fundraising strategy, establishes performance metrics, oversees forecasting and pipeline management, and ensures effective coordination of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities across the department.
The Associate Director serves as a coach, mentor, and manager for frontline fundraising staff and helps foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the institution.
POSITON SUMMARY
The Director of Talent & Culture is a senior institutional leader responsible for ensuring that the Buffalo AKG has the people, culture, organizational structures, and workplace practices necessary to fulfill its mission and ambitions.
The Director of T&C leads the museum’s people strategy, organizational development, talent management, employee and labor relations, compensation and benefits, professional development, human resources operations, and assists in the facilitation and communication of institutional priorities and objectives, including Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) goals.
The Director of Talent & Culture will help cultivate a workplace characterized by high performance, transparency, accountability, curiosity, collaboration, inclusion, adaptability, and respect, while ensuring that the museum’s employment practices are equitable, sustainable, legally compliant, and aligned with institutional values. The Directorof T&C serves as a strategic advisor to museum leadership and a trusted resource for employees across the organization.
The Director of Talent & Culture reports to the Executive Director, works in partnership with the Artistic Director, and is a member of the museum’s Leadership Team.
POSITON SUMMARY
The Finance & Administration Manager oversees the Conservancy’s internal financial processes and serves as the primary liaison to its outsourced accounting firm. The position manages the monthly close process, budget and cash-flow monitoring, financial controls, audit and grant support, and ensures leadership has timely and accurate financial information for decision-making. The Manager reports directly to the Executive Director.
This is a full-time exempt position with a standard work schedule of 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on organizational needs.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Guest Experience provides strategic and operational leadership for all guest-facing functions at the Buffalo Zoo, ensuring an efficient, safe, and high-quality experience from arrival through departure. This role leads a high-volume operation and is responsible for service excellence, revenue performance, operational efficiency, and team culture across the Guest Experience Department. The Director oversees Admissions, Amenities, Attractions and Rides, Switchboard, Guest Relations, Birthday Parties, Parking, and Clean Team janitorial and support services, and manages key contracted vendor relationships. This position reports directly to the President/CEO, serves on the Zoo’s Leadership Team, and collaborates closely with all departments to ensure seamless campus-wide operations and alignment with organizational strategy.
Salary Range: $65,000-$80,000, annually
Posted: September 2026
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Programming & Events Coordinator is responsible for developing and executing all public-facing programs at the Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo (CCI), including but not limited to workshops, concerts and performances, lectures, children’s programming, and culinary programming. This role is central to how the public experiences the CCI, both in terms of what we offer and how we welcome them.
This position blends planning with on-the-ground coordination. The Coordinator leads a busy calendar of programs to deliver events that are organized, engaging, and mission-driven.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000
Posted: September 12, 2026
Role Summary & Context for Recruitment
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for conceptualizing, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program in support of Chautauqua’s mission and strategic priorities. The CDO will serve as a thought partner to President Mark Johnson, to whom the position reports. The CDO will work closely with the Senior Vice President/Chief Program Officer, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and fellow members of the Executive Team. Other close partners include the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of the Chautauqua Foundation, and a wide circle of volunteer leaders. Together they will build a sustainable culture of philanthropy throughout the Institution, cultivate transformative gifts, and elevate and support Chautauqua’s mission.
The CDO leads a team of approximately 10 professionals across the following areas: major, principal, and planned gifts; annual giving; institutional grants and sponsorships; prospect research, donor relations and events; and development services. The CDO will be tasked with sustained growth of the Chautauqua Fund, Chautauqua’s annual fund, which raised $5.9 million in FY25. The CDO will also help to build the strategy for Chautauqua’s next comprehensive campaign.
Chautauqua Institution enters this search at an inflection point. Its Boundless campaign set a goal of $150 million and closed six months ahead of schedule in December 2025, raising $166 million during one of the most successful fundraising efforts in the Institution’s 152-year history.
Since then, Chautauqua has undergone a period of leadership transition and financial realignment. Among other changes, Chautauqua welcomed Mark Johnson as President at the close of the 2026 Summer Assembly Season. He brings a conviction that Chautauqua, long a national platform for ideas and civil conversation across difference, can help restitch the fabric of American civic life. As President Johnson leads the development of a new strategic plan and master plan for the Chautauqua grounds, he has identified the recruitment of the CDO as a top priority. He is seeking a strategic partner who will build a modern, disciplined, data-informed development program equal to the generosity of the Chautauqua community and the scale of its ambitions.
Salary Range: $275,000 – $325,000
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Donor Engagement Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative event and donor engagement support to the Advancement Office. This position plays a key role in strengthening relationships with volunteers, donors, and community partners while ensuring the smooth execution of fundraising and recognition initiatives.
This role requires flexibility, as evening and weekend hours will be required based on event schedules and volunteer support needs. The successful candidate must be based in Chautauqua County, NY year-round.
Salary Range: $19 per hour, full time
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State, where approximately 7,500 persons are in residence on any day during a nine-week season, and a total of more than 100,000 attend scheduled public events.
Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
ChoreoNova® is a nonprofit contemporary dance theater company. Our mission is to empower people through dance. Our signature community programs, “ChoreoNova Moves,” promote wellbeing, foster personal growth, and bring people together.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
ChoreoNova® is hiring teachers for seated dance fitness classes for seniors and community members. Classes to start January 2027 at multiple locations,
Dance Teacher will be asked to instruct seated dance fitness classes for seniors and other appropriate community members on-location at various senior and community centers. Teachers will need to transport themselves to the class sites.
LOCATIONS
Sites in Amherst and Tonawanda, NY. Possible addition of classes in Lockport and Lancaster, NY.
HOW TO APPLY
Email resume’ to [email protected] and complete the application HERE.
SALARY DETAILS
- $20.00 per class
- Class duration: 45-60 minutes
- 1-6 hours per week estimated
The Director of Arts and Culture (DAC), an employee of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, will lead the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Arts and Culture Initiative at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo including efforts to build and strengthen the sector with a focus on increasing access and inclusion.
In mid-December 2021, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation (RCWJRF) announced a $100 million commitment to transform the financial strength and long-term viability of the Western New York’s art and cultural community through the establishment of an endowment that will support the sector now and forever. RCWJRF will contribute nearly $60 million over 10 years to establish an endowment at the Community Foundation. To ensure the program has immediate impact, RCWJRF will also provide $3.75 million a year for the first nine years, or $33.75 million. This investment will: (1) create permanent operational funding stream for 13 of the region’s largest arts and cultural institutions that play a critical role as economic drivers; (2) fund primarily small to mid-size arts and cultural organizations; and
(3) provide permanent capacity at the Community Foundation to manage and operate the endowment and grant program, which includes efforts to advance inclusion and access. The geographic reach includes the eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming) plus Monroe County.
The DAC will: (1) serve as the link between the Community Foundation and key stakeholders as well as the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan; (2) maintain strong knowledge of relevant community issues; (3) develop and maintain strong relationships in the arts and cultural ecosystem including with regional arts councils, arts advocacy alliances and peer funders. In addition to leading the Ralph Wilson Arts and Culture Initiative grants and sector building work, the DAC will also participate in other aligned arts grant programs at the Community Foundation including Fund for the Arts.
Salary Range: $84,000 – $88,000 Annually
Posted: October 22, 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
As a member of the Collections Management team and in collaboration with the Conservation and Photography staff, carefully and safely move, pack, mount, install and prepare objects for exhibition, research or photography. Maintain the Museum’s galleries and exhibitions and monitor the condition and safety of collection objects.
Salary Range: $24 – $28 per hour
Posted: October 22, 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
Fractured Atlas is seeking a full‐time Communications Associate. Fractured Atlas is a national, fully remote nonprofit arts service organization. Our work is guided by the belief that some of the boldest, most urgent creative work happens outside of institutions, led by individual artists, emerging collectives, and grassroots organizations. Our mission is to make the journey from inspiration to living practice more accessible and equitable for artists and creatives. We run the largest fiscal sponsorship program in the country, supporting thousands of active projects in every creative medium across all 50 states. Through fundraising tools, educational resources, visa letters, community programming, and 1-on-1 support, we help artists access the funding, time, and community they need to make the art the world needs.
As our Communications Associate, you’ll shape almost every message our members and public audiences see, from closure notices and event invites to newsletters and Instagram carousels. You’ll take a request from “here’s what’s changing” all the way to “it’s live on every channel.” You’ll also keep the systems behind that work clear and running, so the whole team has room to be creative.
We’re looking for an organized, multi-faceted, curious communicator who notices things: the audience we haven’t reached yet, the caption that could be more accessible, the small friction a better workflow would remove. You speak up about what you notice. You’ll enjoy this job if you like a day that moves between writing, designing, scheduling, answering member questions, and running event tech.
You’ll report to the Director, Communications, and join a Communications & Community team that’s energetic, inventive, and collaborative. You don’t need an arts or nonprofit background. You just need to care about independent artists and be willing to learn the field.
Salary Range: $32.70/hour ($68,016 annualized)
Deadline for submissions: November 11, 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
Introduces performing and visual arts into the healthcare setting to engage patients, family, visitors and staff in the creative process to provide opportunities for artistic expression, stress reduction and wellness.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
- HS – High School Diploma or GED required.
- 5 years of experience in Professional visual, performance artist required. 2 years of experience in a healthcare environment/setting preferred. 2 years of experience working with chronically ill patients/children and families preferred.
Salary Range: $25.45 -$34.99
Posted: October 7, 2026
Infinity is a place where creative growth is cultivated and nurtured by a networked team of dedicated adult mentors, community supporters, and area music and arts professionals. Infinity programming is offered in a wide variety of arts disciplines including music, art, theater, dance, literature, digital and audio production, photography, sound technology, and filmmaking.
We are always accepting applications from qualified candidates. Submitted resumes are also reviewed prior to advertising new positions. Professional music or arts training, performance experience in a professional setting, music, arts, or education-related degrees and experience working with children in an educational or mentorship environment are all sought after qualities.
Infinity is currently seeking Private Lesson and Group Class Instructors in the following areas:
- Voice
- Piano
- Ukulele
- Saxophone
- Flute
- Clarinet
- Cello
- Infinite Exploration (introducing multiple instruments and art forms to beginner level students)
Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis
POSITION SUMMARY
The Arts and Culture Program Manager position is a full-time, non-exempt position overseeing all Arts and Culture Program aspects of the Kenan Civic Arena, including youth programming, continuing education, and event set-up. Additionally, this position will work with Kenan’s Artistic Director and Director of the Kenan Gallery on cultivation and curation, advancing artists, and producing events (both theatrical and non-theatrical) across campus.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday-Saturday; varies, including regular night and weekend hours.
Salary Range: Pay $22 per hour
Posted: October 21, 2026
POSITION SUMMARY
The Kenmore Village Improvement Society (KVIS) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Part-Time Executive Director to build upon a strong foundation established by dedicated volunteers since 2008. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Kenmore, NY area, by translating KVIS’s mission into tangible results in community enrichment, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood vitality.
We are seeking a skilled and ardent leader to serve as the second paid staff member in our history. This is a unique opportunity to help a beloved, all-volunteer nonprofit continue to grow. The Executive Director will focus on fundraising, event planning, and operational coordination to expand our impact while preserving the volunteer spirit that defines KVIS.
This role requires a blend of strategic thinking, community engagement, and operational oversight, working closely with our Board of Directors and a dedicated team of volunteers to drive impactful initiatives. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and inspiring leader adept at fostering relationships with stakeholders, developing fundraising strategies, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the KVIS’s vital programs.
Salary Range: $30,000 annually for 20 flexible hours weekly
Posted: October 23, 2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Substitute Instructor will be asked to fill in for the following classes at LSA: Children’s Drawing & Painting, Teen/Adult Drawing & Painting, and Handbuilding Ceramics. We also may offer hours working in our Offsite Programming which are classes we hold in places like community centers, schools, correctional facilities etc… The instructor would be given lesson plans and supplies and drive to the offsite location to teach.
Skills in Digital Photography, B/W Film Photography, or Hand Drawn Animation are also desirable but not required. Some training is available.
HOURS & SHIFTS
As needed to fill in for our regular instructors, also some opportunities to teach for our offsite programs with our community partners. We are seeking applicants with very flexible schedules.
Potential shifts include Tuesdays and Thursdays 12pm-3pm OR 3pm-7pm and Saturdays 12:30pm-5:30pm. Offsite programming shifts vary greatly.
Salary Range: $20.00 per hour (Part-Time, as needed)
Posted: October 6, 2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Graphic Designer & Creative Coordinator is a key member of the Marketing and Communications department, responsible for developing, designing and producing creative materials that support the organization’s strategic goals and its marketing, branding, public relations, retail, e-commerce, and communications initiatives. The position has a strong focus on both digital and print graphic design, including advertisements, brochures, digital campaigns, promotional/point-of-purchase materials, signage, e-blasts, trade show exhibit displays, website content, and social media assets.
The Graphic Designer & Creative Coordinator develops original creative concepts and designs, and produces materials that meet project goals, managing each project from initial idea through completion.
Serving as a key member of the organization’s internal creative agency, this position provides creative, design and production expertise for the Marketing, Guest Experience, Operations, Retail, Group Sales and Archive departments. The role also works with external production and print vendors to ensure that finished materials meet project specifications, maintain design quality, reflect the organization’s brand, and are delivered on schedule.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and competing priorities. This role requires the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and shift focus as needs and priorities evolve, guided by organizational priorities established by the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 a year
Posted: October 22, 2026
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Penn Dixie is growing and seeking our first development team member! This individual will develop and coordinate our fundraising and sponsorship efforts to drive sustainability and revenue growth! To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Dr. Phil Stokes at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Email inquiries only.
The Development Coordinator is a part-time professional staff member who focuses on fundraising opportunities in support our mission of hands-on science education. Grant writing, sponsorship seeking, and stakeholder engagement are key pillars of the role; administrative and programmatic support are also part of regular duties. The Development Coordinator reports to the Executive Director and works closely with staff, board, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance Penn Dixie’s engagement with the community while helping to fund operational, programmatic, and capital projects.
Salary Range: $22-25/hour
Re-Posted: October 23, 2026
POSITION OVERVIEW
Road Less Traveled Productions (RLTP) is excited to announce that the application portal for the 2027 RLTP Bridge Program are now open. Beginning January 2027, the RLTP Bridge Program is 16-week hands-on paid internship program sponsored by Road Less Traveled Productions specifically targeted for students and early career artists of color looking to get experience in the theatre industry to help develop their long-term career path. This unique opportunity is designed to promote diversity and inclusion for artists of color seeking a serious career in the arts industry.
RLTP successfully completed its fourth annual Bridge Program August 2026 with graduates in areas of acting, stage management and marketing.
The RLTP Bridge Program is a custom-built program that provides members access to opportunities to any area of interest in the theatre industry to fit their needs. Students and early career artists of color will gain extensive knowledge in one specific concentration of the theatre arts including; Directing, Acting, Playwriting, All Areas of Design, and Stage Management. The Program is designed to increase the student’s awareness and appreciation for all areas of theatre with an emphasis on collaboration.
The RLTP Bridge Program is led by Program Director Peter Johnson, an academic instructor, actor and casting agent in Western New York.
Deadline to apply: November 22, 2026
ABOUT THE ROYCROFT CAMPUS
The Roycroft Campus Corporation preserves and promotes the Roycroft Campus and the spirit of the Arts and Crafts Movement, inviting people of all ages to experience history, values and possibilities through the Head, Heart, Hand philosophy.
Our vision is a vibrant, internationally recognized destination where visitors experience a living community grounded in creativity, craftsmanship and authenticity. Through engaging programs, restored historic spaces and a strong brand presence, the Campus inspires people to explore the enduring relevance of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC) is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic, organizational and operational leadership. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to advance RCC’s mission, implement its strategic priorities, strengthen financial sustainability and guide the continued growth of the organization.
The successful candidate will be an effective communicator and relationship builder with sound judgment, financial discipline and the ability to lead through change. RCC seeks a leader who balances mission-driven priorities with practical operational and financial decision-making, while building trust with staff, volunteers, donors, funders, community partners and the Board.
Salary Range: $80,000-$120,000
Last updated: November 3, 2026
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