The Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) is seeking an entrepreneurial, energetic Executive Director to guide the organization's growth as a leader in Chicago's public art community. The mission of CPAG is to unite artists and communities in partnership to produce quality public art and to extend and transform the tradition of collaborative, community involved, public artwork. For over forty years CPAG's artists have worked with and for Chicago's communities to create collaborative, high quality public art.
The Executive Director (ED) is the face of the Chicago Public Art Group. The responsibility of the ED is to guide the vision and scope of CPAG's direction and growth. The ED establishes and nurtures relationships with Chicago government and communities, and funders, as well as works with the CPAG's Board, staff, Senior Artist Circle and Core Artists to plan and implement programs and projects that fulfill CPAG's mission.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Implement the organization's long-term strategy to achieve its mission and shape its growth. Work with the Board to design and implement a strategic plan.
- Refine administrative and financial policies and infrastructure designed to maximize transparency, efficiency and growth. Act as primary contact for all external stakeholders including City and community representatives and funders in order to develop and secure community-based projects as well as secure the funding to support this work.
- Knowledgeably engage and lead significant, innovative developments in the field of community-engaged public art.
- Foster teamwork among Board, artists and staff.
- Communicate effectively with artists, community groups and commissioners of projects.
Operational Management
- Develop, maintain and support a strong Board and staff. Implement plans and policies authorized by the Board. Keep Board fully informed on the overall programmatic, fiscal and operational health of the organization.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local legal requirements.
- Ensure sound fiscal management through compliance with financial policies, procedures and controls.
- Maintain a culture that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of highly skilled, seasoned artists and arts management professionals.
- Assist artists in relating their specialized work to organizational needs and goals through regular artists' meetings. Create educational opportunities for artists to learn from each other and grow.
- Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and review of all paid staff. Ensure that sound human resource practices are in place. Ensure proper training of all staff; encourage staff development and education.
Programming Responsibilities
- Provide leadership in developing programming plans with the Board, staff, and artists. Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.
- In conjunction with the artists, oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs, services, and special projects to maintain or improve quality. Identify the artistic and programmatic feasibility and viability of potential projects for the organization.
- Work with the lead artist(s) to create contracts, budgets, and project plans.
- Serve as signatory for Artist Contracts and Agency Agreements.
Fundraising and External Communications Responsibilities
- Expand revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations and expansion in accordance with the goals and objectives as determined by the Board.
- Create an annual development plan and, in coordination with the Board, carry out the activities in support of that plan. Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization.
- Design and implement a marketing and communications plan to maximize the visibility of CPAG expansion and programming. Deepen and refine all aspects of communications with the goal of creating a stronger brand.
- Initiate, maintain and cultivate the organization's relationships with community leaders, funders, and government agencies.
- Serve as spokesperson and representative to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will lead a team of experienced professionals, work well with others in a collaborative setting, and have proven leadership and management experience and skills in the following areas:
- Respect for both the artistic process and community engagement. Capacity and desire to understand the production aspect of public art as well as the process of community engagement.
- A minimum of 5-7 years experience in the fields of arts management, urban planning, community development or arts education. Understanding of visual arts preferred.
- Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships.
- Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage and develop effective team/projects, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget.
- Strong marketing, public relations, fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
- Strong written and verbal communications skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable and innovative—ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
- Commitment to CPAG's unique mission of community engagement in the creation of public art.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and one supplemental material to apply@CPAG.net.