Executive Director

ORGANIZATION MISSION STATEMENT

The Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (AAWR) is a unique archival facility and regional museum dedicated to preserving and promoting Ohio’s visual artistic heritage. Its mission is to preserve representative bodies of work created by Ohio visual artists and, through ongoing research, exhibition, and educational programs, actively document and promote this cultural heritage for the benefit of the public.

Founded in 1996 by Cleveland sculptor David E. Davis and eight other prominent Ohio artists, the AAWR was established to prevent the loss of important parts of the region’s cultural heritage when art is abandoned, mishandled, or dispersed. The founders envisioned a “living archive” where archived artwork could be preserved, displayed, and studied by the public and scholars alike.

The AAWR’s work includes:

• Preservation: Maintaining a representative body of Ohio artists’ work, along with documentation of their lives and careers.
• Research: Recording oral histories, cataloging exhibition materials, and collecting related documents.
• Exhibitions: Presenting curated shows that connect art to contemporary social issues.
• Education: Offering programs and public access to foster engagement with Ohio’s visual culture.

The organization is committed to equity and inclusion, actively seeking to provide access and opportunities for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and addressing systemic inequities in the arts.

In summary, the AAWR’s mission is to safeguard and share Ohio’s artistic legacy, ensuring it remains accessible, studied, and celebrated for future generations.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR—POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director is responsible for the visionary leadership and enlightened administration of the Artists Archive of the Western Reserve, supervising financial management and operations, collections stewardship and exhibitions, community engagement and implementation of the organization's strategic goals.  The next Executive Director must be a convener and effective delegator who will lead the AAWR into its next phase of growth.  The Executive Director   currently manages a staff of five and reports directly to the eighteen member Board of Directors through the Board Chair.

The organization is at an important crossroad in its history.  It has expanded to three beautiful gallery spaces and recently installed state-of-the-art storage facilities.  Its scope and reputation have extended beyond the preservation of the works of its member artists,  mounting award-winning exhibitions of member artists and artists from other regions of the country.  The next Executive Director must build on the accomplishments of the recent past to envision a heightened importance, establishing AAWR as a cultural destination, joining the arts leadership of the region and collaborating with peer institutions regionally and across the United States.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

-Implement the Strategic Planning Initiated by the Board and Exercise Visionary Leadership

-Execute Financial Oversight of an approximately $400,000 Budget

-Conceive and Execute Exhibitions and Public Programming in consultation with Curators and Community Partners

-Supervise Staff and Delegate Responsibilities with Consistency, Clarity and Sensitivity, Further Developing Their Skills and Roles Within the Organization,

-Maintain Robust Relationships with Current Donors

-Expand the Donor Base of Patrons, Foundations and Businesses

-Eloquently Promote the Accomplishments of the Artists Archive and Maintain the Organization’s Public Profile

-Build and Maintain Bridges with the Cultural Institutions of the Region and Beyond

-Work collaboratively with the Board, its Chair and Standing Committees, respecting the Board’s governance responsibilities

-Establishing and Maintaining a Cohort of Dedicated Volunteers.

QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution required.  A Master's Degree is preferred.

Demonstrable leadership accomplishments in an art-related field, linking strong vision to tangible results.

Five to ten years of administrative experience required, including financial management and human resources, with a basic understanding of basic nonprofit accounting regulations and best-practices.

Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as social and emotional intelligence.

Demonstrated success with Fundraising.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated experience of collaboration with peer organizations.

Knowledge of the Northeast Ohio cultural environment is preferred.

APPLICATIONS

Please send an up-to-date CV with a cover letter and the names and contact information of three references to:

Grafton Nunes, Search Committee Chair

The Artists Archive of the Western Reserve

1834 E. 123rd Street

Cleveland Ohio 44106

Or, digitally through the Artist Archive website:  www.artistsarchive.org

The application deadline is September 1, 20206

Salary Range:  $65-70K