AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM

Los Angeles, California

Summary of Position The Board of Directors of the Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial individual to lead the organization during its next stage of growth. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for leading the development of a strategic plan, sustaining CAFAM's vibrant artistic program, establishing an effective fundraising infrastructure, enhancing marketing efforts and earned income opportunities, directing and supporting staff, and helping to further develop the Board.

About the Museum The Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM) was founded in 1965 as The Egg and The Eye, an innovative café and shop that served more than 50 omelets and displayed international folk art. The café reflected the vision of its founder, Edith Wyle, that a celebration of culture should include both food and art. The success of The Egg and The Eye led to its transformation into the non-profit CAFAM in 1973. According to Wyle's vision of a living museum, workshops and educational programs involved community members whose art was on display.

After experiencing setbacks, CAFAM closed its doors for a few years in the early 1990s. During this time, the library was given to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the collection was sold at auction, and the archive was given to UCLA. Operations were scaled down and in 1999, CAFAM was taken over by the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department. A new executive director was hired in 2005 and made significant strategic changes in fundraising and audience development; as a result, attendance has increased by 50%. Today, CAFAM is a renewed organization with a mission to "champion cultural understanding by encouraging curiosity about our diverse world through the universal lens of art." The museum's exhibits and programs "serve as a catalyst for the exploration of art and ideas that reflect our ever-changing community." CAFAM's guiding philosophy is that "programming should bridge local and global cultures, and inspire a sense of inquiry and creativity within all people." Artistic programming is designed in close collaboration with the community "to ensure authentic expression."

CAFAM is located on Wilshire Boulevard within a corridor known as Museum Row. The 11,000-square-foot facility houses the museum's vibrant exhibits and programs, as well as its award-winning retail store. CAFAM extends its reach by exhibiting art in neighborhoods across Los Angeles through its innovative Folk Art Everywhere program. The museum currently has a staff of six full-time employees and an annual operating budget of approximately $650,000.

Responsibilities The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will have full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of CAFAM. Responsibilities include:

· Leading the Board and staff in the development and implementation of a strategic plan to establish a vision, sustainable business model, and course of action for the next three to five years and beyond

· Providing a high degree of visibility in the community, strengthening community relationships, and serving as chief spokesperson for CAFAM

· Establishing an effective fundraising infrastructure and taking an active role in development activities to expand funding streams, including major gifts, membership, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and grants

· Sustaining the CAFAM artistic program at the museum and across Los Angeles through the Folk Art Everywhere program Enhancing the CAFAM marketing program to grow resident and tourist audiences Building on the success of the CAFAM retail store and developing new areas of opportunity for earned income Partnering with the Board for effective leadership of the museum, including helping to further develop the Board

· Recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating staff; providing management direction to the staff through a team-work approach; ensuring compliance with appropriate personnel policies and human resource procedures

· Managing CAFAM in a fiscally responsible manner within the Board-approved budget and in accordance with accepted non-profit financial accounting practices

Ideal Candidate

Characteristics The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following:

· A passion for the arts

· A proven track record of leadership abilities, a high level of initiative, strong interpersonal skills, and creative and flexible problem solving skills

· An entrepreneurial spirit, including the capacity to develop innovative strategies for programming, audience-building, and earned income generation

· Demonstrated success in fundraising, including direct experience with individual giving and major gifts

· The ability to partner with and motivate the Board, and to direct and mentor staff

· The capability to develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, arts partners, and other community constituents

· Effective financial management skills

· A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, sincerity, a high energy level, and a strong commitment to teamwork

Experience/Education A minimum of five years of senior management experience in a cultural organization is required. Possession of a bachelor's degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred.

Compensation Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure Individuals interested in applying for this position should send a letter of interest and resume to:

Emily Cohen, Senior Vice President

Museum Management Consultants, Inc.

120 Green Street, Suite 200

San Francisco, CA 94111

Tel: (415) 982-2288 x 111

Fax: (415) 982-0504

Email: mmc@museum-management.com

Closing date for filing applications is November 1, 2010

from LA Culture Net