Executive Director

Mass Cultural Council•Boston, MA

5d•$200,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Mass Cultural Council, an independent state agency, seeks an Executive Director to serve as the Commonwealth’s most senior state cultural official. Reporting to and collaborating with the Governing Council, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership for policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the Council’s priorities and champion a vibrant, resilient, and financially sustainable cultural sector throughout Massachusetts. The Executive Director serves as an influential advocate for the arts, humanities, and sciences and builds relationships with the Governor, Legislature, elected officials, and leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The role uses these relationships to strengthen public and private investment and increase recognition of the cultural sector’s contributions to economic vitality and quality of life. The Executive Director advances equitable and inclusive participation across diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic communities, while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture. The position is responsible for transparent stewardship of public funds, sound financial management, and oversight of the distribution of Mass Cultural Council funds in compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations. The Executive Director leads staff and Agency operations, oversees grants and technical assistance programs and strategic initiatives, and prepares and presents budgets and reports to the Governing Council, Governor’s Office, and Legislature as required.

Requirements

Strong background in and passion for the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Demonstrated understanding of the value of creativity for the social and economic wellbeing of people and communities.
At least 10 years of progressive senior management experience in a government agency, nonprofit organization, foundation, university, or creative industry setting.
Knowledge of cultural policy development and implementation at the local, state, or federal level.
Strong understanding of public policy and legislative priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
Demonstrated experience advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.

Responsibilities

Provide the vision and strategy for the Mass Cultural Council to support a thriving cultural sector that enhances Massachusetts’ quality of life and economic vitality.
Foster innovation and develop ideas, concepts, and strategies that amplify cultural vitality in neighborhoods and communities across the state.
Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through organizational policies and practices.
Balance a vision for the creative economy with an understanding of local, state, and federal policy and political and environmental factors affecting the region and cultural sector.
Build relationships with public officials and civic and business leaders to support continued public investment in the cultural sector.
Establish and maintain partnerships with state agencies, municipal governments, funders, and regional and national organizations.
Listen to cultural sector leaders and understand the needs and resources of arts, humanities, and science organizations and individual practitioners.
Visit and communicate with cultural leaders across Massachusetts, including conducting site visits to partner and grantee organizations when appropriate.
Lead staff and Agency operations for grants, technical assistance programs, and strategic initiatives.
Partner with the Governing Council in its policy-making role and provide timely, accurate information on finances, policies, indicators, trends, and relevant issues.
Promote an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and mutual respect.
Establish and maintain efficient procedures and effective controls for expenditures in accordance with the adopted budget.
Prepare, steward, and present the annual budget and periodic reports to the Governing Council, Governor’s Office, and Legislature as required.
Stay informed about cultural sector issues and trends through participation in regional and national cultural service organizations.