RACINE ART MUSEUM AND CHARLES A. WUSTUM MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Racine, WI
Application Deadline: October 7, 2024
The Racine Art Museum Association, Inc. (RAMA) is a two-campus organization consisting of the Racine Art Museum (RAM) and the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts (Wustum). RAM opened in May 2003 to expand the work of the 83-year-old Wustum, and now welcomes an average of 48,000 guests from 40 states and 15 countries annually. RAMA operates both locations, using Wustum as its visual education center with exhibitions of local/regional interest. RAM is home to contemporary craft exhibitions—ceramics, fibers, glass, metals, art jewelry, polymer, and wood—alongside works on paper—from nationally and internationally recognized artists. Artworks from RAMA’s permanent collection, the largest contemporary craft collection in North America, are featured at both campuses. Over the last twenty years, RAM’s holdings have increased from 2,200 to more than 11,000 artworks.
RAMA emphasizes the importance of contemporary craft, including its value as fine art. Craft artisans often employ techniques adapted from manufacturing that are an important part of Racine’s proud history, making these media accessible to broader portions of the region’s ethnically and economically diverse audiences.
RAMA has continued to be a leader in providing high quality arts education to people of all ages since the 1940s. Wustum houses one of the largest studio arts programs of any museum in Wisconsin. Each year, approximately 120 classes in a variety of media are offered. Students of all ages and skill levels—beginning to advanced—learn side-by-side with instructors, many of whom are working artists known for their talent and expertise. The fastest growing component of RAMA's educational offerings has been free hands-on art outreach experiences, sponsored by generous gifts from local and national funders. Programs for pre-school-aged children to memory-impaired elderly and their care partners are presented to thousands of people each year.
JOB SUMMARY AND OPPORTUNITY
The Racine Art Museum and Wustum seek a dynamic Executive Director to oversee all operating, financial, exhibition, and programming components of RAMA’s two museum campuses, the Racine Art Museum (RAM) and the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts (Wustum). The Executive Director (the Director) is the chief staff representative to the Board of Directors and oversees the daily operations of each museum, according to Board-approved policies and procedures. The Director also oversees and is responsible for all aspects of the permanent collection including the solicitation and acquisition of artworks, accessions and deaccessions, collections care, and the collection’s long-term development. The Director will be responsible for the development and evaluation of long-range and strategic plans. The Director will be an engaging leader, with a passion for museums, preferably for art and contemporary craft; while having a proven record of building relationships locally and nationally to support a museum.
The current Executive Director, Bruce W. Pepich, is retiring after 50 years as Executive Director and Curator of Collections, and RAMA wishes to continue the work that he started and has maintained over the years. See Mission and History here.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for the day-to-day operation of RAMA in accordance with Board-approved policies and the Code of Ethics.
Drives fund raising and development by actively cultivating donors.
Oversees the development, scope, and framework of a dynamic collection, its presentation, interpretation, and growth in collaboration with the curatorial staff.
Oversees RAMA’s utilization of the permanent collection as a cultural resource locally and nationally.
Directly supervises the following:
Director of Development, responsible for development, fundraising, membership, marketing, public relations, volunteer, and donor management activities.
Contracted Accountant, responsible for the management of finances, assisting with fiscal strategies, and financial reporting.
Director of Education who oversees the daily operations of Wustum Museum and is responsible for education programs including studio art classes, workshops, on-and off-site outreach programs, docents, and tours.
Director of Exhibitions, responsible for organizing RAM and Wustum exhibitions, supervising and organizing exhibition-related initiatives and publications, and supervises the Exhibitions and Collections Department, which oversees the development, research, documentation, care of, and interpretation of RAMA’s permanent collection.
Administrative Assistant, who assists the Director by maintaining their schedule and responding to matters as appropriate.
Represents RAMA in professional organizations locally, regionally, and nationally to ensure a lively and productive relationship with peer professionals and institutions as well as artists, collectors, the creative community, and the general public. Keeps up-to-date in the field through professional publications; conferences and educational opportunities, and maintains professional networks.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
Experience and/or studies in fine arts, decorative arts, art history, arts management, or museum studies/management along with commensurate experience or a combination of these is required.
Management experience as an Executive Director or CEO, or as an executive-level manager in a nonprofit organization or art museum preferred.
Proven record of successful fund raising and development in previous positions.
Knowledge of the contemporary craft field in relation to the contemporary visual arts world.
Strong commitment to informal public education in the visual arts.
Strong understanding of nonprofit management.
History and proven track record of influencing diverse organizational stakeholders regarding strategic planning, branding, and tactical implementation of RAMA’s mission. Can lead staff and volunteers regarding adherence to strategic plan and budget.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly public speaking.
Basic experience in preparation and oversight of budgets, fiscal management, and analysis.
Experience in supervision and management of professional, volunteer, and administrative staff members.
Listening skills; ability to relate to cultural and business professionals.
Willingness to reside in Racine County and become involved in the community.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this position.
COMPENSATION
The current salary range for this position is $182,000 - $200,000. Generous benefits are offered, including group health insurance, vision, dental insurance, and a 401(k)-match plan.
HOW TO APPLY
Email cover letter, résumé or curriculum vitae, and names of three references with contact information to: Ida Tomlin, Senior Search Consultant at: searchandref@museum-search.com. References will not be contacted without prior permission of the applicant, and all applications and nominations are kept confidential. Application deadline is October 7, 2024. Nominations and inquiries welcome.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY (DEIA)
Racine Art Museum Association, Inc. (RAMA) is committed to supporting diverse artists, voices, and audiences—whether that diversity reflects race, gender, heritage, ethnicity, sexuality, age, ability, social standing, or world perspective. See RAMA’s full DEIA statement here.
ABOUT THE RACINE, WISCONSIN AREA
Racine is located on the shore of Lake Michigan, 22 miles south of Milwaukee and 60 miles north of Chicago. Racine has a population of 77,453, and the greater Racine area has a population of approximately 125,000. Racine is home to major corporations, in particular, the SC Johnson Company which produces products like Windex and Pledge. Racine offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. The city has several highly ranked public, parochial, and private schools.
Racine County offers a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, camping, sledding, snowmobiling, fishing, boating, bicycling, hiking trails, golfing, and multiple parks and beaches. Besides the RAM, the cultural scene includes the Racine Theatre Guild, Racine Symphony Orchestra, Racine Arts Council, several art galleries, the Wind Point Lighthouse, and Racine Zoo. Racine also features historical architecture, including architectural gems created by Wisconsin native Frank Lloyd Wright.
