AEMS: Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance - Executive Director

Applications accepted until April 15, 2019

AEMS Mission:

TO CREATE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY, SYSTEMIC ARTS EDUCATION SO THAT ALL MARYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN LEARN IN AND ACHIEVE THROUGH DANCE, MEDIA ARTS, MUSIC, THEATRE AND VISUAL ARTS.

Its Goals Are To:

• Impact the formulation and implementation of education policy at the state and local level that support enabling all students to meet the Maryland Fine Arts Standards.
• Cultivate support for arts teachers and discipline-based arts education in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts among many constituencies.
• Stimulate the development of high-quality arts education programs in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts.
• Build AEMS Alliance’s institutional capacity.

Executive Director Position Summary:

Act as chief executive officer charged with responsibility for implementation of Board policies and decisions. Provide responsible leadership and execute all AEMS operations in accordance with the Board’s strategic plan, including advocacy, programming, fundraising and communications priorities. Manage the staff of the organization, including student interns and volunteers as appropriate, and make recommendations for effectively using human and fiscal resources.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as liaison with the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland State Department of Education at all levels, including the Fine Arts Education Advisory Panel, staff of the department, the State Superintendent of Schools and the State Board of Education.
• Maintain dialogue with the Governor, the Maryland General Assembly and other stakeholders, including arts educators, teachers, principals, superintendents and others, about national and state policies on arts education and the benefits of strong arts programs for student and community success.
• Facilitate partnerships among the state’s schools of higher education, cultural institutions and local school systems.
• Design advocacy strategies at the state and local level, in conjunction with the AEMS Board of Directors and Steering Committee that support the implementation of Maryland State Standards in the Fine Arts.
• Develop strategies for supporting effective design of arts education, in dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts programs in schools and school systems.
• Build a statewide advocacy network to support the arts in schools and communities across Maryland.
• Oversee the design of public relations activities and materials, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of AEMS’ message and image through public dissemination.
• Oversee the implementation of arts education data platform: artlook@Maryland.
• Engage partners on the AEMS Steering Committee in the work of the organization.
• Maintain the fiscal and legal integrity of the organization pursuant to the bylaws. Keep the Board of Directors, Chairperson and Trustees informed through regular meetings. Specifically, provide routine financial reports on a regular basis.
• Develop resources needed for AEMS. Prepare timely and accurate reports for funders.
• Other as may be assigned by the Board.

Qualifications:

Musts:

Leadership

• Solid knowledge of, and/or experience in, arts education in dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts; project passion for AEMS Alliance mission and goals

• Ability to develop compelling ways of engaging business, government and school personnel in valuable partnerships
• Exceptional capacity for building and managing relationships; leading staff and key partners
• Experience in managing an organization/department:
• Commitment to create a high-output, financially responsible, mission –driven culture
• Knowledge of basic accounting protocols and ability to review finances with Board and others; monitor ongoing expenses
• Ability to attract, motivate, retain and develop staff talent
• Experience with staff evaluation and assessment
• Commitment to cultural inclusion and equity

Development/Communication

• Experience working with a Board, fundraising and implementing a strategic plan
• Demonstrate clarity of communication in writing and in person for decision-makers and funders
• Comfortable serving as the face of the organization; work easily with the press and public media representatives

Preferred:

• Experience in effectively dealing with governing bodies such as the legislature, school boards and/or city and county government
• Understanding arts education policy
• Prior fundraising success. Knowledge of and participation in grant procurement, individual donor, corporate partnerships, and special events
• Maryland Resident
• Not-for-profit experience

Compensation:

Salary – Competitive with similar not-for-profit organizations; negotiable