Artist Engagement Manager

The Artist Programs Manager, Artist Engagement, is a key member of the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s Artist Programs team. They spearhead the design, planning, management, execution, and evaluation of the Foundation’s artist development offerings, particularly in the context of the Joan Mitchell Fellowship—a five-year, unrestricted granting program awarded to fifteen artists annually. Alongside the funds, the Foundation provides dedicated resources and opportunities—from financial and legacy planning training, to building a peer learning community and organizing an in-person yearly convening.

The Artist Program Manager, Artist Engagement, is based out of the Foundation’s New York office, reports to the Director of Artist Programs, and works closely with other members of the Artist Programs team and larger Foundation, actively participating in strategic planning and collaborating in continuous learning and innovation. This position is invested in exploring, understanding, and supporting a lifetime of creativity for artists.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Duties that occupy a major portion of time and importance in the job)
Artist Engagement:
• Advances artist engagement, community building, and career support strategy, policies, and content in close collaboration with Artist Programs staff, and in alignment with the Foundation’s mission, values, and goals—placing special emphasis on access and equity
• Gathers information and assesses artists’ needs as well as trends and gaps in the field, remaining abreast of emergent and effective approaches
• Designs and implements skill-building programs for artists in the forms of training workshops, consultations, convenings, resource sharing and/or information exchanges. Current focus is on Financial literacy and planning, Legacy planning and management, and Artist self-advocacy
• Runs administration in area of responsibility:
o spearheads consultant research and identification, preparation, contracting, and payment
o coordinates schedules and calendars, puts together workplans, timelines, checklists, production schedules, and runs of show
o is responsible for recordkeeping, and database updating and reporting
o is the main point person/host of all artist engagement/development activities
o designs and manages evaluation tools, reporting systems, and continuous learning/improvement proposals
• Prepares budgetary recommendations and monitors expenditures in areas of responsibility; ensures alignment with financial guidelines and responsible use of program dollars
• Strengthens the professional networks of the Joan Mitchell Foundation’s artist community
• Works closely with the DDAP to develop relevant partnerships
• Researches, collects information, and manages content and production of program materials

General:
• Works with Communications team to document programs, develop and disseminate program information
• Represents the Foundation’s programs at convenings and events as assigned (Travels as needed)
• Guides the work of support staff in areas of responsibility
• Actively participates in departmental and Foundation-wide planning and initiatives
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by manager

The Joan Mitchell Foundation cultivates the study and appreciation of artist Joan Mitchell’s life and work, while fulfilling her wish to provide resources and opportunities for visual artists. As the chief steward of Joan Mitchell’s legacy, the Foundation manages a collection of Mitchell’s artwork and archives containing her personal papers, photographs, sketchbooks, and other historical materials. Fulfilling Mitchell’s mandate to “aid and assist” living artists, over the past 30 years the Foundation has evolved a range of initiatives that have directly supported more than 1,200 U.S.-based visual artists at varying stages of their careers. The Joan Mitchell Fellowship gives annual unrestricted awards of $60,000 directly to artists, with funds distributed over a five-year period alongside dedicated and flexible professional development. The New Orleans-based Joan Mitchell Center hosts residencies for national and local artists and presents public programs that encourage dialogue and exchange with the local community. The Creating a Living Legacy (CALL) initiative provides free and essential resources to help artists of all ages organize, document, and manage their artworks and careers. Together, these programs actively engage with working artists as they develop and expand their practices. Learn more at joanmitchellfoundation.org.

Hiring Salary Range
$90,000–$95,000

Requirements

• Minimum five years’ experience working in the visual arts in an administrative and/or project management capacity
• Experience working with artists required, in the field of artist support preferred
• Broad understanding of artists’ needs and processes
• Ability to network and make professional connections
• Experience with event and meeting coordination
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice work and grounding in anti-oppression training
• Experience managing a budget
• Proactive and solution driven, detail oriented
• Ability to work on various projects at any given time, in various stages of development, in a fast-paced environment, both independently and collaboratively with a team
• Outstanding communication (written and verbal, public speaking)
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• High level of personal and professional integrity, trustworthiness with a strong work ethic
• Flexible schedule (can work evenings and/or weekends, if necessary)
• Familiarity with strategic planning