Main Purpose of the Job

The Executive Director of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) provides executive leadership to the state agency charged with encouraging and investing in the advancement of the arts for the citizens of Maryland and ensuring every person has access to the transformative power of the arts.

Position Duties

MSAC is the largest provider of arts funding in the state, ranks third nationally in per capita spending for the arts, and is considered a national leader. The Executive Director oversees, directs, and administers all aspects of MSAC’s programs and operations, to include budget preparation and administration. The Executive Director has oversight responsibility for MSAC’s major programs and Governor appointed commissions including the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Public Art Commission. The position is responsible for setting and carrying out the policies and priorities of the Maryland Department of Commerce through MSAC’s programs, services, public information, and through partnerships with federal, regional, and other state agencies and organizations in collaboration with the Council. The Executive Director advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland. The arts are advanced by increasing participation, providing support, building capacity, leveraging connections and, generally, bolstering the awareness. The Executive Director also acts as the Agency’s chief spokesperson and representative within state government agencies, corporate, foundation, and educational communities, regionally and nationally within the arts sector.

The selected candidate will possess excellent interpersonal skills to work with high level public and private sector officials and maintain effective working relationships; excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to handle multiple, concurrent and high priority projects and possess proficiency with the Google Suite and/or other relevant software. Substantial statewide travel is required, as is attendance at out of State and National conferences. Evening meetings are required.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration or an Arts discipline from an accredited college or university

AND

EXPERIENCE: At least seven (7) years of experience in administrative staff or professional work within an arts organization or a public arts agency.

Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Notes:

1. A related Master's degree will substitute for one year of general experience.

2. A related Doctorate degree will substitute for two years of general experience.

3. Additional Art’s administration experience will substitute year-for-year for the required education.

Selective Qualifications

Three (3) years of the total experience must also include: the supervision of employees, overseeing and coordinating operations of a unit, or exercising responsibility for the development of policies or procedures. Applicants must meet the selective qualification(s) to be considered. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Desired or Preferred Qualifications

A Master’s degree in arts administration or an arts discipline is preferred.