Executive Director

Mass Cultural Council•Boston, MA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Mass Cultural Council, an independent state agency, advances Massachusetts’ creative and cultural sector through grants, initiatives, technical assistance, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools. The Executive Director is the Commonwealth’s most senior state cultural official and provides strategic leadership for policies, programs, and initiatives that advance the Council’s priorities and strengthen the arts, humanities, and sciences throughout Massachusetts. Reporting to and collaborating with the Governing Council, the Executive Director serves as an influential external advocate and builds relationships with the Governor, Legislature, elected officials, and leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The role seeks to strengthen public and private investment and recognition of the cultural sector’s contribution to economic vitality and quality of life. The Executive Director advances equitable and inclusive participation across diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic communities, and fosters a respectful, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture. The Executive Director oversees staff, programs, and the transparent stewardship of public funds, including sound financial management and compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations. The position prepares and presents budgets and reports and partners with the Governing Council in its policy-making role.

Requirements

Strong background in and passion for the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Demonstrated understanding of the value of creativity to the social and economic well-being 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 vision and strategy to ensure Massachusetts residents have access to a thriving cultural sector that enhances quality of life and economic vitality.
Foster innovation and develop ideas, concepts, and strategies that amplify cultural vitality across neighborhoods and communities.
Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through organizational policies and practices.
Balance the vision for the state’s creative economy with awareness of policy, 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 collaborative partnerships with state agencies, municipal governments, funders, and regional and national organizations.
Listen to cultural sector leaders to 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 in operating grants and technical assistance programs and strategic initiatives supporting the Agency’s short- and long-term goals.
Partner with the Governing Council and provide timely, accurate information about finances, policies, indicators, trends, and relevant issues.
Promote an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and mutual respect.
Establish and uphold efficient procedures and effective controls for public 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 current on cultural sector issues and trends through participation in regional and national cultural service organizations.

Benefits

75% state-paid medical insurance premium
Extended Illness bank program
Dental and vision plans
Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
Low-cost basic and optional life insurance
State Employees’ Pension and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal leave package
Tuition benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
Professional development and continuing education opportunities
Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Alternative work schedules and hybrid work model