with exhibitions and programs that explore the aesthetic, critical, and social issues of our
time.Lawndale, one of the oldest non-profit arts spaces in Houston, seeks a forward-looking and
collaborative Executive Director to lead the organization as it embarks on its next era of artistic
experimentation. This is a unique opportunity for a committed and enthusiastic arts leader to
continue to develop this respected organization, meaningfully influence the trajectory of artists
working in Houston and the wider region, and engage communities throughout the Greater
Houston area.Reporting to the Board of Directors, the next Executive Director will continue Lawndale’s legacy
of providing critical support to artists and engaging the community, serving as a strong and
articulate advocate for the organization while enhancing the institutional infrastructure
necessary for the organization to more deeply and effectively embody its mission. The
successful candidate will be leader with a demonstrated track record of working effectively with
living artists across disciplines, producing exhibitions and programs, and fundraising. At the
same time, this person is either an experienced executive or is ready to embrace the
opportunity to step into the chief executive role, guiding the organization in enhancing existing
institutional frameworks, systems, and processes that empower and support the staff and
Board; advancing an ethos of clear and transparent communications across all stakeholders;
championing the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion; and working with the Board and staff
to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.As the artistic and administrative leader and chief fundraiser for Lawndale, the Executive
Director will work closely with the Board, Advisory Board, and staff to oversee programming
decisions, the annual budget, fundraising and development efforts, marketing and
communications, and strategic goal setting. As the organization’s lead spokesperson, the
Executive Director will continue to build Lawndale’s visibility and reputation as a significant
collaborative and contributor to the region and beyond. The Executive Director will have the
following priorities:Exhibitions and Programs: Hone and develop a signature voice for Lawndale that maintains
and expands Lawndale’s position locally, regionally, and nationally through the development of
exhibitions, the Artist Studio Program, public programs, publications, and special events.Fundraising: Sustain fundraising efforts to date, proactively working with the Board of Directors
to evaluate fundraising efforts, proactively initiate efforts to diversify and expand private support
for exhibitions, programming, and operations. Explore new revenue streams including earned,
sponsorship, and foundation support that strategically optimize existing and potential resources.Board Development: Cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing members of the Board,
and Advisory Board, clearly communicating expectations and opportunities and identifying ways
to engage the Board as ambassadors to raise awareness of Lawndale’s activities, making the
Board an aspirational goal among supporters of the arts.
Staff: Motivate, recognize, support, and supervise a small, committed staff, interns, and
volunteers, advancing morale and providing clear direction; delegate appropriate authority and
hold individuals accountable for specific and collective performance.
Finance: Oversee the organization’s financial operations; control its budget, ensuring that staff
and programming perform within the allocated financial resources, manage cash flows and
provide the Board with timely financial data for budgeting decisions and fundraising plans.
Connectivity, Community, Cultivation: Maintain relationships with Lawndale’s Advisory
Board, Programming Partners and continue to pursue collaborative programming and joint
ventures with other local and regional institutions, finding ways to deepen Lawndale’s
connection with a wide range of constituencies. Build and sustain relationships with a wide
range of individuals who feel ownership in Lawndale, including artists, gallerists, collectors, as
well as cultural, business, and civic leaders, and activate Lawndale’s extensive network of
exhibited artists by connecting them to the Lawndale community.
Qualifications:
• Minimum of 5-10 years direct experience and passion for working with living artists and
nurturing the artistic development of artists across disciplines.
• A self-starter undaunted by a fast-moving and lean organization, entrepreneurial in spirit
and collaborative in nature with the ability to coalesce others around specific objectives
and oversee their successful implementation.
• Demonstrated fundraiser who has the ability to build and steward relationships.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication (oral and written), and strategic
problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time-management and project management skills with the ability to handle
multiple projects simultaneously.
• Desire to work with and manage a small, committed team, to work cooperatively and
effectively across constituencies, and to remain flexible in a dynamic environment that
requires an “all hands on deck” approach by all staff.
• Financially literate with a demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and stay within the
overall budget.
• Adept at identifying and harnessing existing and new digital tools to support
organizations, exhibitions, programs, and artists.
• Demonstrated flexibility and ability to recognize that for the short term, any vision for
Lawndale’s future must be seen through the lens of Covid-19 and its demands, and for
the long term, a dedication to the tenets of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access are
essential to Lawndale’s future.
• Ability to work night and weekends.
• B.A. in art history or studio art (or related field); M.A. preferred.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience. Lawndale provides a monthly stipend for health and
dental insurance, in addition to a generous PTO plan.
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