Executive Director, Chicago Public Art Group - Chicago, IL

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.

Application deadline

June 19, 2015

Place Lab Research Specialist University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Place Lab Research Specialist
University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Principal contribution is providing leadership in applying principles and knowledge relevant to research projects. Performs senior-level lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Performs lead role in research projects. Assists with project design. Oversees implementation of project, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology. Oversees data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts. Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Trains and oversees the work of research support personnel. May manage other administrative aspects of the research project, including supervising research support personnel, tracking project expenditures, participating in funding negotiations, and assisting with grant and manuscript preparation. Responsibilities may include the following laboratory duties: independently performing complex technical duties; recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; monitoring and troubleshooting equipment; overseeing the ordering of supplies and maintenance of laboratory inventory; and ensuring laboratory compliance with all safety requirements. About the Unit As part of the University of Chicago's efforts to enhance the arts, the Arts and Public Life Initiative actively encourages the development of relationships between the creative and artistic projects taking place at the University of Chicago with those that are taking place throughout the South Side of Chicago, the city and beyond. Arts and Public Life (APL) will strengthen and develop sustainable partnerships with local artists, design professionals, architects, developers, commerce professionals and researchers to focus on the creations of innovative placemaking models in Chicago, and various other US cities, to support small-scale, culture-driven development among traditional players in the enhancement of distressed neighborhoods, among traditional players in the development ecosystem. By advancing artistic ambition through collaborations, master planning, architecture, landscapes, product mix, and interiors, the place can be a catalyst for public art, creativity and placemaking. Arts and Public Life Initiative, through a 3-year grant entitled the Place Project, will seek to implement demonstration projects in selected cities and host learning events, workshops and convenings to complete demonstrations, and publish research and lessons from the projects. Unit Job Summary The Place Lab is seeking a Research Specialist, for a one-year engagement (with the potential for a one-year extension). This individual will be responsible for working with the Program Manager of the Place Lab to manage and implement strategies to drive culture-based development initiatives and oversee local research initiatives. The Place Lab, a new University of Chicago project, will help to expand and test a community development model that applies art and culture as a means of community transformation. The Place Lab will jumpstart culture-driven development by bringing together artists, designers, urban planners, and policy experts in cities such as Akron, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan and Gary, Indiana. The project will involve training and mentoring on-the-ground partners to localize the approach and develop best practices in design, architecture, and the built environment. The Place Lab is rooted in the idea that reinventing abandoned spaces through community-led arts and cultural programs can open opportunities in urban communities both by mobilizing residents to contribute to neighborhood change and by attracting outside investment. Each Research Specialist will work closely with the Program Manager, partner organizations, and a target city to further the Place Lab initiatives and to implement the Place Lab's demonstration projects. The successful candidate will have a sharp aesthetic sense and sophisticated vision not only for the adaptive reuse of materials and buildings, but also for how unconventional combinations and networks of such resources, individuals, governments, and institutions can yield ambitious yet viable projects. The successful candidate will also be adaptive to a variety of circumstances, bringing creative solutions to large and small-scale plans and across a range of projects in urban neighborhoods. She or he will work side by side with individuals representing several different fields, including some that are highly empirical and quantitative and others that are more focused on design and aesthetics. A successful candidate will be enthusiastic about straddling these worlds, knowing their priorities, and delivering and executing on ideas that achieve the group's collective goals. The Place Lab Research Specialist reports to the Program Manager. Working in collaboration with the other Research Specialists, the team will serve as a liaison between partner organizations and other participating universities in Chicago and the target cities by attending meetings, responding to information requests and resolving issues as they may arise. The responsibilities include envisioning, developing, organizing, planning, directing and implementing the community engagement strategies and establishing working partnerships with community-based organizations, colleges and universities. The position requires a high degree of organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to complete independent projects as well as to work in a team environment. Together the team of Research Specialists will research and compile data and finalize reports, narratives, presentations, surveys, needs assessments and other detailed materials that will advance the Place Lab initiatives. The Place Lab Research Specialists will be responsible for preparing presentation quality reports to be delivered at the annual conferences to be held in each target city and Chicago. The successful candidates will develop publications through collaborative writing and editing and manage multiple tasks with a demonstrated ability to review and prioritize work. The individuals will develop and implement standardized, replicable processes for repeating and/or recurring events and activities and will provide monthly status reports to the Program Manager. Education Candidates must have acquired a bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, business, economics, urban planning, architecture, design, social service, social sciences, fine arts, arts management or related fields of study. Experience A minimum of three years of progressively responsible, high level experience in the applicable field. Competencies Must be able to provide active participation in projects designed to reinforce the Place Project initiatives as they relate to the individual needs of the community. Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines required. Must have the ability to set-up effective systems and processes and follow them. Ability to follow an issue through to the requisite resolution. Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member required. Must exhibit demeanor appropriate to the office and to work with other units collaboratively, cooperatively, and productively. Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision required. Must have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite software, including MS Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint, and also with Adobe Acrobat Professional. Must have proficiency with other Adobe software. Required Job Seeker Documents Resume Cover Letter Optional Job Seeker Documents Work Location Other Other Work Location Arts Incubator Work Schedule Full-Time Hours/Week 37.5 If other than regular hours (M-F, 8:30-5:00) please detail M-F, 8:30-5:00 Benefits Eligible? Yes Union (If applicable): Non-Union Pay Grade NA Pay Range Depends on Qualifications Pay Frequency Monthly Does this position require incumbent to operate a vehicle on the job? No Is a Background Check Required? Yes Is Drug Testing Required? No Employee Referral Bonus Amount None Posting Date 10-30-2014

Cultural Enrichment Manager, Chicago Park District - Chicago, IL

Cultural/Cultural Enrichment Manager

Date Posted:   8/4/2014

Location:   Central Administration - CULTURE ARTS NATURE

Date Available:   ASAP

Title: Cultural Enrichment Manager                                    Level:  3217   CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under supervision, provides direction and leadership for Arts and Cultural programming for the Chicago Park District.  Oversees Cultural Enrichment program development, delivery and evaluation.  Serves as a liaison for CPD with the Chicago's arts community. Supports and manages staff. Performs related duties as required.   EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Develops and manages programs in music, visual arts, dance, literary, media arts and theater.  Oversees the Cultural Enrichment budget, staff hiring and other administrative activities.  Establishes partnerships with outside arts and cultural organizations, community groups and individuals interested in collaborating on programs and events.  Works with park staff and management to enhance cultural arts programming.  Monitors the progress and evaluates the success of projects.  Manages project budgets and time lines.  Provides technical assistance to park staff as assigned.  Advises park managers on organizing cultural arts programs.  Lends creative and educational support to projects.  Helps to promote and publicize Cultural Enrichment programs.  Ensures District and departmental operating policies and procedures are  adhered to.  Keeps current on grant and funding opportunities; writes, manages and develops grant proposals for program support.  Consults on program training needs and assists as required.  Monitors program data collection.  Works collaboratively with regions and park staff on program development, staffing and events.   DESIRABLE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: A Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree or related field, plus six years experience in arts programming, with some arts administration experience, and a demonstrated ability to work with community groups and outside agencies in the field of Cultural Enrichment or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  A Master's Degree in Arts Administration or a related field preferred.     KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the structure of government and nonprofit agencies; Ability to handle multiple projects on deadline; Excellent follow through; Ability to effectively present ideas in writing and verbally; High energy; Ability to manage team efforts; Sincere interest in public education in nontraditional settings; Working knowledge of community-based arts education theory and practice; Computer skills; Knowledge of education and curriculum design principles; Knowledge of visual and performing arts supplies and equipment; Budget preparation and planning skills; Ability to evaluate programs based on value to program participants and industry standards.   Career Service: Exempt • EEO: Professional • FLSA: Exempt                                Expected Salary Offer: $68,000