The Armory Center for the Arts based in Pasadena, California, seeks an exceptional and experienced Vice President of Programs to lead the organization’s programs team with a specific emphasis on leading our work in schools and will play a critical role within the institution’s leadership team as the organization enters its next phase of growth and further positions itself for long-term success. 

This executive-level position reports to the President/Executive Director and will oversee, and implement areas of programmatic integration and overlap among, the onsite and offsite community-based arts education programs, the exhibitions program, and the visitors services team. The Vice President of Programs is also responsible for the planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating all K-12 school programs; and for developing and providing training opportunities to all of the Armory’s Teaching Artist faculty and fellows.

Organizational Overview 

The Armory Center for the Arts builds on the power of art to transform lives and communities through creating, teaching, and presenting the arts. Deeply committed to cultural equity and community empowerment, the Armory presents contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and educational experiences at its main facility in Pasadena and offsite throughout the City of Pasadena and Greater Los Angeles. For more information on the Armory, visit armoryarts.org/about.

Duties & Responsibilities

Overall Programs 

• Provide strategic leadership for the Programs team (9 staff members with 4 direct reports) including budgeting, assessing the department, defining short- and long-term goals, objectives, methods, quantifiable outcomes, and timelines that will achieve budgeted goals and ensure accountability. 
• Responsible for hiring, training, inspiring, and evaluating program staff and teaching artists.
• Continue modifications of existing program models and partnerships and create new evidence-based programs serving target audiences with the critical input from Program Directors. A key aim is the meaningful overlap of the Armory’s three key programming areas to promote cultural equity.
• Serve as one of the spokespersons for Armory programs; deliver presentations at program events and conferences; and attend relevant partnership meetings to connect with key stakeholders.
• Oversee the Visitor Services team of up to four staff members to provide a welcoming, responsive environment within the building.
• Collaborate with the External Affairs Team to identify funding needs and marketing & communications strategies to further the organization’s efforts to reach and engage new diverse audiences.

Schools Program

• Provide leadership in the development and delivery of all instructional programs including K-12 classrooms and field trips and serve as an arts curriculum development specialist.
• Supervise the day-to-day functioning of the K-12 Schools team of approximately 12 teaching artists and relationships with principals, administrators, and classroom teachers.
• Responsible for government and K-12 partner contract compliance and deliverables.

Qualifications

The Armory is seeking an exceptional leader who will contribute to the overall strength and future impact of the institution. Applicants should have at the minimum an undergraduate degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a managerial role. The ideal candidate will have: 

• Background in community-based arts education and/or contemporary art management.
• Demonstrated leadership in cultural equity and inclusion and a passion for the Armory’s mission and commitment to contemporary art and community-based arts education.
• Demonstrated delivery of K-12 standards-based, visual arts education and curriculum development experience.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets and establishing clear direction, operating against objectives, and meeting deadlines. 
• Experience in meeting facilitation, community relations.
• Experience leading public presentations, trainings, and speaking engagements.
• Ability and desire to use data to drive decisions and manage work plans.
• Ability to manage competing demands, determine priorities, and be agile and responsive to community needs.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills – ability to build consensus across internal and external constituents and work successfully and collaboratively with diverse people in various communities, including institutional and governmental organizations. 
• Demonstrated ability to select, train, motivate, and inspire staff, while holding them accountable for their performance. 
• Strategic thinker who has superior organization and attention to detail and the ability to creatively problem solve.
• Energetic and enthusiastic leader, comfortable with both the creative elements and technical components of the role, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Working mastery of computer programs including G (Google) Suite, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree in related fields or a Master’s in Fine Arts preferred.
• Availability to periodically work evening hours or weekend days.

Compensation/Benefits

The Armory offers a health plan, vacation package, and flexible spending plan. Salary based on experience and track record of results. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to careers@armoryarts.org. In the subject line of the email, please write “Vice President of Programs.” No phone calls, please. Applications are due by Friday, September 17, 2021.

An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of the Armory Center for the Arts to provide all persons with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran, or marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.