OPPORTUNITIES

Employment / Volunteers / Internships

POSITION TITLE
Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

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ORGANIZATION
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is an independent, privately funded museum in the City of Detroit whose mission is the exhibition and exploration of new ideas in the contemporary arts, as well as the dialogue it represents. Founded in 2006, the museum is a non-collecting institution dedicated to cultivating awareness of local, national and international artists by presenting and interpreting their work for universal audiences. Programming is multi-disciplinary and includes fine arts, time-based media, design, architecture, music, literature, theater, and dance. Publications include a bi-annual journal and catalogues. Collaborations with area institutions are part of the museum's stated mission.

LOCATION
MOCAD is located in the midst of the cultural center area of Detroit. Neighboring institutions include the Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University, College for Creative Studies, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theater, Music Hall, as well as many art galleries.

FACILITY
The 21,500 square foot former auto dealership has been renovated for museum purposes. The raw, cavernous majesty of the three main galleries has been preserved so as to maintain a sense of urban history specific to post-industrial Detroit. A 3,000 square foot center space contains a café, bookstore, and museum shop. This area is also used for lectures, performances, readings, music, and film.

THE POSITION
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is an ambitious, new multi-disciplinary institution in a city where the arts are critical and the audience strong, but relatively small. As the first permanent director, this position is a formative one, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on both MOCAD and the community. The director oversees all museum staff, makes all program decisions including the possibility of curating one exhibition per year, and is in charge of the financial and fundraising efforts. The Director reports to the Board and its Executive Committee. The current staff includes a chief administrator, assistant administrator, program and development coordinator, exhibit coordinator, bookstore manager and interns. In the months since its opening, MOCAD has had a great impact on metropolitan Detroit and achieved national and international attention. The founding Director will be in a unique position to shape the contemporary arts scene not only in Detroit but regionally.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serves as the key spokesperson for the Museum.
- Conceives of, recruits and contracts with guest curators for ongoing shows and exhibitions.
- Oversees exhibitions, programming, education and publications.
- Provides direction, formulates and executes strategic planning to ensure appropriate levels of growth and success.
- Provides leadership and direction for a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
- Plans, develops, directs and administers operational activities of the Museum.
- Oversees outreach activities directed at broadening the Museum's exposure and reputation.
- Actively seeks collaborations both within the local community as well as internationally; potential collaborators will include cultural, educational or other relevant organizations or institutions, where practical and desirable.
- Communicates MOCAD's vision, mission, values and programs internally and externally.
- Curates exhibitions when desired by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Passion for and working knowledge of the contemporary art world.
- Curatorial experience in contemporary art.
- Museum, gallery or relevant management and administrative experience required.
- Understanding and experience working with a Board of Directors.
- Demonstrable fundraising success in the non-profit world.
- Media, public relations and marketing experience preferred.
- Bachelor's Degree in Art History, Fine Art, or Museum Studies required, M.A. preferred; -or- Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Business Administration with a demonstrable understanding of contemporary art and non-profit businesses.
- Familiarity with one or more European languages helpful.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; desire/ability to work on a team.

DEADLINE
Please apply by March 31, 2008. The review of credentials will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.

CONTACT
Nominations and expressions of interest, including curriculum vitae, should be sent in confidence to Marsha Miro, Acting Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201, or email it to mmiro@mocadetroit.org.