Visual Arts Manager

ABOUT THE UMBRELLA

Since its founding in 1983, The Umbrella has served as a dynamic community arts center in the heart of Concord. This one-of-a-kind arts center brings an incredible array of programs under one roof. The Umbrella houses 58 resident artist studios, offers 250 arts education courses attracting 1600 children and adults annually, and presents 5 critically acclaimed theater productions each season. In addition, the Arts and Environment program combines creative self-expression focused on nature with environmental awareness and an Arts Gallery features exhibitions, artist’s talks, and lectures. A relatively new concert series has recently featured Lyle Lovett, Sara Bareilles, Bruce Hornsby, Jewel, and The Fray among others. For additional information, visit our website at www.theumbrellaarts.org
 

The Umbrella lives its values of creativity, collaboration, and community every day, whether in the arts classrooms or in the dance studio, backstage at the theater or on the front lawn for Earth Day. Administrators and artists work side by side in a creative, energizing, and casual environment. At The Umbrella, everyone is inspired to lead a creative life.
 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Umbrella is looking for a Visual Arts Manager (VAM) who can provide leadership for a full range of activities including Open Studios, Gallery Exhibitions, Art Talks, and administration of over 50 Studio Artists. The VAM will have the opportunity to bring innovative approaches to continue the expansion of The Umbrella’s Visual Arts programs.
 

The Umbrella’s ability to provide compelling experiences in the arts has expanded beyond the capacity of the current spaces. We will soon begin construction on a major project to renovate the building and expand our space. This creates a unique opportunity for the right candidate to participate in the process and build our Visual Arts program.
 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Visual Arts Manager is responsible for the management, administration, and implementation of the visual arts programming at The Umbrella.
 

The VAM reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the rest of the staff and the board. This is a full-time position
 

VISUAL ARTS MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES

Artist Communication

  • Build relationships and facilitate regular communication with the resident artists through monthly meetings, casual conversations, and email distribution.

Studio Arts Programming

  • Oversee the screening committee and the associated screening process

  • Maintain waitlist and interested artist list

  • Facilitate and grow the Artist-in-Residence program

Gallery Arts Programming

  • Oversee the gallery committee

  • Curate exhibitions for a strong annual gallery season

  • Lead the hanging and labeling of exhibitions.

  • Develop robust gallery programming to support gallery exhibitions

Events

  • Manage the annual Open Studios event

  • Lead jury for the annual Winter Market event

  • Manage annual Winter Market event

Program Overview

  • Manage and review Studio Arts and Gallery Arts budget

  • Work with Director of Marketing to develop strategic marketing plan for the Studio Arts & Gallery Arts programs

Specifically During Construction:

  • Coordinates construction impact on artists with the Construction Project Manager and the Move Coordinator.
     

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

  • Knowledge, vision, and implementation for visual arts programming.

  • Ability to negotiate difficult interpersonal situations with resident artists

  • Comfort with budgeting, and basic finances.

  • Ability to work with autonomy and initiative.

  • Effective project management skills and ability to multi-task

  • Knowledge of gallery hanging systems and ability to install shows
     

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, arts management, community arts, or related field and 3-5 years of experience in similar non-profit arts organizations or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience in gallery and studio settings.


Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The Umbrella offers a generous benefit package.

The Umbrella is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate.

To apply, please email a single PDF with cover letter and resume to Jerry Wedge, Executive Director at jerry@theumbrellaarts.org