Careers
Executive Director
The Board of Trustees of Craft Contemporary seeks a strategic thinker and highly-effective leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This is an opportunity to lead a vibrant contemporary art museum, building upon its rich history and myriad strengths to provide new vitality to the organization and embolden its unique standing in the art community. The Executive Director is responsible for general operational, administrative, and financial management of the organization; priorities will include the development of a strategic plan, diversifying revenues, building collaborative partnerships, and growing the museum’s visibility to increase engagement and impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and has full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of Craft Contemporary. Responsibilities include:
- Providing visionary leadership and strong administrative oversight of all aspects of museum operations
- Initiating and implementing a strategic plan, resulting in renewed vision and priorities for Craft Contemporary
- Providing a high degree of visibility in the community; developing and maintaining good relations with strategic partners, other arts organizations, public agencies, and the media; and serving as chief spokesperson for the museum
- Maintaining a full exhibitions and education program that supports the museum mission and emphasizes the exhibition of under-represented artists who are involved in craft
- Developing, managing, and growing the annual operating budget to effectively support Craft Contemporary’s operations and programming; managing the museum in a fiscally responsible manner
- Diversifying sources of revenue by increasing contributed revenue and cash reserves, and evaluating earned income potential in support of operating and programming goals
- Leading staff and Board in the organization’s fundraising activities, including its annual fund, grant writing, special events, planned giving, and project funding, and maintaining strong relationships with the funding community
- Providing direction and leadership to the Craft Contemporary staff in support of the organization’s mission, vision, and goals; ensuring a supportive work environment that attracts, motivates, and retains a diverse staff of energetic, top-quality employees
- Partnering with the Board of Trustees in leadership of the Museum; helping to further expand and diversify the Board; and maintaining strong working relationships with Trustees
- Developing marketing and public relations strategies to achieve earned income goals, enhance the museum’s visibility and reputation, and ensure steady growth
IDEAL CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS
- Enthusiasm for Craft Contemporary’s mission
- Proven track record of leadership abilities, a high level of initiative, and creative and flexible problem-solving skills
- Deep knowledge of museum practices and standards; familiarity with arts management challenges and opportunities
- Entrepreneurial spirit, including the capacity to develop innovative strategies for programming, audience-building, and income generation
- Record of success in financial management, fundraising, community relations, marketing, and Board development
- Established network within the nonprofit funding community, with demonstrable success in cultivating and maintaining relationships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals
- Ability to work collaboratively and productively with professional staff, volunteers, and Trustees to foster a positive and cooperative work environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A core commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, high energy level, and strong commitment to teamwork
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION
A minimum of five years of senior leadership experience, including work with a board of directors. Possession of a bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $150,000-$175,000. A benefits package will also be provided.
Individuals applying for this position should send a letter of interest and resume to: mmc@museum-management.com
Teaching Artist, Craft Youth Culture Teen Program
The Teaching Artist for the Craft Youth Culture Teem Program will develop and teach a syllabus that engages a group of high school students in critical discussion around contemporary craft and will provide hands-on workshops which inspire students' creativity and explore craft techniques and materials. The teaching artist will work collaboratively with the Director of School and Family Programs to plan and prepare for up to 22 sessions with the same group of students between October 4, 2023 and March 27, 2023 and a final culminating event on a weekend in June. Classes will take place at the museum on Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm. The teaching artist must be available on the following dates.
Session 1 (2023)
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 29
December 6 , 13
Session 2 (2024)
January 10, 17, 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 6 , 13, 20, 27
CULMINATING EVENT (2024)
June 2
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead a multi-session series of up to 22 workshop days for a selected group of high school students at the museum.
- Develop presentations and facilitate discussions that will engage students with the teaching artist's work, relevant work of additional contemporary artists and works on view at the museum.
- Engage and lead students through group critique of ongoing class work.
- Create a written syllabus with descriptions of each craft project.
- Provide clear and detailed materials lists.
- Be on time for all sessions, including set-up and clean-up after the program.
- Collaborate with Billie Rae Vinson, Director of School and Family Programs who will provide feedback on the syllabus and be responsible for scheduling, securing supplies and managing logistical details.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Successful candidates will be practicing artists who have experience in craft-based techniques; including but not limited to conventional craft media such as ceramics, fibers, and printmaking, or more expanded notions of craft exploration.
- At least two years of teaching experience developing lessons in a museum, classroom, or informal learning setting. Preferably with 9th – 12th grade students.
- Bachelor's degree in Studio Art, Art Education, or related field.
- The teaching artists should have an investment in methods, practitioners, and histories that engage diversity, representation, equity, and inclusion and a pedagogical approach which aligns with Craft Contemporary's mission and engagement in these areas.
- Knowledge of art and craft history and familiarity with other contemporary craft artists.
- Experience researching and writing lesson plans, providing materials list and developing a mulit-season syllabus.
- Familiarity with high school curriculum and inquiry-based and object-based teaching is a plus.
- Strong and effective written, oral communications, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to use virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and file sharing platforms such as Google Drive.
APPLICATIONS
Send the following to Billie Rae Vinson, Director of School and Family Programs at billie@craftcontemporary.org in one PDF.
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Proposal (Max 100 words) - This should be a very brief description of the themes and materials you might like to include in your syllabus if you are successful in your application.
- One example of a past syllabus and/or lesson plan.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, June 4, 2023
Interviews will be held in late June and July 2023.
This role is part-time and temporary. $50 per hour for a maximum of 100 hours from August 1, 2023 –June 30, 2024.