Director of Cultural Arts and Services

The City of Wichita is seeking an innovative Arts and Cultural Services Director to guide the City’s thriving cultural arts initiatives; strengthen partnerships among artists, arts nonprofits, business leaders and government; and strongly position Wichita as a cultural center of regional and national importance.

The Cultural Arts Director provides leadership, advocacy, and strategic direction for the Division. The Division manages venues such as Botanica, the Mid-America All-Indian Museum and Old Cowtown Museum, and encompasses privately managed facilities such as Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. The Division also supports the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, Museum of World Treasures, Kansas Aviation Museum, Wichita Art Museum and the Arts Council through public funding processes. In addition to facility management and programming, the Director oversees the strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and overall operations of the Cultural Arts Division.

In addition to facility management and programming, the Director oversees the strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, and overall operations of the Arts and Cultural Services Division.

The Director acts as the steward of city-owned arts facilities and infrastructure; encourages investment in Wichita arts organizations, art and artists; supports programming at city-owned and operated cultural centers; and builds audience for culturally important events, exhibitions, performances and festivals. The Director is simultaneously the chief strategist, advocate and tactical leader in advancing the cultural life of Wichita.  In pursuit of this objective, the Director will work closely with arts organizations, arts funders, artists, advocates, educators, business leaders, community leaders, and city officials.

While the Division’s work is on a local level, its strategic and long-range planning should draw from information gathered from the regional and national arts and culture landscape.  The City is seeking an innovative thinker who can develop additional funding opportunities, create opportunities for new and established artists and continue to develop a strong Arts culture in Wichita.

A Master’s degree in a discipline closely-related to the duties of the position is preferred, bachelor’s degree is required.  Four (4) years’ experience in an arts institution, business, foundation or government organization that supports and develops arts and cultural initiatives, programs, policy or investments is required.  Specific arts or arts management experience preferred with exposure to a diversity of programs and arts cutting across societal divisions.  Strong understanding of government funding for the Arts, especially at local government level is required.  Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and working collaboratively with multiple groups and organizations to enhance the Arts is required.  Excellent communications skills needed to continue to support the Arts and provide a voice for multiple stakeholders; specific experience in marketing and utilizing social media a plus.  Specific experience in the planning, design, and management of public spaces to capitalize on local community assets is highly desired.  Demonstrated history in collaborative projects is also required.  Leading, supervising and motivating a team is also required.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Application Deadline:   August 22, 2021

For position details and to apply online go to:  https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita