MassCareers Basic Template

Commonwealth of Massachusetts•Boston, MA

3d•$200,000 - $245,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Mass Cultural Council seeks an Executive Director to serve as the Commonwealth’s most senior state cultural official and lead the agency’s work advancing the arts, humanities, and sciences. Reporting to and collaborating with the Governing Council, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership in developing and implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that support a vibrant, resilient, and financially sustainable cultural sector throughout Massachusetts. The role represents the agency externally, building relationships with the Governor, Legislature, elected officials, and leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to strengthen investment and recognition of the cultural sector’s contributions to the Commonwealth’s economy and quality of life. The Executive Director will advance equitable and inclusive participation in the cultural sector and ensure the agency’s programs and services reach diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographic communities. Internally, the role fosters a respectful, inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture. The Executive Director oversees agency staff and grant and technical assistance programs, partners with the Governing Council on policy and strategic priorities, and ensures transparent stewardship and sound financial management of public funds in accordance with applicable guidelines and regulations. Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency that supports artists, cultural organizations, schools, and other nonprofits through grants, initiatives, technical assistance, and advocacy. Its work includes statewide and cross-sector partnerships involving areas such as health, education, housing, transportation, climate, agriculture, accessibility, workforce, and economic development.

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

Set the vision and strategy for Mass Cultural Council to expand access to a thriving cultural sector that enhances Massachusetts’ quality of life and economic vitality.
Foster agency-wide innovation and develop ideas, concepts, and strategies that strengthen cultural vitality across the state.
Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through organizational policies and practices.
Balance the agency’s strategic vision with local, state, and federal policy and political and environmental conditions affecting the region and cultural sector.
Build relationships with public officials and civic and business leaders to sustain public investment in the cultural sector.
Develop and maintain partnerships with state agencies, municipalities, funders, and regional and national organizations.
Listen to cultural sector leaders to understand the needs and resources of organizations and individual artists, humanists, and scientists.
Communicate with cultural leaders statewide and conduct site visits to partner and grantee organizations when appropriate.
Lead staff and oversee grant, technical assistance, and strategic programs in support of agency goals.
Partner with the Governing Council in its policymaking role and provide timely, accurate information on agency finances, policies, indicators, trends, and relevant issues.
Promote a workplace culture of collaboration, accountability, professional development, and mutual respect.
Establish effective procedures and controls for expenditure of public funds 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.