EMPLOYMENT
&VOLUNTEER

MISSION AND OVERVIEW

Founded in 1955, South Shore Art Center (SSAC) is a 501c3 cultural organization with a mission to enrich communities south of Boston, MA by engaging artists and by fostering an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions and education. We work tirelessly to meet this mission by: curating thought-provoking exhibitions; connecting individuals with arts learning geared to every stage on the artistic journey; offering low-cost studio space for independent artmaking; stewarding the next generation of artists and audiences with our free Artist-in-Residence program for schoolchildren and our intensive Arts Stars program for teens; and staging a three-day arts festival every Spring.

More than 1,000 members strong, SSAC has grown to become a key anchor for the region’s vibrant and thriving art community, each year welcoming more than 20,000 individuals to exciting visual arts experiences held in our facility and at satellite sites.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job Description

BACKGROUND

South Shore Art Center is a non-profit organization serving artists and communities on the South Shore of Massachusetts. Founded in 1955, South Shore Art Center's (SSAC) mission is to enrich the communities south of Boston by engaging artists and by fostering an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions and education. Comprising more than 1,000 members from 45 communities, SSAC welcomes more than 50,000 individuals annually - of all ages, incomes, and abilities - to the galleries, classes, exhibitions, and its annual South Shore Arts Festival.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Director of SSAC provides the leadership, inspiration, and strategic direction to enable SSAC to achieve its annual and long-term goals for artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and community engagement. The Executive Director is responsible and accountable for all aspects of SSAC's portfolio, including artistic, operational, educational, and community programming, financial management, member development and fundraising.

The Executive Director also directs the staff and works collaboratively with the Board on a range of external relations issues. The Executive Director will provide leadership, vision and direction to SSAC by operating as the organizational representatives in media, fundraising, and community settings, and overseeing the management of all departments.

The Ideal candidate has at least ten years of progressive experience in strategic oversight and fundraising and ideally in the arts; a proven record of success with annual and capital campaigns; strategic planning experience; excellent written and dynamic oral communication skills; strong managerial skills to support staff; an ability to manage multiple projects; comfort working in a fast-paced, agile environment; and a passion for education and the arts. Familiarity with artists, appreciators, and collectors on the South Shore is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Board Relations:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of SSAC, working closely with, and reporting to, the President and the Board of Directors. The Executive Director directs and administers all programs, operations, and policies in addition to supervising a professional SSAC staff. The Executive Director also works closely with the Nominating and Governance Committee to ensure that leadership reflects the ogranization's values and commitment to Diversity, Equity, Includsion and Access. The Executive Director serves as an ex officio member of all Board committees.

Fundraising:

In partnership with the Board, develops and executes an annual development plan to strengthen and broaden the existing supporter base, including communications with existing and new donors, the annual fund, capital / comprehensive campaigns, corporate sponsorship/marketing opportunities,and grant writing to support the stragetic plan and annual budget.

Fiscal Management:

Develops the annual budget for approval by the Board. Oversees the management of all funds, monitors, and responds to financial metrics, prepares biweekly payroll, and works with auditors for the annual audit.

Staff Leadership and Development:

Motivates and developes the professional staff and faculty, including hiring, supervising and evaluating. Cultivates a collegial and respectful workplace.

Exhibitions:

Partners with the Exhibitions Committee to present a robust rotation of diverse and thought-provoking exhibitions, designed to connect audiences with museum-quality art experiences.

Arts Festival:

Oversees staging of annual three-day South Shore Arts Festival, including art exhibitions, craft exhibitors performance slate, beer tent ,food vendors, and signature Festival Preveiw Gala.

Community Partnerships:

Engages in regional art, business and placemaking initiatives to heighten South Shore Art Center's visibility in the community.

Advocacy and Communication:

Serves as the cheif spokesperson for SSAC in the community and through all forms of communication including but not limited to brochures, website, press and promotional events.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Grow membership and outreach

• Increase fundraising year over year

• Balance budget

• Recruit and retain SSAC staff and execution of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access goals

• Collaborate with Nominating and Governance Committee to ensure Board leadership reflects DEI values

• Grow market presence

COMPETENCIES:

• Business Insight

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Innovative

• Creative

• Action-oriented

• Excellent Communicator

• Results-driven

• Interpersonal Savvy

• Effective Team-builder

• Expansive Vision

• Honesty, Integrity and Authenticity

• Self-aware

• Situational Adaptability

• Adaptive Leadership

• Fiscally Responsible

• Belief in and passion for the role of art and design in education and carerr development and demostrated commitment to South Shore Art Center's mission.

HOURS / COMPENSATION:

$ 120,000

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should:

• Email resume/CV and a letter of interest to ssacexecsearch@gmail.com

• Include SSAC Exective Director in subject line of email.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until October 17, 2025. No phone calls please.