EMPLOYMENT
Employment Opportunity: Executive Director
Reports to: The Board of Directors
Application deadline: September 3, 2021
About the organization: The District of Columbia Arts Center (DCAC) is a multi-disciplinary arts organization founded to give underserved artists opportunity to show their work. Located in Washington, DC’s vibrant Adams Morgan neighborhood, DCAC operates a small arts facility which includes two art galleries, a 40-seat black box theater and office space.
DCAC’s full calendar of programming is centered around supporting artists as they take their first steps toward a professional career in their field. With exhibitions, performances and two visual arts training programs, DCAC provides an inclusive gathering place for conversation and the exchange of ideas.
Now approaching its 35th anniversary, DCAC recently adopted an ambitious strategic plan that outlines the next phase of growth and development of programs, board development and fundraising.
Our mission is to promote dialogue and respect among artists and audiences while representing the broad diversity of our community; to foster artists by providing them with the opportunity to get the experience they need; and to promote individuality, experimentation, and the process of creative expression through exhibitions and presentations that challenge conventions in style, form and function while embracing issues political, religious, social, and private.
Our vision is to be the catalyst for future professionals; to promote art that might go unnoticed; to create meaningful, long-lasting relationships among artists and audiences and to create an all-inclusive atmosphere motivated by artistic expression. We are committed to providing Washington a broad variety of art by taking risks and supporting alternative, provocative, and edgy artists. We invite unknown and alternatively or non-trained artists working on the periphery of the established norm who are pushing boundaries, or who come from traditions that possess a dramatically different perspective on art and culture. We accept scripts from the sublime to the profane; as open to a magic show as we are to anti-patriotic rants, brooding dark drama and alternative burlesque. We seek the self-produced and invite the rejected.
The Position: The Executive Director is the chief executive and artistic officer of DCAC, reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Chair. The Executive Director oversees a staff
working in partnership with the Board, staff, and community members to execute the organization’s mission.
The Executive Director will be an entrepreneurial, optimistic, respectful, and consensus-building ambassador, partnering extensively with internal and external stakeholders. At the same time, the Executive Director will provide visionary leadership, driving discussion toward consensus, and action, to advance the artistic and social mission of the organization.
Primary Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to implement strategies to ensure organizational sustainability. This includes the formation of strategy to achieve, and oversight of organizational efforts to ensure, satisfaction of the following goals:
● Increase and sustain contributed revenue through a robust fundraising effort focused on the cultivation of support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources.
● Enhance the organization’s marketing and communications efforts, with the goal of expanding audiences and promoting DCAC’s public image.
● Monitor and report on the organization’s financial performance.
● Hire, supervise, support, mentor and motivate a professional staff, who implement operations, fundraising, marketing, and financial management in support of artistic, educational and community programs.
● Develop and maintain business policies and procedures that ensure the efficient and professional operation of the organization.
● Engage and manage effective, enjoyable relationships with board members to maximize their participation in DCAC and their contribution toward its success and growth.
● Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, working with the landlord to ensure that the building and operating systems sufficient for the needs of the organization.
Additional Responsibilities: In addition, the Executive Director:
● Provides creative and innovative leadership for the continued enhancement of DCAC’s programmatic, educational, and community development activities consistent with itsmission. The Executive Director is chiefly a top-level curator of the overall programmatic identity of the institution, cooperating extensively with programming staff and community partners to ensure that it is a robust and responsive resource for the community, both artistic and civic.
● In partnership with the Board of Directors, provides strong organizational leadership to drive strategic planning efforts and set the overall vision and direction for the organization.
● Enhances DCAC’s visibility by building strong relationships and partnerships with appropriate cultural and civic organizations, government officials and community leaders, including participation in community activities, speaking engagements and social events.
Qualifications: DCAC seeks a thoughtful and responsive leader, capable of understanding and supporting the needs and expectations of the board, artists, staff, and the diverse communities of Washington, DC. Strong candidates will have the following experience and capabilities:
● Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree in non-profit management or related field preferred.
● Commitment to upholding a strong organizational culture by leading with the values of DCAC and dedication to inspiring and mentoring the staff.
● Successful experience in a management and/or senior leadership position within a cultural organization. Candidates with substantial experience in the areas of theatrical production or gallery management, but without experience managing a cultural organization, will be considered.
● Proven ability to work with a Board of Directors to maximize participation and engagement.
● Proven fundraiser with a polished, personable, welcoming style and a natural relationship- builder with experience securing significant gifts from individuals, as well as foundation, government, and corporate grants.
● Experience working in, or broad knowledge of, the Washington, D.C. cultural community preferred, but not required.
● Demonstrated experience in providing marketing leadership to increase organizational visibility and earned income.
● General management experience with a strong understanding of finance, budgeting, information systems, human resources, and facilities management.
● Demonstrated ability to move organizational projects forward in an inclusive and streamlined manner.
● Proven track record of success facilitating organizational change and development within a growing organization.
● Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
● Track record of growing another organization or business by developing staff and organizational capacity.
● Strong knowledge of national trends and best practices and a great appreciation for the arts.
Commitment to Diversity: We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The District of Columbia Arts Center encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, and veteran status.
Compensation: $55,000 – $60,000 annually
To Apply: Send a resume, cover letter and at least three professional references to: apply@dcartscenter.org
No phone calls, please.
INTERNSHIPS
An internship at DCAC provides the opportunity to become familiar with the workings of a small, non-profit, arts organization, an opportunity that is especially beneficial for emerging artists, curators, up-and-coming theater professionals and anyone interested in arts administration. As a twenty-year presence in DC’s visual art and theater world, DCAC provides a stepping stone to the city’s broader arts scene. Interns are exposed to the broad range of visual and performing arts events happening in DCAC’s gallery and theater and attend DCAC events for free.
General intern duties include communicating with supporters and press, maintaining all of our social media outlets, managing the DCAC member database and other daily administrative tasks. There is also the possibility for interns with particular interests to develop individual projects in areas such as graphic design, development, or web design.
Intern hours are Wednesday through Friday, from 2-7pm. Ideally, interns will be available for all of these hours, although arrangements can be made for shorter hours if necessary. College credit can be arranged for interns who are available to work all of the above hours. An interest in the arts is a must!
Winter/Spring (late-January to late-May),
applications due January 30
Summer (early-June to mid-August),
applications due May 16
Fall (early-September to mid-December),
applications due August 20
Send a cover letter explaining your interest and goals in working at DCAC with your resume attached to: info@dcartscenter.org