Employment Opportunity: Executive Director at Woman Made Gallery

Description

Founded in 1992, Woman Made Gallery (WMG) is a non-profit organization in Chicago whose Mission is to “support, cultivate and promote the diverse contributions of women in the arts through exhibitions and other programs that serve, educate and enrich the community.” We accomplish our mission through curated and themed exhibitions as well as community-specific and public art initiatives that boost the capacity, diversity, voice and position of women artists in Chicago and beyond.

The Board of WMG is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as our new Executive Director, building on the legacy of our co-founder and current Executive Director, Beate Minkovski, who is retiring in 2014. Recognized as a precedent setting arts organization, WMG provides innovative programs and services to women artists, educators, youth and communities, and works in collaborative partnerships with other organizations in ways that broaden and deepen our mission.

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and operating officer of WMG, working closely with and reporting to the Board of Directors. The Executive Director directs and administers all programs, operations and policies, leads fundraising, and supervises a small corps of part-time staff, consultants, contractors and volunteers. The Board of Directors has subcommittees which support and work with the Gallery staff in the following areas: Programming, Marketing, Annual Gala organizing and Finance.

Qualifications

college degree is required and a Master’s degree in a relevant field is a plus.

There are 3 critical experiences we need in some combination:

1) At least 10 years of senior leadership experience in a public or private, for-profit or nonprofit organization in a role including financial responsibilities
2) Significant experience in the arts —such as being a professional artist, working in a gallery, and/or having an arts degree and otherwise remaining active in the arts world
3) Experience in a nonprofit organization as a leader, Board member, or very active, knowledgeable and engaged volunteer. The successful candidate must have relevant experience in all 3 areas of leadership, arts and nonprofit.

Prior experience as Executive Director is preferred, although experience in a less senior leadership role (for example, a #2 person) in larger nonprofits/galleries will also be considered.

Other Qualifications:

-Knowledge of the arts and arts education communities.
-Proven record as a successful fundraiser.
-Facile with social media and technology.
-Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
-Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills.
-Ability to positively motivate and develop staff, board, and volunteers and build consensus.
-Visionary and innovative thinker.
-Ability to work collaboratively with all sectors of the community, the Board of Directors and staff.
-Ability to lift more than 40 lbs and manage physical maintenance and guest experience in our multi-level gallery.
-Personally competent with Microsoft office products, particularly Word and Excel, with a preference for knowledge of Quickbooks or other small business management software.

How to Apply

The Board of Directors of WMG has appointed a transition team, a subcommittee of the Board, to find qualified candidates for our new Executive Director. Qualified candidates may submit a current resume, together with a cover letter that succinctly articulates the link between interest and past experience with the Executive Director position responsibilities to resumes@womanmade.org.

Submissions without the required cover letter will not be considered. Candidates will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

WMG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Successful finalists will be required to participate in a background screening including employment, criminal and credit verifications.