Executive Director

Executive Director – Museum of Craft and Design, San Francisco, CA

The Opportunity The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) seeks an execution-focused leader and gifted, trail-blazing visionary to guide the next decades as its Executive Director. MCD has a solid foundation rooted in its community and is positioned for long-term, sustainable growth, with a highly respected institutional standing and global reach. The Executive Director position is an exciting opportunity to lead the institution into the future, honoring multiple perspectives, building diverse audiences, and promoting a positive, multicultural work environment.

About the Museum of Craft and Design Having welcomed over a million visitors from across the globe since its founding, MCD is San Francisco’s and the greater region’s only museum devoted to craft and design and is known for its bold and innovative exhibitions and inspiring MakeArt programs. These are the bedrock of MCD and reflect a creative and collaborative spirit, as well as a deep commitment to community engagement. MCD actively collaborates with artists, designers, guest curators, museums, and universities. MCD is an accessible public art space for its wide range of visitors. Exhibitions highlight emerging and established artists, designers, makers, and craftspeople—particularly those that are underrepresented in canonical art history and in museum collections. Central to MCD’s leading-edge exhibition program is an emphasis on process—finding cross-sections of innovative materials, novel ways of material manipulation, form, and concept. Founded in 2004, MCD’s bold exhibitions program has always championed artists and designers in the world of design and craft.

Key Responsibilities The Executive Director is responsible for the vision and oversight of a 21-year-old institution and will build on an existing culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration, teamwork, and philanthropy. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will work in partnership with the Board to develop a strategic approach to achieving the Museum’s mission and goals. The Executive Director will manage the institution and lead the Museum’s professional staff and programs.

Candidate Profile Top candidates will possess five-to-ten years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or nonprofit arts institution; at least three-to-five years at a senior managerial level. Knowledge of crafts and design and museum management, advanced degree or equivalent understanding in Art History, Fine Arts, Education, Museum Studies, Nonprofit Management, Arts or Business Administration, or other related and allied fields. Personal qualities: integrity, dependability, collegiality, creativity, superb interpersonal skills, and high emotional intelligence. Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.

Compensation and Benefits Salary is competitive, and the final salary will reflect internal equity and the selected candidate’s individual experiences and qualifications. The compensation range for this role is $200,000-$250,000 with a benefits package including medical, 401k match, and PTO. The position is located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and the selected candidate will be expected to live in the area.

Contact Stephen Milbauer of Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. Express interest in this role by filling out our application or email Stephen directly at this link. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities.