The Bascom seeks an Executive Director who will lead the organization into its next phase of growth and continued success. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will embrace the organization’s Master Plan and see it forward. This individual will provide the aspirational vision necessary to help The Bascom articulate, implement, and fulfill its long-term business strategy, priorities, and creative direction. This person will ensure operational efficiency and management of all programs, staff, community outreach and engagement, expand The Bascom’s level of excellence, and achieve its artistic and financial goals.
The Executive Director will oversee daily operations, providing executive direction of all programs and working with staff. This person will be responsible for the following functions: exhibitions, education, and outreach; development; finance; marketing; retail shop and venue management; ceramics; facilities. Externally, as the face of the organization, the individual will play a leading role in cultivating financial support, resources, and donors, championing the organization and its programs, building brand awareness, and generally increasing levels of support and engagement.
Embracing what is unique about Highlands and the surrounding area as a creative community, the Executive Director will be committed to providing deeply engaging, signature programming that uplifts the artistic and cultural assets of the region while engaging in the conversations of the contemporary art field and drawing on national and global contexts. Additionally, this person will ensure that The Bascom campus is a welcoming and accessible place, where all guests experience a sense of belonging.
PRIORITIES AND ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for shepherding The Bascom’s next phase of growth and development, the Executive Director will have the following priorities and ongoing responsibilities:
• Quickly understand, embrace, and bring to fruition, The Bascom’s Master Plan; develop and implement an overarching vision for the organization – congruent with The Bascom’s Vision and Priorities Statement – which includes an increased focus on community engagement and partnerships, expanded exhibitions and programs, and The Bascom’s untapped potential for increased earned revenue.
• As chief fundraiser, oversee current fundraising activities and work closely with the Board, and the Development Director to cultivate important relationships, secure gifts and grants, with special attention to major gifts and create an actionable plan for fundraising; set in motion plans for the launch of a capital campaign in the near future as well as ensure a planned giving program is established.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors; actively develop and cultivate relations with directors that foster involvement and stability; bring forth their best ideas, efforts, resources, contacts, and support.
• Maximize the greatest/best use of campus facilities and resources; foster additional opportunities for revenue generation, increased retail sales, and added studio/classroom opportunities; prioritize needs to address capital improvements, expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and deferred maintenance.
• Ensure by effective leadership and management that the day-to-day operations and budget are efficiently administered, and that the organization achieves and remains on stable financial footing from an operational perspective.
• Manage and direct a dedicated and passionate staff and ensure a level of professionalism, communication, and teamwork across the organization; supervise, motivate, empower, and delegate appropriate responsibility among staff members.
• Organize, plan, promote, and diversify exhibitions that will broaden focus and appeal to a range of donor interests; provide oversight for the development of a long-range exhibition schedule; explore the potential for bigger shows.
• Increase The Bascom’s public awareness, visibility, and brand power in Highlands, Cashiers, and other nearby communities, through traditional and digital platforms; serve as the spokesperson and liaison with local media and community organizations.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ideal candidate should be a creative and collaborative leader who will be or have:
• Senior-level management and leadership experience within an arts center, museum, nonprofit cultural, educational, or academic institution or the like, with demonstrated interest in and/or a personal connection to the visual arts; contacts and experience with living artists and an understanding of the arts community are a plus.
• Knowledge of and a demonstrated commitment to arts education, educational outreach, networking, and presenting thought-provoking exhibitions, classes, and programming that attract and engage a broad range of youth and adult artists, learners, and patrons.
• Successful track record as a fundraiser with measurable results in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new donors; a person who appreciates the importance of relationship building, with the ability to connect with untapped philanthropic resources; capital campaign experience, though not required, is a plus.
• Strong business acumen, financial management and analytical skills, combined with a record of success in managing people, operations, facilities, and budgets.
• A proven manager, able to provide guidance, collaborate and recognize effort, clarify and enhance roles and responsibilities; an understanding of human resources including staffing, onboarding, and policy development.
• A knowledge of best practices in marketing and public relations, along with the understanding and ability to leverage and expand upon The Bascom’s social media presence.
• Exceptional oral, written, and visual communication skills and demonstrated public speaking ability.
The ideal candidate will also be:
• Dynamic and charismatic, with strong organizational skills, proven ability to focus, prioritize, delegate, and execute.
• A servant leader – the heart of the organization – committed to the mission of The Bascom and its role in creating visual art experiences that inspire and empower others.
• Able to set and stretch boundaries and priorities, while balancing the needs of staff and resources; hardworking and energetic, with a strong sense of personal and professional integrity.
• A proven commitment to and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to the success of an organization.
• A responsive and effective listener who is compassionate and open to new ideas.
• A creative problem solver, likeable, accessible, and visible in the community; flexible, supportive, and willing to get hands dirty as necessary.
