Executive Director, South Shore Art Center

BACKGROUND

South Shore Art Center is a non-profit organization serving artists and communities on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Founded in 1955, South Shore Art Center’s (SSAC) mission is to enrich the communities south of Boston by engaging artists and by fostering an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions and education.Comprising more than 1,000 members from 45 communities, SSAC welcomes more than 50,000 individuals annually – of all ages, incomes, and abilities – to the galleries, classes, exhibitions, and its annual South Shore Arts Festival.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director of SSAC provides the leadership, inspiration, and strategic direction to enable SSAC to achieve its annual and long-term goals for artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and community engagement. The Executive Director is responsible and accountable for all aspects of SSAC’s portfolio, including artistic, operational, educational, and community programming; financial management; member development; and fundraising.

The Executive Director is responsible for the creation and successful execution of multi-year development plans in support of SSAC and its mission and strategic goals. The program contained in these plans will encompass the multiple approaches to development: annual fund, foundation, public and corporate grants, major gifts, special events, endowment, and capital campaigns.

The Executive Director also directs the staff and works collaboratively with the Board on a range of external relations issues. The Executive Director will provide leadership, vision, and direction to SSAC by operating as the organizational representative in media, fundraising, and community settings, and overseeing the management of all departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership and Board Relations: The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of SSAC, working closely with, and reporting to, the President and the Board of Directors. The Executive Director directs and administers all programs, operations, and policies in addition to supervising a professional SSAC staff. The Executive Director also works closely with the Nominating & Governance Committee to ensure that leadership reflects the organization’s values and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access. The Executive Director serves as an ex officio member of all Board committees.
2. Fundraising: In partnership with the Board, develops and executes an annual development plan to strengthen and broaden the existing supporter base, including communications with existing and new donors, the annual fund, capital/comprehensive campaigns, corporate sponsorships/marketing opportunities, and grant writing to support the strategic plan and annual budget.
3. Fiscal Management: Develops the annual budget for approval by the board.Oversees the management of all funds, monitors, and responds to financial metrics, prepares biweekly payroll, and works with auditors for the annual audit.
4. Staff Leadership and Development:Motivates and develops the professional staff and faculty, including hiring, supervising, and evaluating.Cultivates a collegial and respectful workplace.
5. Exhibitions: Partners with the Exhibitions Committee to present a robust rotation of diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, designed to connect audiences with museum-quality art experiences.
6. Arts Festival: Oversees staging of annual, three-day South Shore Arts Festival, including art exhibitions, craft exhibitors, performance slate, beer tent, food vendors, and signature Festival Preview Gala.
7. Community Partnerships: Engages in regional art, business, and placemaking initiatives to heighten South Shore Art Center’s visibility in the community.
8. Advocacy and Communications: Serves as the chief spokesperson for SSAC in the community and through all forms of communication including but not limited to brochures, website, social media, press, and promotional events.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Grow membership and outreach
• Increase fundraising year over year
• Balance budget
• Recruit and retain SSAC staff and execution of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access goals
• Collaborate with Nominating & Governance Committee to ensure Board leadership reflects DEIA values
• Grow market presence

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate has at least ten years of progressive experience in strategic oversight and fundraising, and ideally in the arts; a proven record of success with annual and capital campaigns; strategic planning experience; excellent written and dynamic oral communication skills; strong managerial skills to support staff; an ability to manage multiple projects; comfort working in a fast-paced, agile environment; and a passion for education and the arts. Familiarity with artists, art appreciators, and collectors on the South Shore is a plus.

• Business Insight
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Innovative
• Creative
• Action-oriented
• Excellent Communicator
• Results-driven
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Effective Team-builder
• Expansive Vision
• Honesty, Integrity, and Authenticity
• Self-Aware
• Situational Adaptability
• Adaptive Leadership
• Fiscally Responsible
• Belief in and passion for the role of art and design in education and career development and demonstrated commitment to South Shore Art Center’s mission.

HOURS/COMPENSATION

$120,000

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should:

• Email resume/CV and a letter of interest
• to ssacexecsearch@gmail.com
• Include SSAC Executive Director in subject line of email.
• All applications must be received by October 17.

No phone calls please.