Executive Director

Portland, OR, United States

Jordan Schnitzer and his family foundation, The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, have assembled one of the largest private collections of paintings, prints, sculptures, and multiples in the United States.

We are looking for an art executive who can:

Work with Jordan Schnitzer on the long-term planning of the art collection and exhibition program.

Manage 11 full time staff who oversee acquisitions, exhibition brochures, catalogue raisonné, and the exhibition program which generally has eight exhibitions which travel to at least 20 museums across the country annually.

Help develop and foster relationships with art galleries, art museums, publishers, and artists.

The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation has created a significant collection of artwork by post WWII American artists. The collection now exceeds 21,000 objects including 500 works of glass, 5,000 paintings and sculptures, 15,000 prints and multiples, and nearly 1,000 traditional Native American objects.

For the last 30 years, the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation has organized over 160 exhibitions at 120 museums across the United States at no cost to these institutions. We presently have a staff of 11 that manage this program and are now looking for an individual to be the Executive Director overseeing the art collection and exhibition program. This candidate ideally would have been the Director of a contemporary art museum with demonstrated experience working with curators and other art administrative, educational, and operational staff to achieve institutional goals. The position will report directly to Jordan Schnitzer, the President of Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation and owner of the Jordan Schnitzer collections.

Because we believe in the importance of art on college campuses, we have funded 3 museums at Washington State University, Portland State University, and the University of Oregon. The Foundation is also negotiating for several other university museums. While the foundation has no direct operating role in those museums, we do have exhibitions on a yearly basis at all 3 of those. It is an expectation that the foundation will fund several more university-based art museums as well as build and operate its own museum in the coming years.

The collection grows by approximately 1,000 art works per year and is protected in long term estate plans to continue operating in perpetuity.

Key characteristics of an applicant would be someone that loves art and exhibitions. Someone who is excited about working for a foundation who takes great joy in helping facilitate the amazing artists in the collection so that audiences throughout the country can experience those artists work on all the issues artists speak to us about!

Exhibitions and Collections

Oversees the effective management and daily operations of The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation (Director of Collections, Director of Exhibitions, Exhibition Registrar, Publication Coordinator, Collection Registrars, and Assistant Art Registrar), as well as supervising interns, and student assistants. Helps define priorities of work and communicates these parameters to all staff involved. Prepares and administers the annual budget and any capital budget to ensure that appropriate systems, procedures, and financial controls are in place Ensures exhibitions are properly installed and that they align with foundation values. Manages community outreach activities, oversees lecture series and events, and promotes name recognition of The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation. Leads museum acquisition processes and conservation efforts.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion: The Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation embraces diversity and inclusion. JSFF actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and five to 10 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

MA degree or equivalent experience in related field.

10 years in art museum or similar organization.

Self-directed, motivated, and team oriented.

Ability to work with the Advisory Council, donors, collectors, the public, and co-workers professionally, empathetically, and diplomatically.

Knowledge of current issues within the museum profession.

Proven record of leadership and ability to work productively with people across a broad spectrum, including a demonstrated commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Knowledge of selection, conservation, and exhibition of works of art, and of the legal regulations governing collecting.

Understanding of budgeting principles and strategies.

Excellent written and oral communication skills; effective and at-ease public speaker. Organizational ability with strong leadership, management, and supervisory skills.

Ability to assess priorities and work well under pressure; excellent time management, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with a close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Exceptional interpersonal skills, including relationship-building, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated capacity for creative and critical project strategy and development and capacity for organizing programs and long-term initiatives.

Unwavering commitment to fostering an anti-racist, equitable work environment supportive of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life paths.

Demonstrated skill in managing people, budgets, and other resources effectively and building diverse teams.

Background in art history and/or art education and studio art.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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