Director of Content and Public Programming [International Center of Photography, New York, NY]

Description

The International Center of Photography (ICP) is the world’s leading institution dedicated to the practice and understanding of photography and the reproduced image in all its forms. Through our exhibitions, school, public programs, and community outreach, we offer an open forum for dialogue about the role images play in our culture. Since our founding, we have presented more than 700 exhibitions and offered thousands of classes, providing instruction at every level.

ICP is a center where photographers and artists, students and scholars can create and interpret the world of the image.

SUMMARY:

The Director of Content and Public Programming will develop and manage an agenda to elevate the reputation and recognition of ICP as a leading voice about visual culture in the 21st century, and create a robust strategy for engaging the public in this conversation. The Director will lead a new initiative designed to focus ICP’s work in thought leadership around concerned photography, and the ways in which this focus fits within and influences the broader spectrum of what is being described as a new visual culture.

The work of the Director will be organized around three mandates: to coordinate an intellectual and information-based agenda for ICP across multiple departments and to establish a framework for impact and measurement; to oversee and develop a programming agenda that will ignite and engage the public in meaningful debate around the important role images play in social justice, societal change, and to help define and lend understanding to this new visual culture phenomenon; and to provide opportunities for members of the ICP community to focus their scholarly and creative work in this arena through public programs that include workshops, lectures, and other special initiatives.

This position will focus on attracting and retaining diverse audiences to ICP through the creation of fresh public programming, expanding ICP’s promotion and deepening ICP’s connection to the community and beyond. S/he ensures all community and public programs are in-line with ICP’s mission. S/he is responsible for providing exciting, engaging, accurate, and creative experiences for ICP audiences both onsite and offsite. S/he will develop and convey content geared toward enhancing the visitor experience: demonstrations, lectures, floor activities, evening events, and other related content. S/he will also be responsible for creating a community engagement program in coordination with the Museum space on Bowery.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with other members of the senior management team, and in particular, the Chief Strategy officer to understand the strategic direction of the institution
• Coordinate and amplify the expertise and knowledge base that exists among ICP staff and faculty
• Work with scholars to identify areas of research and public education for ICP
• Develop, oversee, and implement substantive, engaging Public Programs
• Build partnerships that enhance community engagement
• Create public engagement projects for groups related to exhibitions and other ongoing programs at ICP
• Work collaboratively with the Education and Exhibitions teams to develop projects in the School and in the Museum space at 250 Bowery
• Work closely with Development to identify funding opportunities for programming initiatives
• Work closely with Marketing and Communications to develop content for the website as a key tool for public engagement
• Liaise with other institutions to develop partnerships and solutions for shared challenges
• Manage staff (including a Scholar-in-Residence who will be charged with research, writing and conference management, and Public Programs Manager/Coordinator): hiring, setting performance objectives, evaluating, coaching and counseling as necessary
• Participate in developing, scheduling, and implementing a publications program and digital content dissemination strategy for icp.org.
• Assist with all aspects of class registration using the database Higher Reach
• Works cross departmentally to develop creative, exciting ideas for programs and program improvement
• Lead and actively participate in team meetings to discuss strategy, programming, and operations
• Understand and implement ICP’s mission, activities, services and programs.
• Develop clear, concise meeting agendas, event materials, and presentations for managers and external audiences
• Act as public programming point person
• Provide day-to-day project management
• Develop and monitor project work plans and budgets
• Effectively scope and manage workflow among an public programming team
• Be responsible for viral public programming content materials
• Evaluates success and impact of all public programs and have the ability to quantify those results
• Represent the program in conferences and meetings
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment; adhere to deadlines; demonstrate flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, speakers, volunteers, schools, students, and members of the public.

Requirements

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree preferred

Work Experience:

• At least ten years or more supervisory experience in comparable educational facility; senior experience in planning and budget management
• Proven ability to develop and implement a wide variety of interesting and engaging public programs.
• Proven experience working with various audiences with non-traditional approaches
• Extensive knowledge of the field of photography
• Flexibility and proven ability to manage multiple projects
• Evident commitment to building on ICP’s “concerned photograph” legacy.
• Interdisciplinary knowledge of art, culture, and humanities
• Proven administrative and fundraising ability
• Senior experience in planning and budgeting management
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented
• Genuinely interested in visitor’s experience
• Able to create programs that inspire and motivate, as well as attract support and professional recognition.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective team player with strong leadership skills.

Skills and Abilities:

• Be curious and passionate about inspiring creativity and implementing unique programming in a wide variety of formats
• Project management experience; responsible for scoping work and implementing projects efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to be flexible and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment: to troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Willing and able to think “outside the box” to try new and unique programming models.
• Ability to bring logic and order to disparate ideas and conversations.
• Self-motivated and at ease working independently when necessary
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers, and the general public
• Excellent computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with internet research
• Excellent organizational skills, including solid follow-through
• Desire to work as an active team member
• Flexible availability to include both weekdays and weekends throughout the entire year.