Executive Director [Visual Arts Center of New Jersey]

Posted: November 13, 2014

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (the “Center”) is recognized as a leading contemporary arts educational institution in the tri-state region.  The Center is the state’s largest institution dedicated exclusively to viewing, making, and learning about contemporary art. Comprising a renowned studio art school and a thriving exhibitions and programming schedule, the Center engages the community in visual learning, interpretive programs, and hands-on creative art making experiences.

For every year since 2009, the Center has received the designation “Major Impact Organization” from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. In 2009 and again in 2010, the Center also was honored with a Discover Jersey Arts People Choice Award for Best Place to Take an Adult Art Class. The Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually.

Founded in 1933 as a community-based institution offering open access to quality arts instruction, the Center is now recognized for its exemplary programs. The Center’s studio school, professional development, exhibitions, and outreach programs offer something for everyone. Most important, the staff, faculty, and volunteers bring imagination and passion to their jobs and to the communities they serve.

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey believes in the power of art to inspire, amaze, and enrich. The organization is passionate about bringing art and people together: visual arts in all of its many forms and people of all ages, races, and genders; from those who already love art to those who might not know what they’re missing.

The Role:

Reports to: Board Chair

Overview:

The Executive Director reports to the Board Chair on behalf of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for the overall operations of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey (the “Center”).  Principal responsibilities include advancement of the Center’s comprehensive program in the visual arts, sound financial and managerial oversight, fundraising, and the development and maintenance of positive board, staff, faculty, and community relations.

The Executive Director will ensure programs of excellence for the Studio Art School, Exhibition, and Outreach activities that respond to the needs of the diverse population served by the Center, and will introduce new and innovative courses and programs that will attract new audiences and increase the Center’s visibility.

This is a compelling opportunity for a visionary and innovative leader to deliver on the Center’s mission of bringing art and people together by increasing the Center’s visibility across the Tri-state area as an important cultural institution and center of learning for people of all ages and skill levels in arts education.  

Key Responsibilities:

Communication and Influence:

• Serve as the principal spokesperson of the Center; promote and raise awareness of the Center to the communities it serves, reaching out to community and civic leaders, to corporations and foundations, to other non-profit organizations, and to individuals who could benefit from and/or contribute to the Center’s activities.
• Ensure the Center has a visible, effective, and consistent public image.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Play a leadership role in expanding the Center’s “vision” by re-evaluating and implementing the Center’s long-range strategic plan consistent with the Center’s mission and capabilities.
• Devise and implement strategies to broaden, deepen, and diversify the Center’s various participant constituencies.

Programs:

• Direct and evaluate the Center’s educational programs, whether through classes, outreach, or exhibitions.
• Maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and reputation of excellence with respect to all of the Center’s programs.

Financial Management:

• Oversee the fiscal management of the Center; prepare the annual budget and operating plans for submission to the Board of Trustees.

Fund Development:

• With the Board, establish strategies for a wide range of development and play a leadership role in fundraising.

Human Capital:

• Plan, organize, and direct activities through the hiring and management of professional staff.
• Develop and implement sound personnel policies.  Evaluate paid staff on an ongoing basis, replacing where necessary.

Board Relations:

• Provide Board members and committees with necessary information and staff support, while maintaining Board interest and enthusiasm.

Job Requirements

Candidate Profile:

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership position at a similar organization, with a demonstrable record of innovation and success.
• Familiarity with the arts community and funding sources across the Tri-State area as well as a willingness to represent and be an advocate for the Center effectively within the region are essential.
• Demonstrated management experience at a similar organization showing a strong working relationship with staff.
• The Executive Director should understand how new media and technology can be deployed to increase an institution’s visibility as well as the interplay between branding, marketing, and communication.
• Knowledge of contemporary art trends and an appreciation of the role and work of a curator.

Personal Attributes:

• Excellent management and communications skills, including the ability to motivate and mentor professional staff.
• Enthusiasm for the goals of the Center, flexibility and an open attitude toward new ideas, and a sense of humor.
• Demonstrated ability in public speaking – listens, engages and influences.
• Charismatic interpersonal skills, dynamic motivator who creates and builds both internal and external relationships and has a vision to promote the Center.
• Ability to attract, retain, and motivate professional staff; prioritize and communicate with staff and managers about key objectives necessary to achieve the Center’s mission and goals.
• Ability to maintain current with respect to knowledge of the arts field and apply such knowledge and information for the benefit of the Center.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities to execute appropriate strategic initiatives and in handling major issues in a timely and effective manner.

 Education:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s level degree in art history or fine arts along with either an MBA or a Master’s level degree in Arts Administration is strongly preferred.