AAMC - Executive Director Association of Art Museum Curators - ArtTable : Job Details

JOB DESCRIPTIONMuseum Search & Reference is leading the search for the next Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Curators & AAMC Foundation (AAMC), a professional development and membership organization dedicated to advancing the curatorial field. Established in 2001 based in New York City, AAMC delivers impactful thought partnership and professional development programs that support and lift up the voices of nonprofit art curators. AAMC is the leading membership association for curators across the world and well-known for its annual Art Curators Conference. At an inflection point in its evolution, AAMC is re-examining its core mission and identity, charting a strategic and cogent path forward that prioritizes a high level of operational excellence, greater visibility on a national and international level, a healthy revenue mix, an active membership, and an engaged Board of Directors.ABOUT AAMC & AAMC FOUNDATIONAAMC supports, values, and advocates for the work of nonprofit art curators at all stages of their careers through leadership, connectivity, and advocacy, forwarding the role and impact of curators as agents of change, social impact, and cross-cultural understanding. Currently serving an international community of over 1,500 members across more than 40 countries, AAMC's strategic plan outlines three areas of focus: Advancing the impact and range of the organization's initiatives that create networks, leadership training, and advancement for nonprofit art curators in service of the field; amplifying the organization's mission and reach through a re-envisioning of its name and institutional identity; and building resiliency by ensuring the viability and sustainability of the curatorial profession and the organization.AAMC Foundation grew out of the Forum of Curators and Conservators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), a recognized, non-union body of more than 100 members. In response to news of staff reorganizations at several major US museums, members of the Forum created an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of a national organization of museum curators in 1999. Over the course of two and a half years, prominent curators at The Met drafted the mission statement and by-laws of the proposed organization. In April 2001, they held a meeting in New York, attended by representatives from a dozen American art museums, during which they voted the organization into existence.Over the past 10 years, AAMC has successfully increased its annual operating budget to its current $1 million by securing major grants including first-time awards from NEA and IMLS; and through the introduction of field initiatives including Curatorial Digital Leadership and the Propel and Professional Alliance for Curators of Color fellowship programs. Its four-person NYC-based staff is supported and guided by a 19+ person Board of Directors including leaders at major museums. A committee of museum and museum adjacent professionals work together with AAMC's staff to produce its hallmark annual Art Curators Conference offering a compelling snapshot into the issues and challenges faced by curators today.The organization's work is grounded on diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging (DEIA/B) and seeks to recognize the full breadth of a person's lived experience and self-identification inclusive of a range of socio-economic backgrounds.THE OPPORTUNITYThe AAMC & AAMC Foundation approaches its 25th anniversary with the opportunity to refine and re-define its ability to serve the field through the development of accessible and impactful programs and its highly regarded annual conference connecting curators across the world. At present, AAMC, as a 501(c)6, and AAMC Foundation, as a 501(c)3 will require the new Executive Director to facilitate the decision-making process and resolution of the organization's name, identity and structure at the onset of their arrival.As AAMC's identity takes on more clarity, the Executive Director will step into the opportunity to chart a well-founded course for the organization with an energetic and passionate vision, and a collaborative, inclusive, and generative mindset. This opportunity will appeal to a visionary and seasoned field leader and arts advocate with exceptional management, operational, and fundraising skills. They will be well-networked as a natural connector and relationship-builder with established colleagues throughout the field in museums and adjacent cultural spaces. Importantly, the new Executive Director will be business-minded and possess a high level of managerial and administrative acumen with which to address the current organizational position and realize AAMC's aspirational goals, galvanizing an influential network of worldwide members.Further, the Executive Director will serve as an empathetic advocate for the professional growth and mentorship of its small, relatively junior staff, as well as a continual champion for the professional development of others in the field, particularly curators of color.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThe broad strategic priorities of this position will require the incoming Executive Director to engage in a comprehensive organizational assessment to develop a deep understanding of the issues, challenges, and opportunities inherent in the field at this stage of the organization, and to identify and prioritize key strategies to ensure the administrative, operational, and programmatic rightsizing of the organization.Lead, inspire, and activate the potential of the organization and its mission as its key spokesperson, engage AAMC's Board of Trustees, including Past Presidents and Ex-Officio members, and provide direction and support to a variety of Board Committees including Conference/Benefit, Fundraising, Finance, and Governance & Nominating.Strategically direct the administrative and management functions of AAMC Foundation, installing and overseeing key leadership to support the annual conference, as well as operational areas that include membership, outreach, communications, virtual programming, fundraising, programmatic activities, financial operations, and special projects.Actively participate in fundraising at all levels and develop a comprehensive development plan to guide and synergize fundraising efforts among diverse stakeholders.Provide strategic oversight of the organization's programs by working proactively and collaboratively with staff and other partners and organizations in the field.Develop and finalize approval of the organization's annual budget as well as oversee financial records and the yearly audit process with the Finance Committee and Vice President, Finance.Provide direct oversight to three full-time staff members: Senior Program Manager, Program Assistant, and Development and Office Administrator, mentoring and supporting their success and well-being.Engage the Board of Directors, working closely with multiple committees to ensure a high level of understanding and information-sharing across the Board and its committees.Maintain active collaboration with professional organizations including College Art Association, Association of Art Museum Directors, American Alliance of Museums, and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries.QUALIFICATIONSB.A. in Art History or Business Administration, with an advanced degree preferred.At least seven years' experience working in a related capacity in the field.A demonstrated track record of successful board development and management in a similar organizational setting.A strong knowledge of, and experience with, fundraising and development for arts-based organizations.A passionate, proactive, undeterred, and compelling arts advocate.Connections throughout the field and industry with generative peer and collegial relationships.Emotional intelligence and strong written and verbal communication skills.Successful supervisory experience along with progressive organizational, communication, and team-building skills.Financial management skills and experience with budget analysis and development.Knowledge of current best practices for art-association oversight and management.Research shows that women and individuals from under-represented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.TO APPLYTo apply in confidence, submit the following materials via email to Suzanne Tan, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at [email protected] letter expressing interest in this position and giving brief examples of past related experience.A résumé or C.V.The names of three references with contact information.Submit application by December 27, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. References will not be contacted without prior authorization. Nominations are welcome. EO/EA employer.COMPENSATION: $168,000 – $182,000APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/27/2024#J-18808-Ljbffr