Open Call: Position for an Executive Director at Art Jewelry Forum

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 part-time staff and volunteers and works with contracted support services. Working within the budget, the possibility also exists for the new 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 14-person volunteer board, with board members distributed across the US 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.

Position Details
Hours: Full time, salary, exempt.
Location: This is a telecommute position within the United States
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000, 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: October/November 2018, ideally. Start date negotiable.
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. References will be requested of finalists. 

Inquiries may be directed to search@artjewelryforum.org.


About AJF
Founded in 1997, 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. This dynamic mission is carried out through publications, through national and international travel programs, and other events - all aimed at stimulating the marketplace and increasing the knowledge of collectors, artists, curators, and gallerists. AJF also provides financial support to artists, speakers, and writers in the form of grants, awards, and commissioned articles. AJF is small but mighty: A committed core team has helped AJF become a strong international organization and a leader in the field, well-poised to grow to the next level.

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 experiences working with contemporary applied art jewelry will be given the highest consideration.

Requirements, Qualities, and Capabilities
- Five years of experience in an artistic or cultural institution 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 developing and implementing strategic plans is desired.
- Evidence of developing, managing, and growing annual operating budget. Strong understanding of business management functions, including finance, fundraising, operations, marketing/PR, human resources, and web-based technologies.
- Evidence of success in managing operations, including personnel matters.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise, as well as work successfully with staff, board, volunteers, collectors, 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 ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications skills, with the ability to make persuasive presentations and be the public face of the organization.
- Ability and interest in travelling internationally, leading groups for events and program-based travel.
- Ability to work with spreadsheet, databases, email, calendars/scheduling, word processing, and web-based software, such as Google Suite, Constant Contact, Network-for-Good, 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.