ART JEWELRY FORUM SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

San Antonio, Texas, USA—Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) is an international organization with a mission to advocate for the international field of contemporary art jewelry through education, appreciation, and support for the field. AJF is dedicated to providing visibility, value, and appreciation for art jewelry by supporting and facilitating meaningful connections in the field for collectors, makers, galleries, schools, curators, educators, and writers, all united by a passion for art jewelry. Originally started in 1997, AJF has stayed true to its mission by advocating for the field through education, critical conversations, grants, and sponsorship. While our focus remains the same, our outreach and impact have grown stronger. Today AJF is a leader in the field, documenting the evolution of art jewelry through our robust online archive of academic writings, criticism, interviews, research, and commentary on art jewelry on our website and social media platforms. We organize trips and events for collectors and enthusiasts; host educational programming, panel discussions, and interviews; fund artist awards and grants; produce scholarly books; and connect critical voices in the field.

AJF seeks a multitalented Executive Director to lead the organization at this time of growth. This is a unique opportunity for a creative leader with significant people skills, operational management experience, a track record of developing audience-engaging programs, and strong fundraising experience. Working closely with the Board, the new Executive Director will bring strategic vision toward building creative programs, strengthening revenue streams, and developing new ones. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization and supervises one part-time staff member and volunteers, and works with contracted support services. Working within the budget, the possibility also exists for the new Executive Director to configure new staff roles.

The Executive Director must be able to balance administrative work and oversight with strategic-vision activities, while maintaining excellent Board and audience relationships. The organization is overseen by a 17-person volunteer board, with board members distributed across North America and Europe. While AJF is registered as a 501c3 nonprofit in California, the staff, including the Executive Director, hold work-from-home positions and may reside anywhere in the US or abroad. All candidates must be eligible to work in the US.

The ideal candidate will be very familiar with international art jewelry (or a related field, with a readiness to learn) and be committed to the mission and values of AJF. Applications should be directed to search@artjewelryforum.org and should include a cover letter and CV—provided as a single PDF. Inquiries may also be directed to search@artjewelryforum.org. All applications will be treated confidentially. Application review will begin immediately, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required—Master’s degree preferred—in fields related to applied art (art history, visual art or museum studies, nonprofit management, etc.). Experience in nonprofit management, program development, and fundraising is valued equally to educational background. Candidates with experience working with contemporary art jewelry will be given the highest consideration.

Requirements, Qualities, and Capabilities
Five years of experience in an artistic or cultural institution is preferred. At least three years at a leadership level is preferred. Experience with the unique opportunities of a small organization preferred.

Ability to provide strong leadership, vision, and strategic direction. Experience implementing strategic plans is desired.

Evidence of developing, managing, and growing annual operating budgets. Fundraising experience and a track record of success is highly desirable.

Evidence of success in managing business functions, including finance, fundraising, operations, marketing/PR, human resources, and web-based technologies.

Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, as well as work successfully with a  board, volunteers, donors, and diverse public constituencies. Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with all groups, even while working remotely.

Excellent planning, time management, and decision-making skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications skills; comfortable making persuasive presentations to groups and being the public face of the organization.

Ability to travel locally and internationally, leading groups for events and program-based travel.

Ability to work with spreadsheets, databases, email, calendars/scheduling, word processing, and web-based software, such as Google Suite, Constant Contact, Network for Good, Dropbox, Zoom, and social media platforms. Familiarity with image-processing software and website maintenance.

Knowledge of standards and best practices for arts organizations.

A sense of humor, grace under pressure, optimism, and honesty.

Position Details
Hours: Full time, salary, exempt
Location: This is a telecommute position.  If the successful candidate is outside of the United States, candidate must be legally authorized to work in the US.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $75,000–$85,000, based on qualifications, experience, and a track record of excellent work in past positions. Health benefits offered, along with Internet, office supplies, work computer. Paid vacation, sick and personal days, and paid holidays.

Start Date: April/May 2024, ideally
Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
To Apply: Send resume and a letter of interest that outlines your qualifications and lets us get to know you. Please format as a single PDF and send to search@artjewelryforum.org. References will be requested of final candidates.