Sculpture Space Executive Director Job Description/Application Requirements

12 Gates Street, Utica NY 13502
315-724-8381
www.sculpturespace.org

Mission:
Sculpture Space is an international arts residency program that provides specialized studio workspace for professional artists whose focus is sculpture. We are dedicated to the belief that art -- particularly sculpture -- has the power to strengthen our understanding of the world around us. Committed to providing artists with the time and resources to fully explore their creative potential, Sculpture Space seeks to expand public awareness of and support for contemporary art by creating opportunities for artists to share their work with the community through exhibitions, lectures, and educational outreach.

Position Summary:
The Executive Director: provides overall leadership, vision, and direction to the organization; oversees all administrative and artistic functions; and ensures responsible fiscal and legal administration of Sculpture Space.

The Executive Director reports to a Board of Directors comprised of individuals with diverse interests and areas of expertise. Working closely with the Board, the Director will establish strategic goals for the future of the organization, set priorities, and successfully implement its projects, initiatives, and mission. The Director attends and participates in regular meetings of the Board, Executive Committee, and Board Sub-Committees, as well as submits monthly activity reports and coordinates board development as needed.

Responsibilities for day-to-day organizational management include: supervision of a staff of two; management of the artists’ residency program; oversight of the studio, equipment, grounds, and residential facility; development and execution of the annual budget; marketing and public relations; and promotion of a positive and increased presence in the local, national, and international communities. Salary range based on experience: $40,000 to $60,000 plus benefits.

Major Responsibilities:
Artist Relations
Sculpture Space accepts approximately 20 artists annually for eight-week residencies. The Executive Director supports all aspects of the resident experience, including: working to recruit, review, and accept artists for residencies; ensuring new artist orientation to the facilities and community; assisting artists throughout their residencies with needs related to housing, food, supplies, transportation, etc.; coordinating artist events that engage the community in the creative process, including Works-In-Progress and Behind-The-Scenes receptions; and working to promote alumni artist engagement in Sculpture Space activities, including fund raising.

Budget
The Executive Director: develops and oversees the annual operations budget; works closely with Board and Finance Committee members to ensure fiscal sustainability; provides the Board with regular communications regarding the organization’s overall fiscal well-being and timely projections regarding budget surpluses and shortfalls; and exhibits an understanding of routine financial procedures and cash flow management, as well as the ability to project fiscal challenges and opportunities.

Community Outreach
The Executive Director develops and implements an annual marketing plan and calendar; writes and oversees production of news releases, newsletters, annual reports, invitations, programs, etc.; arranges speaking engagements and facility tours for external organizations; oversees the organization’s web site; fosters relations with representatives of local, state, and federal government; and serves as the organization’s spokesperson.

Fundraising
The Executive Director oversees fundraising activities related to maintaining and expanding Sculpture Space programs, including: planning and working with a Development Committee to implement the Annual Campaign; managing all aspects of grant writing, including identification of grant opportunities, submission of proposals, and compliance/reporting; and working with Board and Committee members to plan and carry out special events. The Executive Director is also responsible for exploring and developing new sources of revenue, and the identification and cultivation of new and existing donors, including alumni artists.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree required, with minimum of 2-5 years of arts and/or non-profit administration including a successful record of fundraising and budget oversight.

Specific Skills/Abilities:
• Knowledge of the visual arts;
• Talented communicator, with well-developed writing and public speaking skills;
• Proven success in fundraising, grant writing, and membership development;
• Marketing, PR, and community relations abilities that illustrate creative thinking, community awareness, and arts outreach;
• Adept at working with a Board of Directors, committees, volunteers, local and national arts organizations, community members, and political representatives;
• Management and organizational skills including the ability to recruit, manage, and mentor a dedicated staff and volunteer base;
• Ability to prioritize and willingness to delegate;
• Outgoing and diplomatic personality, sense of humor, leadership skills, and the ability to work with and attract the participation of diverse communities;
• Computer proficiencies in word processing, spreadsheet/database management, desktop publishing, and familiarity with web site management;
• Flexibility to attend some evening and weekend events, including meetings, receptions, and fund raising functions;
• Valid driver’s license.
Essential Duties: (in accordance with ADA)
The functions of this position are usually performed sitting, but may require some amount of standing, as well as stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements. Daily tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, calculator, etc. require extensive wrist and hand movement. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others, or to otherwise demonstrate or explain how they can perform the essential functions listed above.

Submission: Search begins March 2012 and will continue until a candidate is selected. Send letter, resume, three references, & writing samples to sculpturespaceedsearch@gmail.com. Application questions may be directed to the same. For more information, visit www.sculpturespace.org, About Us.

Note: The Sculpture Space Board of Directors reserves the right to change or reassign job duties or combine positions at anytime. Employees of Sculpture Space serve at the will of the Board of Directors.