Executive Director [Houston Center for Photography, Houston, TX]

Description

Reports to: Board of Directors

Full-time position

Houston Center for Photography (HCP) seeks a proven leader to serve as Executive Director. HCP is located in the heart of Houston’s museum district on the Menil Campus and within walking distance of numerous arts organizations. HCP’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. HCP strives to encourage artists, build audiences, stimulate dialogue, and promote inquiry about photography and related media through education programs, exhibitions, publications, fellowship programs, and community collaborations. HCP creates meaningful photography experiences.

Founded in 1981, HCP enjoys a long-standing reputation for presenting innovative exhibitions and educational programs that are of the highest cultural and artistic merit. As one of the only organizations in Houston focusing on the presentation of contemporary photography, HCP fills a particular niche within the city’s vibrant and diverse visual arts landscape. HCP’s programs are regularly reviewed by both local and national media and we have enjoyed opportunities for program collaboration with many local, national and international organizations.

As HCP enters its 35^th year, the board and staff are eager to celebrate the organization’s past and its founders’ vision, while working to position the organization for the future by considering new ways of presenting and promoting the art and practice of photography. Over the past ten years, HCP has nearly tripled in size as it has created inventive community programs and opportunities to engage with the medium. The successful candidate will be able to build consensus and implement the organization’s strategic vision for its continued growth. Working collaboratively with and reporting to the Board of Directors, he/she will advance the goals and mission of the organization. She/he should have a thorough understanding of photography’s important role in society and a dedication to advancing the medium as both an art form and an accessible tool for personal and cultural investigation.

The successful candidate will inspire, lead, and motivate all involved to jointly carry out HCP’s ambitious goals and programs, and to assure that HCP remains at the forefront of presenting the work of visionary photographers to the Houston community. He/she will be responsible for the organization’s professional leadership and management of a full time staff of six and an annual budget of $900,000, and leading HCP to fulfill its creative vision. She/he should have a background in arts administration and experience with fundraising, financial management, strategic planning, and supervision of staff.

Requirements

Key Skills and Requirements

• 5+ years in senior management of arts non-profit; and an advanced degree is preferred.
• 5+ years of fundraising experience with a non-profit arts organization.
• Strong financial and management skills with the ability to oversee a budget, develop and implement financial goals with staff and board, and steward both earned and contributed revenue streams.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills to promote HCP’s vision are required.
• Creative problem solver and consensus builder with the ability to inspire diverse constituencies from volunteers, staff, board, and general public.
• Commitment to cultivating the next generation of photography enthusiasts and artists through education, exhibitions and publications.
• A healthy sense of humor, eagerness to work with others, and excitement and passion for photography, education, and fine art.

Interested candidates should email (in a single .pdf document) a cover letter; resume; a writing sample such as a short grant application; and three references to: EDsearch@hcponline.org, or mail to: Houston Center for Photography, Attn: Search Committee, 1441 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77006

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Houston Center for Photography is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of HCP

**position open until filled**