Business Manager

Overview: The Business Manager runs the financial and operational strategy of the Wassenberg Art Center (WAC) in order to advance its mission. This role reports to and works closely with the Artistic Director, engages with the WAC Board, and is assisted by the Administrative Coordinator. Priority areas include operational management, fundraising, and public engagement. Some evening or weekend hours are required for events and outreach. Effective delegation and time management are essential to success.

Key Responsibilities:

Mission and Values Alignment 

• Uphold the vision, mission and values of the WAC and the Van Wert County Foundation (VWCF)
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth

Programs & Events

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to align programming with strategic goals and community impact
• Support event planning by ensuring adequate staffing and resource allocation
• Delegate logistics to the Administrative Coordinator as appropriate
• Approve and oversee facility facility use and rentals coordination with the Administrative Coordinator
• Oversee the gift shop, and obtain new vendors as needed in coordination with the Administrative Coordinator

Governance & Operations

• Establish policies and procedures and necessary to guide the work of the organization
• Review all policies, licenses, compliance, contracts, and financial transactions
• Assist with onboarding employees and volunteers
• Organize and support committees, including scheduling, logistics, and collaboration with committee chairs
• Prepare monthly board packets (minutes, reports, financials) and attend board meetings to report on outcomes
• Establish work plans that outline goals, tasks, timelines, responsibilities, resources, and evaluation methods to guide and track successful programming and submit for review by the Artistic Director

Finance & Fundraising

• Help develop the annual budget along with the Artistic Director, the Executive Committee, and the VWCF CEO by November 1
• Monitor finances and provide monthly analysis of programs and of the organization to the Board
• Strengthen sustainability through financial planning and fundraising with support from the Board
• Identify and secure grants, donors, and sponsorships
• Coordinate and assist with payroll

Collaboration & Support

• Provide support to the Artistic Director
• Defer final decisions on contracts, budgets, or brand messaging to the Artistic Director
• Participate in weekly staff meetings to support unified communications and logistics
• Build relationships with artists, supporters, and partners

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Art, Business, Marketing, or a related field is preferred
• 5+ years in nonprofit, arts, or cultural leadership
• Skilled in budgeting, grant writing, and financial reporting
• Effective team leader and communicator
• Proficient in organizational and project tools
• Adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive

Interested applicants should email their cover letter and resume directly to meagan@vanwertcountyfoundation.org. by August 31, 2025.

Our Culture

Welcome to The Van Wert County Foundation, a cornerstone of enduring values and impactful work in Van Wert County and its surrounding areas. Our team is a dynamic mix of community advocates, seasoned philanthropists, and local visionaries, each contributing unique skills and perspectives to serve our community.

Our Vision:
To create a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for our community.

Our Mission:
To transform the quality of life by inspiring, fulfilling, and supporting philanthropy.

Our Values:

• Stewardship: We safeguard and activate resources with utmost care.
• Leadership: We guide, serve, and support, acting as a beacon for community initiatives.
• Integrity: We’re committed to doing what is right and just.
• Reliability: We consistently deliver great results, earning the trust of our community.

What We Do:
We’re the stewards of various philanthropic efforts, from Legacy Endowments and Donor-Advised Funds to Charitable Remainder Trusts. We also support local initiatives like Van Wert Forward, Wassenberg Art Center, and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (Van Wert Live). Additionally, we nurture community spaces like Franklin Park and Hiestand Woods Trails.

Why We Do It:
We’re deeply rooted in the community and are committed to its growth and well-being. We understand our neighbors’ unique needs and aspirations, many of whom span multiple generations, and we’re here to make a lasting impact.

How We Do It:
We blend a trusted steward’s conscientiousness with a community leader’s vision. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a commitment to fulfilling them. With a focus on reliability and integrity, we consistently deliver results that make a real difference. Our strength comes from our unwavering commitment to our values and the seasoned expertise to realize our vision.

So, if you’re someone who cherishes a well-lived life and values the power of community, looking for a place where your efforts are impactful and your integrity is celebrated, then you’ve found the right place with us. We invite you to be part of a culture that’s as resilient, personable, and deeply committed to community values as you are.