Building Organizational Capacity
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Job Descriptions

Definition: Job descriptions detail specific staff positions within an organization and should include:
- Whom the position reports to
- Whom the position supervises
- Position responsibilities and duties
- Any special training or qualifications that are required for the position.

Purpose: Job descriptions clarify the duties of an employee for both the employee and the employer. They also help reduce confusion or misunderstanding in certain situations by identifying which positions are responsible for which organizational duties. Job descriptions provide the principal reference for evaluating employee performance and developing salary guidelines.

Tip: Review your organization's job descriptions on a regular basis (usually annually) to see if they still accurately reflect the job being performed. You may find over time that you need to modify some job descriptions substantially to keep up with the changing needs of your organization.

Sample Job Descriptions

Executive Director - Sample 1
Executive Director - Sample 2
Director of Development and Communications
Program Director
Artistic Director
Business Manager
Office Manager/Bookkeeper
Administrative Assistant
Secretary/Receptionist

The Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations has a 28-year history as New York's primary service association for community based arts and cultural organizations. The Alliance provides leadership and vision, and delivers services, resources and tools that strengthen community cultural organizations. The Alliance monitors, informs and mobilizes the field on statewide and national issues affecting the arts and assists local arts agencies in building community support and developing effective grassroots public policy.

245 Love Lane, P.O. Box 96
Mattituck, NY 11952-0096
Phone (631) 298-1234 / Fax (631) 298-1101