Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Butler Institute of American Art seeks a strategic thinker and visionary leader for their next Executive Director. The Executive Director will engage and inspire the Butler’s Board, staff, and communities through exhibits and programming grounded in the museum’s expansive collection, which spans the breadth and depth of American art. 

Succeeding the organization’s long-term leader, Dr. Louis Zona, who has been granted the role of Director Emeritus, the Executive Director will lead all areas of the art collections, exhibition content, programming, talent and staffing, education and community engagement, and outreach, as well as the general operational, administrative, and financial management of the organization. The Executive Director shall promote the development and execution of a strategic plan, diversify revenue sources, build collaborative partnerships, and develop and grow the museum’s visibility within and connections with its communities. 

To view the full position profile, please click on the image to download in PDF format.

Candidate Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile; we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.The next Executive Director will bring visionary leadership, financial acumen, exceptional communication, and deep interpersonal skills. They will focus on inspiring staff, engaging the community, building donor trust, and strategically steering the institution’s future while demonstrating unwavering integrity, adaptability, and passion for the museum’s mission.

The Executive Director needs to be a strategic thinker with a strong business sense for fundraising and operations, as well as an empathetic leader who champions diversity and fosters collaboration across a range of interest holders.

In essence, the ideal Executive Director is a rare blend of artist, CEO, diplomat, and community advocate, capable of inspiring people and managing complex operations towards a shared, meaningful future.

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

• Proven record of leadership in an art gallery or museum, demonstrating a high level of initiative and creative and flexible problem-solving skills.
• Deep knowledge of art and art museum practices and standards; familiarity with arts management challenges and opportunities.
• Ability to create and articulate a compelling future for the museum, driving innovation and relevance.
• Adept at developing long-term plans, anticipating trends, and positioning the museum for success.
• Adaptable and able to navigate crises, evolving landscapes, and setbacks with flexibility and a positive outlook.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, including the capacity to develop innovative strategies for programming, broadly inclusive audience-building, and income generation.

Financial and Operational Expertise

• Record of success in leading or delegating the financial and endowment management, fundraising, community relations, marketing, and Board development for a nonprofit museum or other relevant organization.
• An individual with the highest moral and ethical standards, especially concerning collections, finances, and public trust.
• Motivational manager and mentor who develops and leads high-performing teams, establishes clear goals and metrics for success, and encourages a culture of transparency, accountability, collegiality, and collaboration.

Fundraising and Relationship Building

• Proven ability to cultivate relationships and secure major gifts from donors and foundations.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator skilled in persuasive storytelling; able to connect with donors, inspire staff, engage the public, and liaise with officials.
• Community-driven connector who champions the museum as an inclusive and accessible resource and “third space.”
• Strong relationship builder with Board members, community leaders, artists, and cultural peers.
• Empathetic and emotionally intelligent; understanding and responding to the needs of staff, visitors, and community to build trust and a positive culture.

Passion for the Mission

• Genuine dedication to the museum's purpose and role in society.
• Enthusiasm for The Butler Institute of American Art’s mission and community.
• A deep understanding and respect for the art and cultural heritage the museum preserves.

In addition, top candidates will offer:   

• A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, high energy level, and strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration;
• An advanced degree in art history, museum management, or related field, and/or a minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience in an art museum, including work with a Board of Trustees.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting compensation for this position begins at $200,000 based on experience and ability to have broad impact early and can range to $225,000. The compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.