Executive Director, Arts at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Department

AI UChicago Arts



About the Department

UChicago Arts and Division of the Humanities



Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice Provost of the Arts, the Executive Director for the Arts will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Arts-related programs and initiatives within the Division of the Arts and Humanities, including the Logan Center for the Arts, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, and Arts and Public Life, while also collaborating closely with the Smart Museum of Art and Court Theatre. This role involves strategic planning, outreach, reporting and analysis, and collaborating with leadership, University units, and external stakeholders to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative environment for the Arts.



Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a comprehensive Arts operational strategy that aligns with Division and University missions and goals.


• Oversees day-to-day operations of Arts-related programs and initiatives within the Division of the Arts and Humanities, including the Logan Center for the Arts, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, and Arts and Public Life, while collaborating closely with the Smart Museum of Art and Court Theatre, ensuring efficient, effective, and unified program execution.


• Collaborates with the Dean and Deputy Dean, Vice Provost of the Arts to set and achieve short- and long-term objectives, for the sustainability and growth of the Arts programs.


• Stays informed about the University Arts landscape, including current trends, opportunities, challenges, innovations, and development plans.


• Serves as a representative of the Art's at committees, events, meetings, etc. This includes presenting information, participating in discussions, and fostering collaborative relationships. Ensures Arts-related programs, goals, and interests are effectively communicated and aligned with the division and broader University objectives.


• Presents Arts program updates at meetings and shares outcomes. Ensures clear communication of goals, progress, and results to internal teams and external partners.


• Promotes the Arts programs through outreach efforts. Liaise with internal and external partners to promote and enhance the Arts.


• Develops, coordinates, and manages Working Groups, Arts Steering Committee, etc.


• Implements processes for assessing Art's program impact and success, including collecting and analyzing data.


• Prepares and presents reports to leadership on Art's program performance, outcomes, challenges, and opportunities. Utilizes data and analytics to drive decision-making and operational improvements.


• Uses data and insights to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.


• Works with leadership to identify plan for Arts archives/data. Special attention to data regarding undergrad/grad participation in Arts activities, classes, etc.


• Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between the program and program participants.


• Plans and develops program objectives and/or content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly


• Develops and administers program budgets and recommends or makes budgetary recommendations.


• Serves as a key resource for program information. Resolves problems or questions referred by program staff, University administrators, or other contingencies.


• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications




Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.



Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.



Certifications:




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Preferred Competencies

• Develop strategies that align with the missions, goals, and objectives of the university and division.


• Strong skills in overseeing diverse and complex programs, ensuring cohesive and effective execution.


• Proficient in working with multiple stakeholders across different entities to create unified strategies and outcomes.


• Capable of assessing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the arts landscape to inform strategic plans.


• Implement organizational changes and innovations smoothly while ensuring stakeholder buy-in.


• Excellent verbal and written communication to effectively represent the Arts at events, meetings, and committees.


• Skilled in fostering relationships with internal and external partners to promote the Arts and ensure alignment with broader goals.


• Strong ability to manage and coordinate working groups and committees for productive outcomes.


• Proficient in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to measure program impact and inform strategic improvements.


• Prepare comprehensive reports for leadership that clearly communicate performance metrics, outcomes, and actionable recommendations.


• High attention to detail in handling Arts archives and participation data to track engagement and inform future initiatives.


• Familiarity with analytics tools and systems for data management and reporting purposes.


• Strong aptitude for identifying challenges and devising creative solutions.


• Effective in prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.


• Understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives within the arts and humanities sector.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.



Job Family

Administration & Management



Role Impact

Individual Contributor



Scheduled
Weekly Hours

37.5



Drug Test Required



No



Health Screen Required



No



Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required



No



Pay Rate Type

Salary



FLSA Status

Exempt



Pay Range

$105,000.00 - $132,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.



Benefits Eligible

Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.



Posting Statement



The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.


Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.


We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.


All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.


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