Executive Director

Full time / $90,000 - $100,000 annually / Center for Maine Contemporary Art / Rockland, ME

Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategy and leadership in developing and implementing exhibitions, public programs, resource development, community engagement, and the daily operations of CMCA. As the primary spokesperson, they will elevate the institution as a cultural and educational resource for Maine, while promoting it as a destination for visitors. The ED will be an engaged member of the local and national/international artistic community and will maximize partnerships to create opportunities for community impact and earned and contributed revenue enhancement. The ED will possess a strong understanding and practice of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) and will activate these values within the institution. They will report to the Board of Trustees and work with them to cultivate relationships and enhance financial resources. The ED will support the staff and build a culture of teamwork, open communication, and contemporary thinking in support of the museum’s mission and vision.

Roles and Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning
• Develop and foster an internal culture that achieves the highest standards, creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment promoting excellence, especially in the areas of visitor experience and operations.
• Embrace the principles of DEIA to ensure an artistic and organizational culture that respects different perspectives and nurtures an environment of goodwill, inclusion, and empowerment.
• Provide day-to-day management and supervision of staff and contractors, set clear performance goals and objectives, champion creative and professional development of staff, and create and support a workplace environment that centers employee engagement, satisfaction, and performance.
• Ensure the necessary organizational structure, policies, systems controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed to maintain CMCA’s operational and fiscal integrity.
• Build a collaborative team that works cooperatively to ensure the achievement of strategic goals and operational metrics.
• Drive strategic planning and implementation, including the management of the organization’s human, capital, financial resources and assets.
• Maintain effective and appropriate communication with and between Board members, staff, and volunteers.
• Embrace other organizational leadership and strategic planning responsibilities, as needed.

Fundraising and Fiscal Management
• Serve as the chief fundraiser for the institution, working collaboratively with the Board and staff to achieve financial results including increased operational and strategic revenue goals.
• Collaborate with the development staff and Board committees to develop fundraising plans, implement key activities, and activate effective donor stewardship and cultivation strategies to ensure organizational stability.
• Oversee grant application calendar and work with museum staff to prepare and submit grant applications, monitoring compliance and reporting within grant parameters.
• Monitor the budget throughout the year, present monthly or periodic reports to the finance committee, and establish the appropriate internal controls for all financial matters of the institution.
• Prepare and monitor monthly reporting of the annual budget, expense policies, and cash management; manage cash flow; and regularly present appropriate balance sheets, income statements, and other financial oversight tools for Board review.
• Embrace other fundraising and fiscal management responsibilities, as needed.

Community Engagement
• Develop initiatives that broaden CMCA’s reach, actively engaging existing and potential partners to support the community.
• Actively engage in community activities to develop collaborative partnerships that increase access, inclusion, and participation in its programs and events.
• Enhance CMCA’s brand recognition and relationships locally and regionally in support of CMCA’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Embrace other community engagement responsibilities, as needed.

Exhibition and Program Planning
• Have the opportunity to curate exhibitions and/or work closely with staff and guest curators to organize and present exhibitions that are aligned with CMCA’s mission.
• Direct the activities of the curatorial and education departments to ensure an exciting and relevant combination of exhibitions, educational programs, and special events that acknowledge and uplift the national and international reach of Maine artists and artists’ communities while enhancing CMCA’s reputation.
• Seek opportunities to develop and strengthen exhibitions and programs through partnerships with other arts and culture organizations, collectors, and educational institutions.
• Embrace other exhibition and program planning responsibilities, as needed.

Governance and Board Relations
• Utilize the Board’s talents and resources and develop a strategy that effectively mobilizes board members in support of CMCA’s vision and its programs.
• Partner with the Board in prospect identification, cultivation, recruitment, and orientation of new Board members.
• Assist Board committees in developing and implementing action plans to achieve goals for the museum.
• Embrace other governance and Board relations responsibilities, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics
The ED will be an engaged and innovative leader who values teamwork and collaboration with others. They will lead by example and apply practical thinking and judgment to all aspects of the organization’s operations and initiatives. The ED will be people-oriented and will appreciate others’ skills, experience, and input in formulating plans and achieving successful outcomes. Intentional and driven by new ideas and methods, this individual will be an intellectually curious and open communicator. They will bring professional expertise, credibility, and interpersonal skills to the role and will possess a strong capacity for self-management and the highest levels of personal accountability and integrity.

Other key competencies include:
• Leadership and Teamwork – The capacity to articulate a vision and create a sense of purpose and direction for internal and external stakeholders, build trust by demonstrating respect and integrity, and create an environment where team members are appreciated and supported.
• Time and Priority Management – The ability to prioritize and complete tasks to deliver desired outcomes within allotted time frames.
• Project Management, Planning and Organizing – The aptitude to identify and oversee all resources, tasks, and people to obtain results, set and prioritize relevant, realistic, and attainable goals and objectives to anticipate effects, outcomes, and risks, and to manage resources according to set priorities.
• Understanding Others – The capacity to recognize the feelings, concerns, and motivations of others while supporting their unique skills to create an inclusive and equitable working environment.

Compensation and Benefits
CMCA offers a competitive and equitable compensation package, with an anticipated annual salary range of $90,000 to $100,000. Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid vacation, Maine Earned Paid Leave, personal days, and holidays.

Requirements

Executive leadership experience and proven success in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, or a related field are required. Proven fundraising ability and experience with donor relations are essential. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of contemporary art and the curatorial process. Expert financial and operational acumen is required. Demonstrated success in advancing DEIA strategies within an institution is necessary. Qualified candidates will have strong experience in and a passion for working with artists, as well as developing and presenting exhibitions. Credentials in museum management or a related field are strongly preferred. Experience as a spokesperson who has represented an organization to a range of stakeholders including business and civic leaders, artists, and the media is desired. The successful candidate will have experience managing and motivating a strong, unified team through a visionary, collaborative, and forward-thinking leadership style. Excellent written and communication skills are expected.

Application Instructions

To submit a cover letter and resume highlighting relevant and demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit this link. For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact:

Jenna Deja, Vice President
201 West Lake Street, Suite 133
Chicago, IL 60606-1803
Tel (888) 234.4236 Ext. 227
Email CMCA@ArtsConsulting.com

CMCA is an EA/EO employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workspace. CMCA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee based on race, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or veteran status.