Executive Director [Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, Sonoma, CA]

BACKGROUND: 

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (SVMA) was founded in 1998 by a group of citizens interested in creating a wonderful space for art and for the community to gather.  Since its inception, SVMA has been a catalyst for the

local and regional community and has the largest membership in the entire North Bay.   SVMA’s gallery space consists of 3,000 square feet, along with a smaller gallery which opens onto Broadway, just south of the Sonoma Plaza.  Shortly after the museum bought its building in 2003, a capital campaign resulted in a complete remodeling of the galleries to meet museum standards and the contemporary space provides a wonderful venue for showcasing art.  In early 2011, the museum opened the Stanley Abercrombie and Paul Vieyra 2500 volume Art Library, which is based on a legacy gift of 20,000 more from the two board members.

The mission of the museum states that Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is a “magnet of creative energy and cultural inspiration. Its exhibitions and educational programs engage the community in the art and ideas of our time, encouraging curiosity and innovation.”

The museum exhibits art by local, national and regional artists and does not own a collection.  Exhibitions are drawn from private collections, artists, public institutions and related source.Recent exhibitions have included The Intimate Dibenkorn;, Fletcher Benton: the Artist’s Studio; Wall and Ardor: William T. Wiley in the 21st Century.  The current exhibition is Jane Baldwin: Kara Women Speak.  The museum has also exhibited the works of David Hockney, Dario Robleto, Torolab and Nao Bustamante, Sandow Birk, Harry Callahan, Auguste Rodin, David Best, Mark di Suvero, and Jack Lenor Larsen.  The museum presents approximately four to six lectures and roundtables in association with each of its exhibition.   In addition to its lively arts program the museum is deeply dedicated to education.  It’s annual Arts Rewards the Student (A.R.T.S.) program is entering its 13 year.  A.R.T.S. serves all 4^th and 5^th grades in Sonoma Valley, and is the only arts program in the district’s elementary schools.  Students are all brought to a pre-selected Exhibition for a day to discuss the artist’s intention and how he/she had approached the work.  Professional artists are then sent into the classroom to assist with a class wide project, which is “curated” by high school students and culminates with a full exhibition in the museum.

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is a 501(c) (3) corporation governed by an Executive

Director, who reports to the Chair of the Board.  The museum has a full time staff of four, two part time positions and an estimated 100 volunteers. The board consists of 18 members. SVMA has an annual budget of $900,000. In the past two years SVMA has gone through a period of maturation and growth, and the board is seeking an Executive Director to lead it into an exciting new chapter.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

SVMA is highly aspirational and its Board of Directors are engaged and committed to its aspirations.  The Executive Director will be encouraged to infuse the SVMA with vision, energy, creativity and excitement that build on its existing exhibition and program strengths. The Executive Director will find willing collaborators in the staff and among board members to explore new approaches to advance SVMA’s mission.

To build audiences and awareness of SVMA, the Executive Director and the staff will continue to develop and promote the Museum’s strong exhibition program and educational philosophy, positioning the SVMA as innovative, accessible, connected to, and engaged with the community and external constituencies locally and regionally.

Like many cultural organizations, the SVMA is challenged by current and projected financial realities. The Executive Director, in close partnership with the Board of Trustees, will lead the effort to develop new sources of funding and revenue.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is seeking an experienced and energetic leader to direct it with strong grounding in museum management, financial acumen and knowledge of fine arts. The Executive Director, reporting to the Chair of the Board, should bring vitality and direction to the museum; working with the board, staff and external partners to enhance the museum’s artistic, aesthetic, and educational mission; to augment its financial resources; and to develop and implement short- and long-term strategic plans. The Executive Director must be able to articulate a strategic vision for the museum. The Executive Director should possess demonstrated skills in fundraising, financial management, audience development, and decision-making. The Executive Director serves as the organization’s spokesperson to all constituencies, both external and internal, increasing awareness of the museum by clearly articulating the museum’s goals and programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify and implement opportunities to expand SVMA’s reputation both locally and regionally; oversee the implementation of an ambitious and extensive exhibition and public program schedule.
• Work closely with board members to identify, cultivate, and generate significant financial support; expand ties to the philanthropic and civic community to support SVMA’s exhibitions, community outreach programs and lively arts programs.
• Promote sound financial management of the museum and its programs, promoting its financial well-being and economic stability.
• Work closely with the board to clarify the board and the Executive Director’s roles by establishing annual assessments of the museum’s and Executive Director’s accomplishments.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with public and private organizations and individuals to further the museum’s mission and goals, always with attention to the inclusion of diverse constituencies by ensuring that it is known as a dynamic and welcoming public space.
• Provide community leadership to enhance the visibility of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art as an important cultural, economic and civic resource.  Establish the museum as a “hub” in the community and a Wine Country destination.
• Supervise employees, set priorities, cultivate teamwork and open communication, promote diversity, evaluate performance, and provide opportunities for recognition, training, and professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five to seven years of increasing responsibility in a museum of significant cultural quality with the past five years in a senior position, preferably as a director. A demonstrated record of accomplishment. A minimum of a master’s degree is preferred, although experience may qualify
• Strong managerial, fiscal, and administrative abilities
• A deep understanding of the role of the visual arts in education and community life
• Ability to maintain the support of volunteers and recognize their contributions
• Ability to lead dynamically, passionately, and energetically; and to manage, position,  market, and develop the Museum
• Experience in expanding a Museum’s role within the community; a key connector
• Proven fundraising experience and success
• Experience in working with community-wide cultural institutions and a desire to build bridges throughout the community and in the region
• A deep respect for artists and the ability to communicate with them
• Ability to communicate in a simple but persuasive manner and to present and represent  the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art to internal and external constituencies
• A reputation for the highest level of integrity and credibility.

The new Executive Director must be a bold and experienced thought leader with the drive, focus, and energy to highlight, develop, and expand the SVMA’s areas of strength while addressing areas of weakness. The new Executive Director should be engaging, approachable and committed to making art accessible to all constituencies; and be able to build a cohesive, well-functioning team.

COMPENSATION:  The position will offer a competitive salary and benefit package.

START DATE:  Winter/Spring 2015/2016

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:  Send resume and cover letter indicating interest, qualifications, and list of three references to:

Diane Frankel/ Management Consultants for the Arts
P O Box SVMA

Email to: Mcawall2@gmail.com (preferred)