Job Description
Founded in 1987, The Amistad Center for Art & Culture (TAC) is a "museum within a museum" housed in the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the oldest continuously operating public art museum in America. The Amistad Center uniquely inspires, entertains, and educates diverse audiences through a robust array of art, cultural and educational experiences for all members of the Greater Hartford community and New England region. Our multidisciplinary collection of more than 7,000 works of fine art, photography, historical artifacts, memorabilia, and rare books documents the African American experience from the earliest era of enslavement to contemporary creative achievements. We curate unique cultural experiences that encourage rich one-of-a-kind cross-cultural conversations. Through our efforts to honor and celebrate the history and contributions of all people of African descent in America, we seek to inspire the next generation of artists, art enthusiasts and cultural visionaries.
The Executive Director will carry out the mission of The Amistad Center with the full support of the Board of Trustees and our museum partners at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art along with a full complement of staff members consisting of an administrative and marketing assistant, development and events manager, education and programming manager and associate curator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Amistad Center for Art & Culture is seeking a dynamic and inspirational leader who will champion the organization’s mission and share its bold vision for continued growth, greater community impact and deepened community relationships.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director provides overall leadership, fundraising strategy, operations management, program oversight, and administration of the organization. The Executive Director serves as point of contact with key relationships, including Board members, museum staff, artists, educators, community partners and funders.
Key priorities for the next Executive Director are:
Leadership, Outreach, and Community Relations
Create opportunities for learning and collaboration that furthers the mission, vision, and desired impact of The Amistad Center. Expand community partnerships and act as the primary spokesperson building on the strong legacy of the organization and further positioning The Amistad Center as a relevant cultural asset in the community.
Operational and Strategic Planning
Lead short-term operational and long-range strategic planning and implementation processes, including routine assessment of operations, mentoring and supervision of human resources, mobilization of technological resources, and decision-making related to appropriate use of fiscal resources.
The Executive Director with partner with the Board and lead the execution of The Amistad Center’s three-year strategic priorities to:
Enhance community impact by:
- Broadening community access and engagement,
- Enhancing educational programming, and
- Animating the collection and exhibits.
Strengthen internal capacity by:
- Securing creative, resourceful and engaged leadership,
- Ensuring sustainable revenue, and
- Expanding technology capabilities.
Collections Stewardship, Exhibition, and Program Planning
Ensure the careful, sound, and responsible management of the collection, including legal, social, and ethical obligations to provide proper care as well as intellectual control. In collaboration with the Curator, develop a coordinated exhibition and program schedule that maximizes use of The Amistad’s collection and resources as well as identifies partnership opportunities to expand exhibit offerings.
Institutional Advancement
Design a successful and diversified fundraising strategy in partnership with the Board to ensure long-term financial health of the organization. Will identify and pursue new and creative revenue strategies including events, endowments, planned giving, and annual funding opportunities from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies with Board and staff support.
Board Development
Help recruit Board members, nurture Board relationships and leverage Board talents and resources to help achieve key objectives. Will stimulate involvement, provide necessary organizational information and work closely with the Board to ensure strong fiscal health and organizational governance.
QUALIFICATIONS
The Executive Director should have proven skills in all aspects of non-profit management, knowledge of, or expertise in the Black experience, have an avid interest in and/or knowledge of the fine arts, African American art, or a closely related art form.
Other desired skills, experience, and personal attributes include:
- At least five (5) to seven (7) years of management experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Experience with direct stewardship of Boards of Directors is preferred.
- A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree preferred.
- Excellent knowledge of and ability in fundraising, marketing, audience development, branding, and operations.
- Although it is highly likely that the successful candidate will have career experience at the management level of a museum or cultural arts organization, it is also possible that the individual could come from another background or industry.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Health benefits, paid time off and competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work Location: Hartford, CT. Must be able to reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required).
- Must have ability to work evening and weekend hours to manage events and programs.
- Special Environmental Factors: Close office setting.
DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description shows the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not have a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time nor does it proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Hartford, CT 06103: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- What attracted you to this position?
- Describe any experience you have working in or leading a non-profit organization.
- Describe your experience leading people or teams.
- Describe any experience you have leading fundraising efforts and/or grant advancement.
Work Location: In person
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