Chief Operating Officer - Studio Museum in Harlem

REPORTS TO:

Ford Foundation Director and Chief Curator

New York, NY; in-person

Founded in 1968, by a diverse coalition of artists, community activists, philanthropists, and Harlem residents, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society. Following a highly successful, $300M+ capital campaign and through a public-private initiative in partnership with the City of New York, the museum’s landmark new building was opened to the public in November 2025.

The museum serves as a vibrant cultural anchor in Harlem, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives. The museum’s signature Artist-in-Residence program (widely regarded as one of the most important pipelines in contemporary art) continues to advance the work of the most influential Black artists working today. Artists such as David Hammons, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Julie Mehretu, and Simone Leigh passed through the museum’s residency program during formative stages in their careers.

Studio Museum in Harlem is seeking its next Chief Operating Officer (COO) at a pivotal moment in the museum’s growth and development. The COO will serve as the museum’s internal director and operational counterpart to Thelma Golden, the Ford Foundation Director and Chief Curator. The COO will oversee building operations, administrative systems, financial management, compliance, and institutional growth and development while maintaining alignment with the museum’s mission and values.

The COO will manage a cross-functional team responsible for Building Engineering, Facilities, Finance, HR, Legal/Compliance, Security, Technology, and Visitor Experience. The COO also serves as the Senior Leadership Team liaison to the Finance/Investment and Operations committees of the Board. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader with a place-based background to build systems, shape culture, and steward an institution of extraordinary cultural significance.

• Partner with the Ford Foundation Director and Chief Curator to translate her vision into executable plans and actions. Absorb and execute institutional priorities, while providing thought partnership and direct counsel on operational realities.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), alongside the Chief of Staff, Chief Program Officer, and Chief Advancement and External Affairs Officer.
• Coordinate closely with the Extended Senior Leadership Team (ESLT). Establish clear communication channels and cadences, as well as accountability for outcomes, to ensure smooth inter-departmental, museum-wide collaboration and effectiveness.
• Directly supervise a team of 8 and a total staff of 72.
• Lead a refresh of the museum’s strategic plan, in partnership with the Director and board. Integrate museum-wide priorities into a shared roadmap with clear goals, measures of success, and departmental and individual accountability.

• Oversee building engineering, facilities, security, technology, and visitor experience. Manage cross-departmental protocols and workflow to ensure a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for staff and visitors.
• Assess and address gaps in operational systems and resources.
• Ensure legal, regulatory, and institutional compliance across all operational areas.
• Serve as the SLT liaison with the Finance, Investment, and Operating committees of the board. Bring strategic financial fluency and business acumen to discussions of day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability.
• Make data-informed recommendations and decisions to balance the museum’s operating budget.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Director, board, SLT, and other internal stakeholders for regular review.

• Continue to build and maintain a safe, positive, and collaborative organizational culture.
• Strengthen internal collaboration and effective communication…