Director of Artist Programs, Learning & Engagement

Full time / $100,000 annually / Brooklyn Arts Council / Brooklyn, NY

Benefits: You will be offered comprehensive benefits including employer contribution to health, dental and vision insurance; pre-tax flexible savings accounts for commuter, medical and dependent care; paid vacation and personal time off; Summer Fridays and a professional development stipend.

Location: Hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 3 scheduled days a week in their office space in DUMBO, with additional in person requirements as required.

About Brooklyn Arts Council:

Celebrating more than 50 years of service, historically Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) is the borough’s leading nonprofit organization supporting artists and cultural groups in all disciplines. BAC is committed to serving the arts ecosystem through grants, professional development, cultural heritage programming, and arts education provided via distance learning. By creating and supporting cultural events and platforms for Brooklynites, BAC provides forums for critical thinking and self-expression, enriches Brooklyn’s cultural landscape, and generates experiences that expand horizons.

BAC’s Values:

Brooklyn Arts Council strives to a foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where their employees and volunteers – whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or ability – feel valued and respected.

They are committed to being a nondiscriminatory organization that provides equal opportunity for employment and advancement in their programs and at their worksites. They respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard. They are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the arts and culture community in Brooklyn, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Brooklyn Arts Council prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Position Overview:

Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) seeks a visionary and dynamic Director of Artistic Programs, Learning & Engagement to lead their efforts in nurturing Brooklyn’s rich creative community through innovative public programming, educational initiatives, and engagement strategies. This role is pivotal in driving BAC’s mission forward, ensuring their programs not only support but also catalyze the growth of Brooklyn’s diverse arts and culture landscape. The Director will strategically oversee the development and execution of artistic programs, foster learning opportunities and deepen community engagement.

A key leadership position, this role reports to the Executive Director and directly supervises the Programs & Cultural Heritage Manager and Arts in Education Manager.

Responsibilities:

Program Development and Strategy

Develop and implement strategic programming that aligns with BAC’s mission, enhances their role in Brooklyn’s creative ecosystem, and addresses the needs and interests of their diverse audiences and communities. Oversee a diverse range of initiatives, including the Brooklyn Innovation Institute, Brooklyn Innovation Portal, Thrive Fest, Social Innovation Fellowship, and Arts in Education / Creative Learning programs; promote cross-functional collaboration to ensure programs are innovative, of high quality, and dynamically delivered.

Learning and Educational Initiatives

Lead the evolution of BAC’s educational and creative learning programming, including professional development for artists and creatives, and public educational initiatives. This includes the creation of a new standards-based curricula, aligned with educational standards and innovative approaches to content delivery.

Brooklyn Innovation Portal Oversight

Manage and enhance the Brooklyn Innovation Portal, ensuring it serves as a vibrant hub for creative collaboration and technological engagement, aligned with BAC’s overall strategic goals.

Community Engagement and Social Impact

Develop and deepen equitable partnerships and collaborations with local schools, community organizations, cultural institutions, and other stakeholders. Drive social justice initiatives and ensure BAC’s programs are accessible and inclusive, fostering a positive social impact.

Evaluation and Impact Measurement

Develop and implement tools to assess the impact of BAC’s public programs, learning initiatives, and engagement strategies. Use insights to inform strategic decisions, program improvements, and to demonstrate value to stakeholders and funders.

Team Management and Development

Cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team. Lead, mentor, and support staff in achieving their full potential, ensuring they are equipped to meet the evolving demands of their roles and the broader organizational goals.

Financial Oversight and Sustainability

Oversee the budget for artistic programs, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Work closely with the finance team and senior leadership to allocate resources effectively and identify opportunities for growth and development.

Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising Support

Work collaboratively with the fundraising team to secure resources, develop funding proposals, and report on program outcomes. Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders to support BAC’s strategic goals.

Leadership and Strategic Development

Contribute to the leadership of the organization and support the Executive Director in refining and executing the organization’s strategic vision. Actively participate in meetings with the Board of Directors, including staffing a new Programs Committee.

Requirements

Desired Skills & Expertise

· At least ten years of relevant experience in the arts, culture, or education sectors, with a significant focus on program development and management.
· Demonstrated success in leading innovative and impactful programs within a cultural institution, nonprofit organization, or similar.
· Demonstrated ability to lead and implement strategic plans, with a track record of achieving programmatic excellence and innovation.
· Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, manage, and develop a diverse team.
· Excellent financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring, and reporting.
· Deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice principles, with experience incorporating these values into programmatic and organizational practices.
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including artists, educators, community leaders, and funders.
· Experience with curriculum development and educational programming, particularly in partnership with educational institutions like the New York City Department of Education
· Entrepreneurial mindset, with an ability to identify and pursue new opportunities for program growth and impact.
· A strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture, set priorities, and execute plans effectively.