Full Job Description
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
POSITION SUMMARY
As the Commonwealth's most senior state cultural official, the Executive Director will serve as an influential external advocate for the arts, humanities, and sciences, providing strategic leadership in the development and implementation of innovative policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the priorities of the Mass Cultural Council. Reporting to and collaborating with the Governing Council, the Executive Director will champion a vibrant, resilient and financially sustainable cultural sector throughout Massachusetts, building strong relationships with the Governor, Legislature, other elected officials, and leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Executive director will leverage these relationships to strengthen public and private investment and to expand recognition of the cultural sector as an essential contributor to the Commonwealth's economic vitality and quality of life.
The Executive Director will provide vision and a collaborative approach to advancing equitable and inclusive opportunities for participation in the cultural sector, ensuring that the Agency's programs and services have an impact in diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic communities throughout the Commonwealth. Within the organization, the Executive Director will foster a respectful, inclusive and high-performing organizational culture that values staff expertise, encourages collaboration and translates innovative ideas into meaningful results.
The Executive Director will be responsible for the transparent stewardship of public funds, sound financial management, and overseeing the distribution of Mass Cultural Council funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $200,000 to $245,000. As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which should be considered towards overall compensation, including:
• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Extended Illness bank program
• Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation
457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal leave
package
• Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Alternative Work Schedules and Hybrid Work Model
TO EXPRESS INTEREST
Please submit your application via Mass Cultural Council's website . To request an accommodation please reach out to people.operations@mass.gov or call 617.858.2724.
Qualifications
A strong background in and passion for the arts, humanities, and science are required, as well as a demonstrated understanding of the value of creativity for the social and economic wellbeing of people and communities. A minimum of 10 years of progressive senior management experience in a government agency, nonprofit organization, foundation, university, or creative industry setting is necessary. Qualified candidates will be knowledgeable of cultural policy development and implementation at the local, state, or federal level, possessing a keen understanding of public policy and legislative priorities. Successful candidates will have excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills with demonstrated experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $200,000 to $245,000. As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which should be considered towards overall compensation, including:
• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Extended Illness bank program
• Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation
457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal leave
package
• Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Alternative Work Schedules and Hybrid Work Model
Please submit your application via Mass Cultural Council's website . To request an accommodation please reach out to people.operations@mass.gov or call 617.858.2724.
Qualifications:
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision and Strategic Leadership
Provide the vision and strategy for the Mass Cultural Council to ensure that Massachusetts citizens have access to a thriving cultural sector that enhances the state's quality of life and economic vibrancy.
Foster a culture of innovation throughout the Agency to realize new ideas, concepts, and strategies that amplify the cultural vitality of neighborhoods and communities across the state.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access throughout the organization with policies and practices that foster transformative change.
Balance an exciting vision for the state's creative economy with a realistic understanding of local, state, and federal policy and the political and environmental factors impacting the region and the cultural sector.
External Relations and Partnerships
Build and strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal public officials and with civic and business leaders to ensure continued public investment in the cultural sector through the Agency's programs and services.
Identify, establish, and maintain cooperative and collaborative partnerships with state agencies, municipal governments, local and national funders, and regional and national organizations, such as New England Foundation for the Arts, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, and National Endowment for the Arts.
Actively listen to cultural sector leaders to develop a keen understanding of the needs and resources of the state's cultural assets, including arts, humanities, and science organizations and individual artists, humanists, and scientists.
Frequently visit and communicate with cultural leaders across the state, conducting site visits to partner and grantee organizations when appropriate.
Organizational Excellence and Fiscal Responsibility
Lea
