Executive Director

Accredited, award-winning museum seeks experienced professional who believes that museums are centers of diversity, learning, creativity, and fun. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of building community connections and working in an environment where the museum serves as a positive community catalyst. The successful candidate holds a Master’s degree and has worked in an American Alliance of Museum accredited intuition, and been part of the AAM reaccreditation process. The successful candidate brings management experience, knowledge of AAM best practices, passion for the arts or sciences (or both!), hard work, self-discipline, high ethics, team building, and compassion to the job. 

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) is a part of the ARTx3 campus. The ARTx3 Campus is the convergence of art, creativity, and community in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The campus features three facilities: Arts & Science Center, The ARTSpace and ART WORKS on Main. All three facilities present programming in the visual arts, performing arts, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) education through exhibitions, performances, classes, and local partnerships. Founded in 1968, ASC is accredited with the American Alliance of Museums and features a permanent art collection focusing on art by African American artists, Arkansas artists, and art of the Delta, three exhibition galleries, an interactive youth activity space, and the 232-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater. Since 2021, the modern and multipurpose ARTSpace and ART WORKS facilities have hosted live music, local and regional art, diverse multidisciplinary workshops, and small productions. The ARTx3 campus aims to empower our community through the arts, support the revitalization of Downtown Pine Bluff, bolster the creative economy, and bring positive attention to our city. 

No single candidate is expected to have expertise in all aspects of this operation. The successful candidate might be an emerging professional or have spent decades in museum work. Accordingly, salary range is $85,000 -95,000. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated, quick learner who has a passion for community service. A preference will be given to candidates with experience working in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States. 

Benefits: hybrid work schedule, health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance, paid sick/vacation leave and nine paid holidays, five flex days to be used for non-paid holidays, and museum membership discounts on workshops and events. This position is eligible for an end-of-the year bonus. Relocation assistance can be provided for the successful candidate. 

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree required. Either the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree must be in art, science, STEM, education, non-profit management, museum studies, or related field. Strong interpersonal skills necessary for developing positive relations with community leaders, staff, volunteers, members, and donors. Proven experience working in an AAM accredited museum, management of full and part-time staff and volunteers, financials, fundraising and development, special events, marketing, grant writing, education, public speaking, and communication. Knowledge of current museum trends. Experience in a cultural institution with emphasis on science, STEM, fine arts, African American art, theater, emerging technologies, interactive interpretation, and/or education preferred. 

The goal of the Executive Director is to effectively lead staff and volunteers of The Arts & Science Center and the ARTx3 campus in fulfilling its mission to serve as a cultural crossroad: engaging, educating, and entertaining through the arts and sciences. A familiarization period of two months will build a foundation for the following: 

The Executive Director shall devote full time and best efforts to the execution of institutional policies and shall have the following powers and responsibilities:

1. Conduct the daily administration of all functions of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas within such policies as defined as a Commission of the City of Pine Bluff, by the ASC Board of Trustees, ASC Endowment Fund (ASCE) Board of Directors, and with an unwavering eye toward AAM reaccreditation (reaccreditation in 2026). 

• Drive an annual work plan that will ensure the continuation of quality programs and the successful accomplishment of goals and objectives defined in the Strategic Plan. 
• Maintain best practices for AAM reaccreditation. 
• Be primarily responsible for all communications both internally and externally concerning all aspects of The Arts & Science Center /ARTx3 campus and its activities. 
• Present speeches and high caliber writing as the face and voice of ASC/ARTx3. 
• Maintain an updated awareness of laws, policies, and ordinances effecting ASC/ARTx3. 
• Implement exceptional organizational skills necessary to fulfill myriad commitments with a small staff. 
• Leverage resources for maximum positive outcome with efficient use of staff and frugal use of funds. 

2. Employ, supervise, and terminate all employees, and define the duties of said personnel. 

• Establish short and long term goals for all employees. 
• Report employment or termination to the Board of Trustees at its next regular meeting 
• Supervise the performance and evaluation of all personnel. 
• Maintain employee files as necessary to withstand legal challenges. 
• Recommend salaries based on budgetary requirements. 
  

3. Serve as the staff representative to the Board of Trustees. 

• Make recommendations to the Board of Trustees with respect to the development of new programs and policies and the implementation of existing programs and policies. 
• Assist with Board member recruitment. 
• Provide leadership among board and staff to develop, implement, evaluate and update Strategic Plan. 
• Attend all Board meetings and give monthly organizational reports. 
• Provide an annual report in the first quarter of the following year. 
  

4. Serve as organization liaison for the ASC Endowment Board of Directors 

• Assist the ASCE with donor recruitment 
• Provide administrative support for the Board of Directors 
• Prepare materials for quarterly meetings 
• Give quarterly reports on the ASC/ARTx3 overall operations and facilities 
• Serve as liaison between the ASCE and its financial advisors 
  

5. Serve as the chief financial officer maintaining all policies, aligning with Arkansas Legislative Audit, budget planning and fulfillment, implementation and management of funds. 

• Operate ASC with financial responsibility, always mindful of maximum leveraging of resources. 
• Sign routine contracts for the procurement of services in conjunction with the budgeted programmatic and administrative expenses of the Center. 
• Pursue and expand avenues of funding and facilitate the development of programs, services, and activities from private, federal, state, and local sources. 
• Write grants that provide both programmatic and general operating support.