About Buffalo Center for Arts & Technology
The Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to creating stable, hopeful futures for both students and adults in the Buffalo community. BCAT provides cost-free, high-quality arts and technology education for high school students and workforce training programs for adults, combining skill-building with mentorship and wraparound support.
BCAT delivers life-changing outcomes, including near-universal high school graduation rates and workforce placement for adult learners, helping individuals and families break cycles of generational poverty. Participants leave not only with credentials, but with the support, confidence, and direction needed to build sustainable futures.
BCAT currently operates two core program areas:
- High School Arts & Technology Program (YAP) – A daily afterschool program for high school students offering hands-on classes in fields such as digital media, public art, music production. The program combines mentorship, creative expression, and academic support to help students stay on track for graduation and what comes next.
- Adult Workforce Program (AWP) – A year-round training program for underserved adults that leads to nationally recognized certifications and career pathways in fields such as pharmacy technician, medical administrative assistant, phlebotomy, IT tech support, networking, and security.
Built on the nationally recognized Manchester Bidwell model, BCAT plays a key role in Buffalo’s workforce and education ecosystem, connecting individuals to opportunity while supporting broader economic mobility in the region.
With an annual operating budget of approximately $3 million, a staff of 30, and a highly engaged Board of Directors, BCAT is at an inflection point — actively completing an $8 million capital campaign while scaling its programs and strengthening the infrastructure needed to deepen its long-term impact across the communities it serves.
Learn more at buffaloartstechcenter.org.
The Opportunity
The next CEO will lead BCAT through a transformational growth phase, completing a major capital campaign while strengthening the systems, partnerships, and outcomes that support education-to-career pathways.
This is an opportunity to lead an established, respected, and high-impact organization into its next chapter by expanding opportunity for participants, strengthening community and employer partnerships, and deepening BCAT’s role in connecting education to sustainable careers.
The CEO will refine BCAT’s strategic direction, ensuring that growth is grounded in financial sustainability and operational discipline, while preserving the organization’s individualized, high-touch approach.
This is a compelling role for a nonprofit executive who brings strong fundraising leadership, operational rigor, and a clear commitment to education and workforce equity.
Essential Functions
Organization Management and Staff Leadership
- Oversee execution of the organization's mission, vision, and operations
- Lead and develop a team of approximately 30 staff, including full- and part-time employees
- Strengthen internal alignment by clarifying roles, improving organizational structure, and establishing clear accountability
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive mission-driven culture grounded in performance, communication, and shared goals
Fundraising and Resource Development
- Lead all fundraising efforts as a core responsibility, including completion of the remaining $2m of the capital campaign
- Expand and diversify revenue through individual, corporate, and foundation giving
- Build a sustainable revenue model, including exploration of employer partnerships and public funding opportunities
- Activate and support the Board in fundraising and donor engagement
- Ensure strong fundraising systems, messaging, and donor engagement practices
Strategic Leadership and Execution
- Refine and operationalize a strategic plan to ensure focus, feasibility, and measurable outcomes
- Balance growth with program quality, ensuring BCAT continues to deliver strong outcomes
Program Alignment and Development
- Assess and align program offerings with evolving workforce needs and employer demand
- Strengthen relationships with employers to ensure training pathways lead to real job opportunities
- Evaluate program sustainability and impact to guide investment and focus
Financial & Operational Stewardship
- Oversee a $3M operating budget with strong fiscal discipline, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management
- Ensure financial decisions align with long-term sustainability and program impact
- Strengthen internal systems, policies, and infrastructure to support efficient operations
External Relations & Advocacy
- Serve as the organization’s primary external representative with donors, partners, employers, media, and community stakeholders
- Strengthen BCAT’s positioning within Buffalo’s nonprofit, education, and workforce development landscape
Board Relations & Governance
- Maintain a strong partnership with a high-functioning Board of Directors, ensuring alignment on strategy and fiduciary responsibilities
- Provide clear, timely communication and reporting to support informed decision-making
- Partner with the Board to strengthen governance and fundraising effectiveness
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 7 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization of comparable complexity
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, including individual and corporate giving
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets
- Experience leading teams and managing across multiple functions or programs
- Comfort serving as the primary external representative, including fundraising, media, and stakeholder engagement
- Proven ability to partner effectively with an engaged Board of Directors
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Preferred
- Experience leading or supporting a capital campaign
- Track record of building or expanding donor bases, particularly at the local level
- Experience in workforce development, education, or human services
- Advanced degree strongly preferred
Work Environment and Requirements
This is an in-person leadership role based in Buffalo, New York, with regular evening and occasional weekend commitments for events and community engagement.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range of $125,000 – 140,000 commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.
