Job: Director, Modern Art Oxford

Director, Modern Art Oxford
Deadline: 1 March, 2013

Modern Art Oxford is a leading organization in the UK for the presentation of contemporary art. The gallery has a strong national and international reputation established over 48 years of influential exhibition-making. Modern Art Oxford has presented the first UK solo exhibitions of work by artists including Joseph Beuys, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Marina Abramovic, Thomas Houseago and Jenny Saville. It introduced figures such as Rodchenko and Mayakovsky to UK audiences and continues to programme the work of both emerging and established practitioners from across the globe. Modern Art Oxford’s previous directors include Sir Nicholas Serota, David Elliott and the late Michael Stanley.

The Council of Management is seeking to appoint a creative and dynamic Director to lead the gallery during a key phase in its history. The successful candidate will be required to shape the future direction of the organization, and to ensure the continuation of its vital role in the development and understanding of contemporary art.

The new Director will be responsible to the Council of Management for the leadership and strategic direction of the organization. He or she will formulate the vision and ensure its successful implementation in consultation with the Council and with the support of the Senior Management Team. The Director will have overall responsibility for all aspects of the organization’s work, including artistic, financial, operational, commercial and fundraising activities.

Role Specification
Modern Art Oxford is seeking a creative and intellectually dynamic Director to lead the organization.
He or she will devise a critically rigorous and distinctive programme that will include a long term strategy for Modern Art Oxford beyond the 50th anniversary. This should demonstrate an awareness of current issues in contemporary art and display an inventiveness that extends discourse in imaginative and ground breaking ways.

Key Responsibilities
The Director is responsible for the leadership, vision and strategic direction of the organization.
The Director has overall responsibility for all aspects of the organization work including artistic direction, financial, operational, commercial and fundraising activities.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Demonstrable experience of leadership within a building based contemporary art organization of international standing.
An outstanding knowledge and critical understanding of modern and contemporary visual art.
An established reputation for developing and implementing artistic policy and translating this into a programme of high profile exhibitions and events.
Proven capacity of successful fundraising from a variety of sources including public, private and individuals.
Proven experience of financial and budget management.
A commitment to broadening public access to visual art and to strengthening links local and international communities.
Excellent communication and influencing skills.
Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage staff effectively.
Demonstrable experience of business planning and its implementation.
A comprehensive working knowledge of the international contemporary art sector. A broad international network of contacts encompassing both artists and institutions.
A commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. Preparedness to travel and to work outside core hours.
Evidence an awareness of innovative thinking in the current UK funding climate, of issues facing arts organizations in the UK and their relationship with Arts Council England. Knowledge of local government would be desirable.

To apply please send a full CV, including the names and contact details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer and email to hayley.raines@modernartoxford.org.uk. Please also enclose a statement, which sets out your interest in and suitability for the post. Please note the requirements of the person specification. An overview of Modern Art Oxford funding arrangements, management accounts and development plans will be provided to shortlisted candidates. Applications should be received by 5pm on March 1st, 2013. Interviews are likely to take place during week commencing March 18th, 2013.

Further information: http://www.modernartoxford.org.uk/jobs/