Visual AIDS Seeks Associate Director

Untitled (1982), Keith Haring

Job Opportunities
Posted: June 29, 2012
Application Deadline: Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Employment Opportunity: Associate Director, Visual AIDS
A leading New York-based contemporary arts nonprofit with a growing national reach, Visual AIDS uses art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV-positive artists, and preserving the legacy of visual artists lost to AIDS. Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through producing and presenting visual arts projects, while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. The organization is committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement.
 
The Visual AIDS office is located in Chelsea and has a staff of two full-time employees (Executive Director and Associate Director), one part-time Program Manager, and variable interns, volunteers and independent consultants. Visual AIDS also has an active Board of Directors.  

About the Position
The ideal candidate has superior non-profit management skills and is deeply committed to the public presentation of engaged and challenging contemporary art and AIDS advocacy. As one of two full time employees, the Associate Director is an essential part of almost every aspect of the organization. The Associate Director manages the Visual AIDS office, develops new and rotating arts programs, directs the Archive Project -- as a digital registry, a physical archive, and a public resource -- and is the primary contact for artist members. The Associate Director works with the Executive Director to implement strategies, plans, and budgets to achieve the organization's vision, mission, and goals. The Associate Director works:

• To support and collaborate with the Executive Director
• To contribute to the financial success of the organization by managing fundraising efforts with foundations, individuals, special events
• To maintain the organization's culture of inclusion, openness, and respect with donors, board members, volunteers, artists, and audiences

 
Office Administration -- Strong organizing, budgeting, and some accounting skills are necessary. The Associate Director is the primary scheduler and office manager. Maintains and operates databases, including press contacts, donors, mailing list, and artwork information. Conducts day-to-day operations, including scheduling, managing office equipment, ordering supplies, and general correspondence. Assists P/T bookkeeper with accounting and supports Executive Director in yearly and project budget plans, annual audits, and financial reporting. Must be Mac proficient and experienced in MS Office especially Excel, and Photoshop. QuickBooks a plus. 

Fundraising and Development -- With the Executive Director and benefit committee, produce and oversee annual benefits (Postcards from the Edge and VAVA VOOM), including long-term planning; managing donations, sales and auctions; communicating with benefit committee, artists, honorees, performers and sponsors. Assists with donor cultivation and annual appeals. Provides research and administrative support for foundation and corporate fundraising, help draft and edit grant materials. Prior events experience a plus. Knowledge of DonorPro (or other donor management databases) highly desired.

Program Director -- Developing new partnerships with artists and organizations, the Associate Director helps plan and execute annual exhibitions, events and artist projects. Works with Project Manager (a part time position that will become full time in the coming year) to arrange all elements of exhibitions, including contacting artists and curators, arranging shipping, receiving, and installation of artworks. Manages the production of printed materials. Identifies contract workers, designers, collaborating artists, and potential partners. Develops time-lines and efficient scheduling for programs. Completes budget reports and invoices. Knowledge of and interest in contemporary established and emerging visual artists, arts writers, and HIV advocates is very important.

Artist Relations -- The Archive Project -- The Associate Director is the primary contact for all artists and estate members of the Archive Project. The Archive Project is the largest international image library of works by artists with HIV/AIDS, with over 17,500 images from 427 living artists and 103 estates. The Associate Director is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of all artists' records, provides career support, arranges documentation, invites new members, update files, publicizes members' exhibitions, and is an advocate for the artists. Manages the bi-annual Artist Materials Grant program , awarding approximately 60 artists per year, as well as Emergency Grant requests. Assists curators, researchers, art historians and educators conducting research in the Archive Project. Organizes monthly web galleries. Oversee the completion of an online artists registry and communication with all current members by Fall 2012. 

Staff Management & Intern Recruitment -- Train, supervise and manage part-time and contract staff including interns, volunteers, project managers, curators, and crew. Recruits, supervises, and evaluates rotating team of event and office volunteers as well as student interns. Source of technical advice for compliance with program goals and projects.

Communications and Media -- Possessing excellent writing and editing skills, the Associate Director helps draft press releases and all outgoing Visual AIDS communications and social media postings, including Visual AIDS blog, e-blasts and Facebook page. Works with web designers to launch (November 2012) and maintain new Visual AIDS website and identity. 

Skills & Requirements:

• Knowledge of contemporary art and interest in AIDS advocacy, LGBT and social justice
• 3-5 years of arts administration or non-profit business experience
• Exceptional written and verbal skills
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are essential
• A humble yet strong problem solver, long-term planner, and superior multi-tasker with a sense of humor will be a great fit
• Self motivator who works well with diverse groups
• Mac proficient, experienced in MS Office, Excel, and Photoshop. Knowledge of QuickBooks and DonorPro (or other fundraising database) are highly desirable

We seek a highly motivated visionary with entrepreneurial skills who can balance long-term organizational plans with hands-on, day-to-day work. He/she will be a flexible and highly motivated team player and enjoys the challenge of working on multiple projects simultaneously on tight deadlines. A strong network of NYC and national artists and activists that can be drawn into the service of Visual AIDS mission is a plus. The successful candidate combines these qualities with a commitment to the ideas expressed by Visual AIDS' mission and program structure. 

Visual AIDS offers a competitive salary, plus comprehensive health benefits.
A not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), Visual AIDS for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities; PLWHA; people of color; women; and lesbian, gay, transgender/gender non-conforming and bisexual people are encouraged to apply.

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter by Wednesday, August 15, 2012 by email, preferably as a PDF to: jobs@visualAIDS.org. Include "Associate Director Search" in the subject line. You may also fax documents to (212) 627-9815. No phone calls please. For more information about Visual AIDS, visit www.visualAIDS.org.

Click here for PDF of this announcement.