Executive Director

Overview

Executive Director

The Butler Institute of American Art seeks a strategic thinker and visionary leader for their next Executive Director. The Executive Director will engage and inspire the Butler’s Board, staff, and communities through exhibits and programming grounded in the museum’s expansive collection, which spans the breadth and depth of American art. The role oversees the following direct reports:

• Curator of Collections
• Curator(s) of Exhibitions
• Administrative or Operations Manager
• Director of Business Office, Human Resources (HR), & Finances
• Director of Education
• Security & Building Superintendent
• Director of Development

Succeeding the organization’s long-term leader, Dr. Louis Zona, who has been granted the role of Director Emeritus, the Executive Director will lead all areas of the art collections, exhibition content, programming, talent and staffing, education and community engagement, and outreach, as well as the general operational, administrative, and financial management of the organization. The Executive Director shall promote the development and execution of a strategic plan, diversify revenue sources, build collaborative partnerships, and develop and grow the museum’s visibility within and connections with its communities.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and has full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of The Butler Institute of American Art.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the chief ambassador, champion, and spokesperson for the museum.
• Understand American art and its history and influences, its current state, and future trends.
• Initiate, implement, and execute a strategic plan, resulting in renewed vision and priorities for The Butler Institute of American Art.
• Oversee, understand, and steward the collection of the art, including its security and integrity.
• Oversee and understand the security and safety of the facility of the museum.
• Honor the history of the museum while charting a compelling path forward.
• Develop, maintain, and advance full exhibitions and education programs that support the mission of the museum and include the exhibition of artists from the full scope of American experience; ensure accessibility for all exhibitions and education programs.
• Develop, manage, and grow the annual operating budget to effectively support the collections, exhibits, education programs, and operations in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Diversify sources of revenue, contributions, and cash reserves, and evaluate the necessary funds to support programs and operations.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees in its leadership and governance of the Butler; help to replenish and expand the Board; and maintain strong working relationships with Trustees.
• Provide direction, leadership, and opportunities for continuous improvement to the staff of the Butler Institute of American Art in support of the mission, vision, and goals; ensure a supportive work environment that attracts, motivates, and retains an accomplished and energetic staff.
• Lead staff and Board in fundraising and maintaining strong relationships with the funding community.

Develop and steward strong relationships with the communities of the region; maintain a high degree of visibility in the community.

Develop and maintain strong relations with strategic partners, other arts organizations, public agencies, and the media.

Develop marketing and public relations strategies to achieve earned income and community participation goals, to enhance the museum’s visibility and reputation, and to ensure steady growth.

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, is America s first museum dedicated solely to American art, founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr. The Butler offers free admission to its extensive collection spanning three centuries, including works from American masters alongside contemporary pieces and folk art, serving as a cultural gem preserving and promoting American artistic heritage.

The Butler s permanent collection narrates the American experience, encompassing over 22,000 works beginning with 18th-century…