Executive Director Search

APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED.

Are you a creative and visionary leader with a passion for independent filmmaking and social media? Do you have a history of making a difference through bridging communities, building healthy organizations and reaching out to engage new partners and networks?

Find out how to apply below.

About Arts Engine

Arts Engine is a trusted source of media that matters, driving change by connecting media, technology and community—supporting local, place-based work and global connections and reach. As a pioneer of social-issue media and online innovations, Arts Engine has produced eight acclaimed documentaries, created two groundbreaking online media platforms and cultivated the engagement of more than 20,000 members worldwide.

The mission of Arts Engine is to produce and distribute independent media of consequence and promote the use of independent media by advocates, educators and the general public. Founded in 1997 by Katy Chevigny and Julia Pimsleur, the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in New York, NY. Originally formed to create social-issue documentaries, Arts Engine has grown to include:

  • Big Mouth Films, Arts Engine’s production arm, which has created eight feature-length documentaries and garnered numerous awards
  • MediaRights.org, a groundbreaking online commons for filmmakers and activists that has become the most comprehensive database of social-issue documentaries in the nation with more than 7,000 films and 20,000 members
  • Media That Matters, the premiere showcase for short films on the most important topics of the day, which engages diverse audiences and inspires them to take action
  • DocuClub, a monthly film screening series of works-in-progress documentaries during which filmmakers present and receive feedback on their films

With an annual budget of approximately $1.5 million, Arts Engine now includes a staff of fourteen and is governed by a community-based board of directors.

The Opportunity

The executive director shapes and implements Arts Engine’s vision, values, goals and programs in collaboration with talented professional staff and an engaged board of directors. Central to this position is creative leadership at the intersection of technology and social-issue media.

Desired Experience

The ideal candidate has a minimum of five years of executive management experience in independent media or a related field. S/he will also have significant experience with resource development and working with a community-based board of directors.

Desired Management Capabilities

With a passion for Arts Engine’s mission, the ideal candidate can demonstrate the following capabilities:

  • Vision: The talent for identifying possibilities and opportunities, fostering commitment to a vision and translating vision into action—a big picture thinker with the ability to implement
  • Fundraising and Partnership Development: A track record of resource development, including forging creative partnerships to help grow an organization’s reach and impact
  • Communications and Digital Media: Highly developed communication skills (including interpersonal, online and presentation skills) with the ability to engage diverse communities. Able to lead implementation of Arts Engine’s websites, social media and online programs in an environment of continual technological change
  • Staff Development: The ability to lead, support and build the capacity of a diverse staff team
  • Management and Stewardship: A track record of managing a comparably sized or larger organization, including financial management

Other helpful experience and knowledge:

  • Experience with growing an organization or project
  • Strategic planning and program evaluation experience
  • Knowledge of the business and process of film production
  • Communications policy knowledge

View the complete job description.

Compensation

The salary for this fulltime position will be commensurate with qualifications and include competitive benefits.

How to Apply

View the complete job description.

To apply, submit a cover letter, completed application form, and resume electronically for receipt no later than 12 Noon EST on March 5, 2010. Electronic submissions only please. Email your Word or PDF materials to edsearch@artsengine.net.

Download Documents

  • Download the announcement: Word (60k) | PDF (136k)
  • Download the job description: Word (64k) | PDF (144k)
  • Download the application: Word (112k) | PDF (160k)

Additional Background Information

Questions?

Questions about the application process may be directed to Phil Lane at phil@artsengine.net.
All inquiries will be handled confidentially. Arts Engine values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.