Current Opportunities

Position Description

Executive Director

Department:  Executive Office

Reports to:     The Board of Trustees

Founded in 1938, the Palm Springs Art Museum has now grown to four facilities encompassing 150,000 sq. ft. of exhibition, library, archives and storage, theater, office and support space. The Museum collects in seven different fields and presents special exhibitions and selections from its permanent collection. It presents lectures and workshops, performances, and other public programs, many of them in the 428-seat Annenberg Theater.  The Museum has approximately 100 paid employees and almost 300 volunteers working at four sites throughout the Coachella Valley.

The mission of Palm Springs Art Museum is to create transformative experiences that expand our understanding of the world.  Our collections, exhibitions, and programs connect people to the art and culture of our community and time.  We foster and inspire reflection and renewal for local, national, and global audiences.

Job summary/position overview:  Palm Springs Art Museum is seeking a dynamic, experienced Executive Director of the highest caliber. The Executive Director provides vision, leadership, motivation and the highest quality standards for the entire museum organization. The ED is responsible for the overall management of the museum and achievement of its mission and financial stability.

Essential functions/specific responsibilities: 

In program development and administration, the Executive Director will:

 Provide leadership in all areas of museum programming, including: exhibitions, acquisitions, education, communications and fundraising.

 Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
 Provide oversight in developing programs and planning in concert with the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers; and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.
 Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations as well as the museum’s code of ethics.
 Maintain a consistent knowledge of developments and trends in the field and communications with other arts organizations.

In communications, the Executive Director will:
 See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.
 Publicize and promote the activities of the organization, its programs and goals, to diverse communities and audiences.
 Establish sound working relationships and partnerships with community groups and organizations.
 Serve as primary spokesman for the organization both internally and externally.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:
 Be responsible to oversee Human Resources department with regards to: recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers. 
 Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that best human resource practices are in place. 
 See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place. 
 Encourage collaborative interaction and planning between all museum departments and volunteer groups.
 Maintain a climate which attracts, retains and motivates a diverse staff of talented individuals. 

In budget and finance, the Executive Director will: 

 Play a leading role in fundraising, cultivation of donors, both of financial resources and art.
 Planning and implementation of long-range capital campaigns.
 Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices. 
 Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Board in preparing a budget; ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines. 
 Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work. 

Minimum Qualifications:

 Master’s Degree in art history and/or Museum Studies, Ph.D. preferred
 At least ten years experience in the Museum field
 Proficiency in at least one foreign language preferred
 Excellent communications skills
 Computer proficiency with working knowledge of social media

Type of position:  Executive Management

Departments supervised:  All, including Finance, Development, Curatorial, Collections and Registration, Membership, Education, Human Resources, Operations, Store Manager, Theater Operations and Special Events.

Classification:  Regular, full time

Exempt/Non-exempt status:  Exempt

Application Process:

Cover letter and resume may be submitted via email to:  jobs@psmuseum.org.

Please note that due to the high volume of interested applicants, we are only able to contact candidates with the most relevant experience and skill sets for our open positions.
We are not able to accept phone inquiries or confirm receipt of applications.  Thank you for your interest in employment at Palm Springs Art Museum.