Executive Director [Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, TX]

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) seeks a proven leader to serve as Executive Director.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft is a nonprofit arts organization founded to advance education about the process, product and history of craft. For nearly 14 years, HCCC has served as an important cultural and educational resource for Houston and the Southwest—one of the few venues in the country dedicated exclusively to craft at the highest level. HCCC provides exhibition, retail and studio spaces to support the work of local and national artists and offers educational programs in schools and underserved communities.

Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum-Houston, and Lawndale Art Center, HCCC enjoys a longstanding reputation for presenting exhibitions and programs that are of the highest cultural and artistic merit. Visitors enjoy learning about craft (objects made primarily of clay, fiber, glass, metal, wood or found/recycled materials) by viewing innovative exhibitions, engaging with resident artists, creating their own crafts through hands-on activities, strolling through the Craft Garden, and shopping for one-of-a kind gifts and home décor in the Asher Gallery.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership skills to HCCC, and will be able to articulate a clear vision for the organization. He/she must be collaborative and transparent in communications, and be an excellent public speaker as the “face” of the Craft Center. He/she will be the primary interface with donors. Qualities of a “great boss” are also important—a team builder and one who can praise accomplishments and set clear goals for achievement. The new Executive Director must bring business and financial competencies to the position, including an entrepreneurial spirit that will help grow HCCC to its next level. Warmth and good interpersonal skills are critical.

Financial and Development Responsibilities

• Manage budget and investments, through finance staff and Board Treasurer

• Establish fundraising goals and direct process to achieve them

• Working with staff:

• Cultivate new donors in varied contacts, including face-to-face meetings, written solicitations, and event participation

• Direct and participate in donor requests with foundations, government agencies, individual donors, and provide stewardship for funds raised

• Provide leadership to HCCC’s major fundraising events

• Direct and provide guidance to increase membership revenue

• Direct and provide guidance to maintaining and increasing the contributions from Foundations and Government agencies

Governance and Board Responsibilities

• Act as primary interface with Board and Advisory Board

• Lead staff participation in involvement with Board committees

• Provide leadership vision on strategic direction for HCCC in collaboration with Board

• Execute Board’s strategy to expand and sustain organization’s growth

Staff Management Responsibilities

• Manage full-time and part-time staff, as well as consultants and contractors

• Direct policies and procedures for compensation/benefits and all staff activities

Education Responsibilities

• Guide education program, in collaboration with Education Director and staff

• Support community outreach activities, in schools and other partner organizations

• Provide leadership to Artist Residency program

Exhibition Responsibilities

• Guide exhibitions at HCCC in collaboration with Curator and staff

• Provide guidance in managing Curatorial Fellow and the fellowship program

Gallery Responsibilities

• Guide retail efforts through the Asher Gallery Manager

• Develop mechanisms to improve revenues and connections to craft artists

Marketing and Communication Responsibilities

• Guide external communications and marketing efforts through the Communications Director and marketing staff

• Expand community relations for HCCC

Key Skills and Requirements

• 5+ years in senior management of arts non-profit; advanced degree preferred

• Strong leadership skills and ability to build collaboration among staff

• Team building through transparent communications

• Strong financial and management skills

• Clear understanding of fundraising and development processes

• Excellent communications skills, able to be the public face of HCCC

• High integrity and a warm interpersonal style

• Commitment to cultivating the next generation of craft enthusiasts through education,

exhibitions and publications