Director

The Organization
Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, formed in 1989 as City Arts Center by Christian Keesee and former Kirkpatrick Family Fund Director Marilyn Myers, is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the community with high quality, accessible and affordable arts programming and education. The organization endeavors to instill in the public a lifetime appreciation of the arts and enthusiasm for creative practice through adult classes and workshops, art camps and classes for local youth, art exhibitions, lectures and additional educational programming. Oklahoma Contemporary plays a key role in the development of Oklahoma City’s visual arts landscape.

Oklahoma Contemporary is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.

The Position
The Board of Trustees seeks an individual with a strong interest in and enthusiasm for contemporary art and arts education with demonstrated administrative, collaboration, fundraising and management experience to oversee all aspects of the operation of Oklahoma Contemporary.

The Director will report to the Operating Committee of the Oklahoma Contemporary Board of Trustees, which is comprised of the President, Past President, Treasurer and/or other representatives of the Executive Committee. The Director will implement the mission of Oklahoma Contemporary to encourage artistic expression in all its forms through education, exhibitions and performance.

The Director will oversee operations of the full campus of Oklahoma Contemporary, which includes the Studio Building and Campbell Art Park. The Studio Building hosts camps, workshops and programs in fibers, ceramics and 2-D media. Campbell Art Park boasts a unique relationship with the City of Oklahoma City in providing a public park with site-specific installations accessible to visitors year-round.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions
The Director will oversee a staff of approximately 100 full- and part-time employees in the areas of exhibitions, education, development, finance and communications. The Director will also provide support and assistance to the Board of Trustees through the preparation, presentation and interpretation of reports, minutes, financial statements and other documents to help the Board exercise its governance functions and responsibilities.

The Director will exhibit the following qualities:

1. Strong Leadership and Management Skills: Exhibit the leadership skills and experience to guide the organization effectively, including strategic planning, team management, fiscal management and the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers and stakeholders. Exemplify respect for the staff and for visitors who possess a broad range of experience with and understanding of contemporary art. Steer departmental managers to be informed, kind and calm.
2. Fundraising and Financial Management Expertise: Exhibit a proven record in fundraising and in nonprofit fiscal management to ensure Oklahoma Contemporary’s financial stability and growth. Support the development department through positive engagement with community groups and potential donors.
3. Community Engagement and Relationship Building: Build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including artists, local communities, patrons, government entities, corporate partners and other nonprofits.
4. Vision for Arts Education: Support the mission of encouraging artistic expression in all its forms by sustaining growth in current programs and fostering innovative enhancements in workshops, courses, camps, lectures and curriculum for students and teachers of all ages.
5. Passion for Contemporary Art: Genuine philosophical engagement with the frontier of contemporary art in all its forms, including performance, exhibitions and education for children and adults.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree with advanced training or equivalent experience in nonprofit administration, program management and fundraising experience. Arts experience preferred.
• 10 years of senior management experience with a record of success and increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and writing skills.
• Experience in coordinating a management team to handle all facets of the organization.
• Experience in reporting to or working directly with a Board of Trustees.
• Periodic evenings and weekends plus travel may be required in conjunction with exhibition openings and events, as well as meetings with artists, galleries and supporters.

Compensation
Starting salary will be $175,000 annually. Oklahoma Contemporary provides 100% of premium coverage for medical, dental, life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance. A 403(b) plan with employer match is available as well as access to a Flexible Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program and other voluntary insurance coverage plans. Additional benefits include 16 days of PTO, one floating holiday and seven federal holidays, as well as employee discounts on Studio School classes, Shop Contemporary and Café Contemporary.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and expressly prohibits discrimination against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law.

To Apply
For interested candidates, a cover letter with a resume and three references should be addressed to Molly Tolbert, President of the Board of Trustees, and emailed to confidential@okcontemp.org. Please, no phone calls.

The deadline for resume submissions is Friday, March 1, 2024.