Executive Director
: Job Details :

Museum 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 advancingthe 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, along with a reflection on its own structure and capacity; and by Building Resiliency by ensuring the viability and sustainability of the curatorial profession and the organization.

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONSThe 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. An early expectation will be the facilitation of the work around the organization's name, identity and structure. The new Executive Director will then be able to effectively assess capacity and re-orient and scaffold support and programming to effectively address the key opportunities outlined in the current strategic plan while addressing and resolving structural challenges. A thoughtful Board Development plan that prioritizes transparent and consistent communications will be necessary to ensure the effective utilization of Board talents and leverage their relationships in the field. The successful leader will be an adept and collaborative facilitator of communications between diverse groups and constituents including institutional partners, Board, committee members, and curators at large, as well as an extensive alumni network.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES· B.A. in Art History or Business Administration, with an advanced degree preferred, focused on arts administration or in a related field.

· At least seven years' experience working in a related capacity in the field, experience in an art museum and/or another arts association preferred. Previous experience in a membership-based organization helpful.

· 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 (especially individual donors and corporate giving) for arts-based organizations, and an understanding of the structures and networks of donors and supporters that occupy the museum funding ecosystem.

· A passionate, proactive, undeterred, and compelling arts advocate, and an inspiring public speaker comfortable with visibility. Innovative and resourceful, a networked generalist.

· Connections throughout the field and industry with generative peer and collegial relationships.

· Emotional intelligence and strong written and verbal communication skills that engage diverse audiences.

· Successful supervisory experience along with progressive organizational, communication, and team-building skills. Comfortable with delegation, evaluation, and mentorship, exhibiting a collaborative and generous mindset. Knowledge and comfort with progressive human resources practices.

· Financial management skills and experience with budget analysis and development.

· Knowledge of current best practices for art-association oversight and management through a relevant combination of skills, experience, and education, and familiarity with the tenets of professional practice in the field as articulated by the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, and other related professional organizations.

COMPENSATION· $168,000 – $182,000 per annum (commensurate with experience).

· AAMC offers a competitive benefits package, including retirement, health coverage, and a relocation stipend.

· The position is based in New York City and requires residence in the immediate region.

· The position offers a hybrid work opportunity with a recommended schedule of three days on-site and two days remote, recognizing that meetings and other commitments may vary within this schedule.

HOW TO APPLYTo apply in confidence, submit the following materials via email to Suzanne Tan, Senior Search Consultant, Museum Search & Reference at ...@museum-search.com .

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.