Current Opportunities

The Walker Art Center is celebrated nationally and internationally as an art center known for innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of visual, performing, and media arts.  We sit at the edge of downtown Minneapolis, joined to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and nestled between a vibrant urban core and historic residential neighborhoods. Our purpose is to create memorable events and experiences that bring audiences, artists, and ideas together to encourage inspiration and explore the questions that shape our diverse, global, and rapidly changing world.

We are seeking a Chief of Operations and Business Development, reporting to the Executive Director, as a critical member of our executive leadership team with oversight of the senior management team.   This crucial position guarantees the smooth operations of this large, complex institution, with approximately 145 staff members, an annual budget that exceeds $22 million, and an average annual attendance of over 500,000 visitors.  They support the Executive Director in efforts that ensure long-term financial stability, expands creative capacity, safeguards staff dedication, and enhances overall institutional effectiveness.  This individual will also take the lead in a broad range of activities related to institutional planning and resource management; providing the leadership and management necessary to ensure the institution has the proper operational discipline, fiscal controls, and people systems in place.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities will include:

Leading, managing, engaging, and motivating six direct reports along with diverse cross-institutional teams; collaborating effectively across multiple stakeholders.

Fostering and leading an internal culture that maintains fiscal, operational, and organizational integrity as part of a larger organization with a shared vision and common direction and goals.

Ensuring that the necessary organizational structure, policies, systems controls, and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed for effectiveness; Overseeing management of institutional master schedule to ensure operating efficiency, resources, and staff capacities are aligned.

Developing comprehensive, thoughtful, successful strategies to expand Walker’s earned revenue opportunities, including the establishment of metrics, working models, and iterations where necessary; engaging with programming staff to identify opportunities to maximize earned income from various Walker program and ancillary activities, as well as support the generation and prototyping of new revenue streams.

Driving long-term and annual planning processes for the institution by taking the lead in convening and coordinating a range of institutional planning initiatives, working closely with other senior managers and staff to successfully plan, communicate and implement.

Overseeing Walker’s financial and budget activities to support operations, maximize investments and revenue opportunities, and increase efficiencies; aligning marketing, sales, and visitor services functions to revenue strategy across all Walker venues.

Ensuring that Walker’s technological infrastructure—computer networks, voice over protocol telephone service, desktop computing and communications systems—supports our long-range staff and program requirements and strategic vision.

Leading monthly manager meetings, quarterly All Staff meetings, open forums, and ad hoc meetings to ensure transparent and dependable communications across the institution.

Maintaining relationships with the City of Minneapolis Parking and Transportation Services to ensure successful operations, maintenance and security of the City of Minneapolis parking ramp attached to the Walker.

Maintaining relationships with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff and contractors to ensure successful maintenance and security of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

As needed, assisting and guiding Board Committees and Task Forces in their ongoing efforts to support Walker’s long-range strategic vision

Desired Experience and Qualifications:

8+ years executive leadership experience, preferably in a progressive, non-profit and/or arts organization; with demonstrated skills in leadership, management, financial planning and budgeting, human relations and effective communication.

 Expert organizational and project management skills with a proven ability to organize and prioritize work, projects and meet deadlines;  Experience managing multiple, complex projects through periods of growth and change;

Technically savvy with established Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills

Exemplary and communications skills to effectively work with Walker’s diverse internal and external constituencies; ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures. 

Financial acumen with executive level knowledge of legal requirements and contractual concepts required;

Ability to be a persuasive spokesperson for the Walker on issues confronting a 21st century contemporary, multidisciplinary arts center.

Must be strategic with a focus on details.

Walker Work Environment:

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary (dependent on experience) and an outstanding benefits package including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 403(b) with Walker contributions equal to 7% of your earnings, flexible spending accounts, and generous paid leave — plus 11 holidays per year.
 
You’ll be joining a team of focused, hard-working, creative people who are passionate about the role they play in serving audiences, artists, visitors, and our local communities. The Walker Art Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive working environment for people of all backgrounds.

For Consideration:

Please email resume along with a letter of interest that includes salary requirements to jobs@walkerart.org.   No phone calls or recruiters, please.