ABOUT THE MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth was first established in 1892, making it the oldest museum in Texas and one of the oldest in the western United States. Founded by a group of forward-thinking women as the Fort Worth Public Library and Art Gallery in downtown Fort Worth, its mission evolved through the years. Consequently, the Museum has undergone several name changes and been housed in various buildings over the decades. Although the word “modern” only became part of the museum’s name in 1987, it has always been dedicated to the art of our time.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (the Modern) is seeking an inspiring and engaging leader to partner with the Board of Trustees in shaping a vision for and shepherding the organization into its next exciting chapter as an innovative 21st-century institution. With a genuine desire to embed themselves in the Fort Worth community, this individual will be a credible contemporary and modern administrator and “relationship architect,” adept at forging, burnishing, and sustaining local and regional partnerships while initiating and leveraging national and global networks. The next Director will cultivate major gifts from individual donors and steward significant past and current donors, while also identifying and connecting with new potential supporters.
The Director will foster and support a dedicated staff as well as an extensive group of internal and external constituents (volunteers, donors, artists, civic leaders, community partners, and others) to enhance the Modern’s impact and continue to broaden access to the museum’s collection and programs for its varied and diverse audiences. An authentic and accessible communicator, the Director will collaborate closely with the Board to develop a sustainable operational and financial model to continue its success and to ensure that the Modern will remain a vibrant social hub in the community, and significant pillar of Fort Worth’s arts ecosystem while raising the museum’s profile in the broader cultural world.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
While it is understood that no one candidate will bring every desired skill, characteristic, and experience, the following offers a reflection of the ideal candidate profile.
Top candidates will possess an energetic and entrepreneurial leadership style with a passion for art as well as strong managerial experience. The director will have a solid art history background, be creative in their approach to art museums, and be considered by their peers in the museum world to be a credible, well-regarded colleague. This individual will be able to shape and articulate strategic plans for the Modern and possess superb skills in leadership, fundraising, financial management, audience development, and as a decision-maker. The director must be willing and able to serve as the organization’s spokesperson to all constituencies, both external and internal, increasing awareness of the Modern by clearly articulating the museum’s ambitious goals and programs. The next leader will be a bold thinker with a resourceful bent and a sense of humor, willing and able to bring ideas to the Modern while being appreciative of the museum’s history and long-standing reputation in the community earned over several decades.
Education
An advanced degree in art or art history, museum education, arts management, business administration, or other relevant field or research area is preferred. Our client is interested in candidates who have equivalent professional experience and a track record of accomplishment in the cultural sector; deep professional and leadership experience in a comparable setting will also be seriously considered.
The next Director of the Modern will also demonstrate the following professional and personal qualities and characteristics:
Strategic and Visionary Leadership
Top candidates will possess at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or related educational/research organization, with at least five years at a senior managerial level. A collaborative leader with high EQ (emotional intelligence) who has been successful working with a range of constituents to define and refine long-term institutional goals, creating and executing new strategic plans. Genuine and broad intellectual interests and openness to new ideas, thinking, perspectives, and experiences, with the ability to serve as an effective thought leader in weaving these concepts directly into the work of an institution.
Passion for the Mission
Deep personal interest in modern and contemporary art with a nuanced appreciation for the evolving role of museums, and an interest in being an active voice as part of this conversation in the field at large. Knowledge of and commitment to art history and museums. A high level of enthusiasm for art and its role, purpose, and opportunities in today’s world, and a desire to engage the community with and through art.
An Effective Friend- and Fundraiser
A commitment to building bridges and partnerships, with experience in working with other community-wide cultural and educational institutions. Enthusiastic about the opportunity to partner with Board members, staff, and other key constituents. With personal and professional integrity of the highest degree, great comfort level operating in the public arena which includes valuing outward engagement, being at ease with people, and accepting the public demands made upon a leader with visibility in the community. Understanding of fundraising principles and strategy with experience building philanthropic relationships. Able to provide high-touch engagement with a range of constituents. Capable of cultivating major gifts from individual donors and stewarding significant past and current donors, while also identifying and connecting with new potential supporters.
Operational Excellence and Financial Management
Expertise in the principal functions of art museums and best practices in the field. Experience leading teams effectively (including “managing by influence”). Knowledge of and experience with the funding models and strategies of multifaceted cultural institutions, including private as well as public funding. A strong record of successful oversight and management of finance and operations, with the perspective to consider the impact of decisions and make sound recommendations.
Authentic Spokesperson and Adept Relationship Builder
An engaging, credible, and persuasive spokesperson to a range of external audiences locally, nationally, and beyond, underscoring the role of art and culture to these communities and across the field of art museums generally. A person drawn to the opportunity for dialogue, conversation, and communication with others. An active and sensitive listener with superb written and verbal communication skills. Facility connecting genuinely with audiences of varying levels of expertise, as well as the ability to plan and execute a successful marketing and communications strategy to elevate the profile of the Modern.
Culture Champion and Staff Leadership
Foster a positive working environment for the entire organization, enriching staff morale, and advancing an atmosphere of teamwork and mutual support among all staff. A person who encourages the engagement, growth, and achievement of others as an aspect of their leadership. Results-oriented with a collegial and collaborative working style. Experience and success supporting the values of accessibility and inclusion in an organization or community context.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this role is between $340,000 – $380,000. Compensation includes an excellent benefits package and is commensurate with experience.
CONTACT
Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Naree W.S. Viner and Stephen Milbauer of Koya Partners have been exclusively retained for this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here, or email Naree or Stephen directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Koya Partners is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
The Modern is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of all personal characteristics and backgrounds.