EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans (CAC) is a leading cultural institution in the city, dedicated to presenting and supporting multidisciplinary contemporary arts. The CAC has a distinguished history, dating back to its founding in 1976. For decades, the CAC has presented a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and programs, and has become a vital part of the New Orleans cultural landscape.

For nearly 50 years, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) has been a vital part of New Orleans' cultural fabric, celebrating the city’s vibrant creativity and supporting artists who reflect its rich diversity. As a hub for multidisciplinary contemporary art, the CAC connects artists and audiences through innovative programs that uplift local and regional talent, provide learning opportunities for area youth, and foster meaningful dialogue on issues impacting our community. Committed to advancing the power of art and its role in building a more just and connected society, the CAC remains dedicated to serving the New Orleans region as a dynamic space for artistic expression, collaboration and community engagement. In 2023, the Contemporary Arts Center embarked on a significant organizational assessment to ensure our sustainability for the next 50 years, a strategic process that will strengthen partnerships, diversify leadership, and align our mission to present innovative, multidisciplinary art that reflects New Orleans’ rich cultural diversity.

Compensation

$130,000-$160,000/yr.

Benefits

Health insurance, 403b (3% match), paid parental leave, relocation reimbursement, CAC membership, 2 free tickets to CAC programs, professional membership reimbursement, 16 paid holidays, and 15 days of PTO.

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the organization’s leader, guiding its strategic vision, operational excellence, and artistic mission. The ED ensures the center is a vibrant, innovative hub for contemporary art while fostering financial sustainability, community engagement, and a reputation for artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a compelling and inclusive strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision.

• Lead change management in order to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and vision. 

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish goals, policies, and performance benchmarks.

• Position the center as a leader in the local and global contemporary arts community.

• Recruit, onboard, train, and coach the executive staff members and conduct timely performance management.

Artistic Vision:

• Champion innovative programming that reflects cutting-edge contemporary art practices, engages diverse audiences, and fulfills the CAC’s mission and strategic goals.  

• Partner with curatorial staff to plan exhibitions, events, and educational initiatives.

• Foster relationships and collaboration with artists, cultural institutions, and art communities, especially in the New Orleans metro area, to enhance the center’s profile.

Fundraising and Financial Management:

• Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, sponsorships, and grant applications to maximize contributed revenue.

• Hire and lead development director and oversee hiring and development of fundraising staff to ensure a robust contributed revenue.

• Create and execute effective revenue generation strategies, including membership growth, business partnerships, and property rentals to maximize earned revenue. 

• Oversee financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

• Prepare and manage annual budgets, maintaining accountability and transparency.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Raise the visibility of the CAC with innovative marketing and special events.  

• Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing the center to the public, media, and stakeholders.

• Build partnerships with local communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.

• Promote inclusivity and accessibility in programming and operations.

Operational Oversight:

• Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability.

• Oversee the maintenance and development of the center’s facilities.

• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and operational standards.

  
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Fine Arts, related field, or comparable experience.

• At least 10 years of combined fundraising, public relations, and leadership experience or equivalent.

• Deep understanding of Contemporary Art and its cultural context

• Proven track record in executive leadership and excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Proficiency in arts management software, including but not limited to Google Business Suite.

• Domestic travel required. 

  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business and/or Arts Administration

• At least 5 years of arts management experience

  
  

Submissions:

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. The DEADLINE TO APPLY is APRIL 30, 2025. Thank you for your interest in the Contemporary Arts Center.

The CAC is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, representative of the community we serve. We believe a diverse and inclusive workplace helps the CAC foster its innovative culture of creativity and artistic excellence. The CAC encourages all applicants to apply. The CAC is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of their diverse voices, perspectives, and background; because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

The hiring department will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate.