EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

The Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Contemporary Art in Richmond, Virginia, invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director.

The Institute for Contemporary Art is a nexus for creativity and inclusion, where innovative thinking and transformational ideas are drawn from a spectrum of disciplines. Unlike museums that house permanent collections, the ICA’s responsive exhibitions and performances invite audience engagement and challenge visitors to experience and examine art in unexpected ways.

The director will provide the creative vision, executive leadership and strategic direction for the ICA, shaping its role as an outstanding arts institution and working symbiotically with the VCU School of the Arts. The position reports directly to the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. It may include a faculty appointment in VCUarts and requires collegial collaboration with the dean of the School of the Arts. Within the context of the university’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, the director is expected to take advantage of the ICA’s unique opportunities, as it is embedded within a research university and is a focal point for the city of Richmond, a culturally diverse and historically rich capital city with a thriving creative scene and significant entrepreneurial activity.

Building on a strong foundation of existing operational, programming and impact planning, the director will develop a five-year strategic plan in collaboration with key constituents across VCU, including the VCUarts dean and faculty, key volunteer leaders, staff, students, and community. The plan should fully capitalize on the strengths of VCUarts and other university schools and departments. The director will work closely with the ICA’s communications and development staff to grow and expand its reach to include local, regional, national and international audiences, and develop the financial and fundraising plans necessary to provide for financial sustainability.

The director will articulate dynamic and inclusive institutional vision and shape programming that will motivate and galvanize staff and build active participation and support from community members. The director will support the curatorial and educational staff in planning and executing an active and ambitious exhibition and public programming schedule of the highest quality. Programming should capture the interest of broad and diverse audiences regionally, nationally and internationally, while providing innovative connections with the vibrant local arts community and campus. The director will build relationships to strengthen the ICA’s network to include other departments across the university, keeping in mind that the entire faculty and student body of VCU are important audiences. For a complete description of duties and responsibilities, visit https://assets.storbeckpimentel.com/files/resources/vcuexecdirica-pd.pdf.

Requested application materials include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. All applications, nominations and inquiries will remain confidential until finalists are identified for campus interviews. Candidates will be expected to submit a general application via the VCU job site: https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/78364. Letter of interest and CV and all inquiries and nominations are requested to be submitted to:

Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates, LP
Susan VanGilder, Partner
Julie Tea, Partner
Beth McCarthy, Senior Associate

VCUICA@storbecksearch.com

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.