Vice President of Arts & Cultural Programs [Brooklyn Public Library, NY]

BACKGROUND: 

As the nation’s 5th largest public library system, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is committed to providing the borough’s 2.5 million residents a vibrant learning environment with free access to quality programs, services and resources through a Central Library, 58 neighborhood libraries located within a half mile of every Brooklyn resident, an outstanding Business and Career Library and the Shelby White and Leon Levy Information Commons. BPL’s vision is to be a vital center of knowledge for all, accessible 24 hours a day, and a leader in traditional and innovative library services which reflect the diverse and dynamic spirit of the people of Brooklyn. Founded in 1892, BPL today has over 789,000 active cardholders and annual circulation of over 15.7 million materials, attendance of over 780,000 at educational and cultural programs, and over 8 million visits to its 60 locations (including over 1 million at Central Library).

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Position:

The Vice President of Arts and Cultural Programs is a new position reporting to the Library’s President. The Vice President will oversee a team of 5 as well as the part-time program staff and volunteer support. In addition, the position will be responsible for rentals of the Dweck Center and related spaces working closely with the BPL’s General Counsel on special events and film shoots.

Primary Responsibilities:

In 2012 the Library underwent a strategic planning initiative that identified six areas of strategic focus for the Library in the coming years: education, access, culture, inclusion, space, and stewardship. In addition, the Dweck Center, the Library’s premier cultural venue, was the subject of a 2014 strategic program review conducted by AEA Consulting. To achieve the goals set out in these plans, the new Vice President of Arts and Cultural Programs will set the strategic direction for arts and cultural programming at BPL, including the Central Library, 58 neighborhood libraries and the Culture Commons at South Site – a new branch library planned for the BAM Cultural District. Along with developing a strong, system-wide cultural vision, the VP, Arts and Cultural Programs will be responsible for bringing in new audiences and building a recognizable brand for the Library’s arts and cultural offerings, which should be high-quality, innovative and above all designed to serve Brooklyn’s diverse population.

BPL arts and cultural programs currently include:

• The Dweck Center, a 190-seat auditorium that opened at Central Library in 2007, features a wide array of programs and performances, including author talks, book discussion groups, lectures, film screenings, chamber music concerts, pop and jazz music, as well as highly popular programs for children and families and other special events. The Dweck Center presents over 200 programs annually in its lobby and auditorium, as well as on the outdoor plaza. Attendance in 2014 was over 30,000. Current series include Classical Interludes, Gotham: NYC’s Best Writers; Russian Literary Series; Stomp, Clap and Sing Children’s Program; Diva Docs; Plaza Swing, featuring both local and internationally renowned authors and performers.
• Programs at neighborhood branches including author readings, children’s performances, films and streamed video and multicultural music.
• An exhibition program including a rotating calendar of exhibits in the Central Library Lobby and at select branches.

Position Goals and Objectives:

• Define the strategic vision for the Library’s arts and cultural programming.
• Develop a distinct brand and identity for BPL’s arts and cultural programming.
• Grow the attendance for arts and cultural events while ensuring that audiences reflect the diversity of Brooklyn’s population.
• Raise awareness of BPL arts and cultural programming among cultural consumers in Brooklyn and farther afield.
• Complete a business plan for the Dweck Center, using recommendations laid out in the 2014 strategic program review.
• Collaborate with BPL’s Marketing and Communications team to create and execute a marketing strategy to increase awareness and attendance at events, including email campaigns, social media, print collateral and press.
• Oversee content for the recently-redesigned quarterly Arts and Culture newsletter.
• Provide leadership and support in fundraising solicitations, sponsorships and special events.
• Cultivate new collaborative programming opportunities with Brooklyn and NYC-based cultural institutions.
• Generate earned revenue through increased rentals of the Dweck and other spaces at Central Library.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years in a leadership position in the performing arts or related field
• Experience in programming venues with diverse performers, ideally in multiple disciplines
• Clear programmatic vision and strong leadership skills
• Deep knowledge of the cultural landscape in Brooklyn and New York City is highly desirable
• Skill and comfort in representing the organization across diverse constituencies
• Must be willing and able to work on evenings and weekends
• BA required, advanced degree a plus.

To learn more about the Library please visit: www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

START DATE: Winter 2016

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Applicants should submit a resume, a one-page narrative describing interest and experience, and the names of three references. Applications will be reviewed by Management Consultants for the Arts, an executive search firm working with the Library’s President. Suggestions of candidates are welcome.

Send resume and accompanying materials to:

Linda Sweet or Bill Appleton

Subject: BPL

Email: MCAWall2@gmail.com