Dallas Contemporary
Executive Director
Dallas Contemporary, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
About Us
Dallas Contemporary’s mission is to present the art of our time to the public: to document new directions in art through rotating exhibitions, publications, and learning programs for visitors of all ages. As a non-collecting contemporary arts institution that grapples with timely and complex issues in one of the fastest growing metroplexes in our nation, we firmly believe in the power of artists’ ideas and voices to chronicle and transform society. Position Summary
At this unique time in its history, the Dallas Contemporary is seeking a dynamic, goal driven Executive Director who is a strategic leader valuing people and community engagement, with a passionate commitment to furthering the mission of Dallas Contemporary. Reporting to the Board Chair, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will manage and oversee all museum operations and successfully enhance its mission, vision, programs, administration, and financial objectives. As the institution’s public leader, the Executive Director will drive the continued growth of the Dallas Contemporary as a cultural and educational pacesetter locally, nationally, and internationally. The next Executive Director will have an exciting opportunity to build upon the extraordinary international success of the institution and start a new chapter of remarkable growth and impact. Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration
Establish a culture that delivers an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining the highest financial, operational, and organizational efficiency. Oversee all management and programming of the institution. Ensure that the staff clearly understand all exhibitions and programs’ total costs, and champion developing strategies, tactics, and goals to improve programming efficiency and effectiveness. Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to expand the perspectives of the museum’s exhibitions and the stories they tell to amplify the community at large. Align and measure improvement efforts across all staff and operations to accomplish critical goals. Develop a comprehensive marketing and communication program to grow attendance, diversify membership and ensure messaging is consistent with and enhances the institution’s mission. Attract, develop, and retain diverse staff to achieve and exceed the institution’s goals. Enhance employee onboarding and training materials, performance management programs, and human resources management systems in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Ensure development and improvement of critical organizational systems, policies, controls, and procedures are entirely in place and continually monitored. Continuously improve the museum visitor experiences, in person and digitally. Community Engagement and Fundraising
Set the fundraising bar high by working seamlessly with the board and staff to set and exceed fundraising goals. Build new and strengthen existing relationships with the funding community and develop impactful donor management and cultivation strategies. Invigorate and cultivate community engagement across Dallas-Ft. Worth; and develop and increase the museum’s presence, influence, and brand relevancy to support its mission, vision, and strategic objectives. In partnership with the Dallas-Ft. Worth arts community, break down barriers in providing museum access to a broader and more diverse constituency. Governance and Strategic Visioning
Lead the business planning process by engaging with the staff and the board to annually revise and enhance the planning structure that guides the museum’s core mission, programs, services, and target audiences. Collaborate with the board of directors to identify, cultivate, recruit, and orient new and diverse board members. Assist board committees in establishing and realizing objectives and goals for the museum. Establish objective measurement tools to report progress in reaching critical strategic targets for board members and staff. Partner closely with the Board to develop a 2025-2028 strategic vision and operating plan for the organization, including evaluating and developing current and future facilities requirements. Exhibition, Program Planning and Traveling Exhibition Stewardship
Broaden and deepen exhibitions and programming through collaboration with other arts and culture organizations, collectors, educational institutions, and community partnerships. Establish a diverse exhibition program that supports the museum’s vision, values, and operational goals. Maintain best and cost-effective practices for the management of art exhibitions in collaboration with the curatorial staff. Create programs that contribute to local and global concerns. Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director will be a visible and highly valued member of the Dallas-Ft. Worth art community, maximizing philanthropic and grant donations, partnerships with other museums, and service to the broader community. This leader will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and should be adept at working collaboratively with a diverse constituency and community. The Executive Director should be an accomplished museum professional with the highest level of professionalism, accountability, integrity, and a proven track record of success. Other key competencies include:
Leadership – the capacity to manage and inspire others to achieve objectives while establishing structure and direction. Management and Accountability – the capability to prioritize and perform tasks to meet or exceed agreed-upon goals. Planning and Organizing - the ability to establish and prioritize goals and objectives and to measure the results. Interpersonal Skills- the skill to establish rapport and communicate effectively to a diverse array of people. Diplomacy and Tactfulness- the need to deal with others equitably and cultivate positive relationships. Resiliency - the ability to rapidly rebound from adversity and push past obstacles. Qualifications:
M.A. in Art History, Art, Arts Policy, Museum Studies or a related field with a minimum of eight years of senior-level leadership experience in building successful cultural institutions. Demonstrated success in fundraising, especially major gift, foundation, endowment, and corporate funding. Strong financial management skills and understanding of financial management for non-profits. Deep knowledge and passion for contemporary art, with an understanding of advancements and trends. Established knowledge of standards and best practices for art institutions. Significant patron cultivation and management experience. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent working relationships with collectors, artists, gallerists, and scholars. Ability to articulate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Exceptional writing skills and public-speaking ability. Interested applicants should address a cover letter and resume to Janet Davis, Principal.
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Dallas Contemporary’s mission is to present the art of our time to the public: to document new directions in art through rotating exhibitions, publications, and learning programs for visitors of all ages. As a non-collecting contemporary arts institution that grapples with timely and complex issues in one of the fastest growing metroplexes in our nation, we firmly believe in the power of artists’ ideas and voices to chronicle and transform society. Position Summary
At this unique time in its history, the Dallas Contemporary is seeking a dynamic, goal driven Executive Director who is a strategic leader valuing people and community engagement, with a passionate commitment to furthering the mission of Dallas Contemporary. Reporting to the Board Chair, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors, the Executive Director will manage and oversee all museum operations and successfully enhance its mission, vision, programs, administration, and financial objectives. As the institution’s public leader, the Executive Director will drive the continued growth of the Dallas Contemporary as a cultural and educational pacesetter locally, nationally, and internationally. The next Executive Director will have an exciting opportunity to build upon the extraordinary international success of the institution and start a new chapter of remarkable growth and impact. Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration
Establish a culture that delivers an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining the highest financial, operational, and organizational efficiency. Oversee all management and programming of the institution. Ensure that the staff clearly understand all exhibitions and programs’ total costs, and champion developing strategies, tactics, and goals to improve programming efficiency and effectiveness. Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to expand the perspectives of the museum’s exhibitions and the stories they tell to amplify the community at large. Align and measure improvement efforts across all staff and operations to accomplish critical goals. Develop a comprehensive marketing and communication program to grow attendance, diversify membership and ensure messaging is consistent with and enhances the institution’s mission. Attract, develop, and retain diverse staff to achieve and exceed the institution’s goals. Enhance employee onboarding and training materials, performance management programs, and human resources management systems in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Ensure development and improvement of critical organizational systems, policies, controls, and procedures are entirely in place and continually monitored. Continuously improve the museum visitor experiences, in person and digitally. Community Engagement and Fundraising
Set the fundraising bar high by working seamlessly with the board and staff to set and exceed fundraising goals. Build new and strengthen existing relationships with the funding community and develop impactful donor management and cultivation strategies. Invigorate and cultivate community engagement across Dallas-Ft. Worth; and develop and increase the museum’s presence, influence, and brand relevancy to support its mission, vision, and strategic objectives. In partnership with the Dallas-Ft. Worth arts community, break down barriers in providing museum access to a broader and more diverse constituency. Governance and Strategic Visioning
Lead the business planning process by engaging with the staff and the board to annually revise and enhance the planning structure that guides the museum’s core mission, programs, services, and target audiences. Collaborate with the board of directors to identify, cultivate, recruit, and orient new and diverse board members. Assist board committees in establishing and realizing objectives and goals for the museum. Establish objective measurement tools to report progress in reaching critical strategic targets for board members and staff. Partner closely with the Board to develop a 2025-2028 strategic vision and operating plan for the organization, including evaluating and developing current and future facilities requirements. Exhibition, Program Planning and Traveling Exhibition Stewardship
Broaden and deepen exhibitions and programming through collaboration with other arts and culture organizations, collectors, educational institutions, and community partnerships. Establish a diverse exhibition program that supports the museum’s vision, values, and operational goals. Maintain best and cost-effective practices for the management of art exhibitions in collaboration with the curatorial staff. Create programs that contribute to local and global concerns. Traits and Characteristics
The Executive Director will be a visible and highly valued member of the Dallas-Ft. Worth art community, maximizing philanthropic and grant donations, partnerships with other museums, and service to the broader community. This leader will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and should be adept at working collaboratively with a diverse constituency and community. The Executive Director should be an accomplished museum professional with the highest level of professionalism, accountability, integrity, and a proven track record of success. Other key competencies include:
Leadership – the capacity to manage and inspire others to achieve objectives while establishing structure and direction. Management and Accountability – the capability to prioritize and perform tasks to meet or exceed agreed-upon goals. Planning and Organizing - the ability to establish and prioritize goals and objectives and to measure the results. Interpersonal Skills- the skill to establish rapport and communicate effectively to a diverse array of people. Diplomacy and Tactfulness- the need to deal with others equitably and cultivate positive relationships. Resiliency - the ability to rapidly rebound from adversity and push past obstacles. Qualifications:
M.A. in Art History, Art, Arts Policy, Museum Studies or a related field with a minimum of eight years of senior-level leadership experience in building successful cultural institutions. Demonstrated success in fundraising, especially major gift, foundation, endowment, and corporate funding. Strong financial management skills and understanding of financial management for non-profits. Deep knowledge and passion for contemporary art, with an understanding of advancements and trends. Established knowledge of standards and best practices for art institutions. Significant patron cultivation and management experience. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent working relationships with collectors, artists, gallerists, and scholars. Ability to articulate a strong commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Exceptional writing skills and public-speaking ability. Interested applicants should address a cover letter and resume to Janet Davis, Principal.
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