The Executive Director Position 

The M (Minnesota Museum of American Art) is seeking a seasoned, energetic Executive Director to lead the museum into a new era with its permanent new home, expanded programming opportunities and reach, and deeper engagement with diverse artists and communities. 

The Executive Director will: 

● Work with the board of directors and leadership team to ensure the mission, vision, and values are fulfilled through strategic planning and effective organizational implementation, programming, and community outreach; 

● Inspire and collaborate with a talented and committed staff in moving forward with a shared vision for the future of the M, incorporating clear and inclusive communication and team-based decision-making styles that will unify the M staff in this effort; 

● Nurture a positive workplace to attract, motivate, and retain effective and diverse talent; 

● Ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization through long-term planning, developing appropriate fundraising capacity within the organization, prudent budgeting and expense management, and the cultivation of diverse sources of funding; 

● Secure operating, capital, and endowment funding from national, state, and local resources, foundations, corporations, and individuals, including the planning and execution of a multiyear $10M endowment campaign; 

● Provide the board of directors with timely and accurate information necessary to make informed decisions, including an annual budget, cash flow projections, and financial statements that accurately represent financial condition; 

● Invest in strengthening organizational infrastructure, capacity, and processes that embody the M’s commitment to equity; 

● Oversee artistic programming and implementation, including assessment of the organization’s stated goals and objectives; 

● Oversee development and care of the M’s collection of art in alignment with the museum’s mission, vision, and values; 

● Cultivate strong relationships with community partners, collaborators, artists, arts administrators, donors, colleagues, government leaders, and legislators at the state and local levels. 

The successful candidate will possess: 

● Exceptional leadership presence, both internally with museum staff and board, and externally as a public representative of the museum 

● Engaging communications skills, including strong active listening skills, excellent verbal and written skills, and strong public presentation skills; 

● Ability to lead, motivate, support, and mentor diverse staff, and maintain a positive and inclusive workplace; 

● A passion for the arts and their ability to inform and transform; 

● Proven successful fundraising experience, strong donor relations skills, and comprehensive understanding of local and national arts funding; 

● Financial management expertise, including budget preparation, analysis, and reporting; 

● Proven ability to establish and nurture partnerships with diverse artists and communities, especially those who have been historically marginalized; 

● Proven track record of addressing racial and gender inequality and issues of access. 

The successful candidate will be: 

• An arts advocate. A leader who has passion for art and art’s ability to connect people and to express our common humanity. 

• A team-builder. A leader not only comfortable with but excited about a team-based approach to the M’s leadership. 

•An experienced fundraiser. A leader who is a charismatic and persuasive public speaker and who excels at developing human connections and relationships that result in ongoing major support. 

• A connector. A person who is comfortable in a co-creation and collaborative role with internal and external partners and who can engage such partners with clear communications, ability to set and manage expectations, personal engagement, and a commitment to finding mutually advantageous ways to work together. 

• An organizational capacity-builder. A person who understands nonprofit governance, leadership, and management; inspires the M’s staff and encourages professional development; and effectively engages, inspires, and utilizes board members’ talents. 

•  A “people person.” A leader who can communicate and relate effectively with the large range of people involved with the M, from visitors who may never have been inside a museum before to artists, staff, community partners, donors, foundation leaders, and the board. 

TO APPLY: 

Please send a letter detailing your interest in this position and how you believe you meet the qualifications. A short resume or a link to your LinkedIn profile can be included. Send to TheMSearch@8Bridges.com. 8 Bridges Workshop is a St. Paul consulting firm supporting the work of the M’s search committee and board of directors. 

All applicants will receive an email reply within ten business days with information on the status of their application. 

Position open until filled. Start date flexible; ideally candidates will begin employment no later than November 1, 2021. 

Compensation and Benefits Compensation will range from $145,000 to $175,000 per year. Benefits include 80 percent coverage of the employee’s health care plan, 403(b) contributions, and generous leave policies.