we are hiring!
Job Title: DIRECTOR (FULL-TIME)
Organization: Berkeley Art Center (BAC)
Application Deadline: April 4, 2025
About Berkeley Art Center (BAC)
Since 1967, the Berkeley Art Center has been a cornerstone of the Bay Area's vibrant arts community. Designed by Bay Area modernist architect Robert Ratcliff and built by the Rotary Club as a gift to the City, BAC was run by the Parks and Rec Department for many years until it became a private nonprofit in the late 1970s. Under the leadership of visionary directors and curators, BAC established itself over the years as a destination for experimental contemporary art by Bay Area artists, featuring a diverse range of voices, materials, artistic styles, and social commentary. Since 1967, BAC has exhibited work by important local figures such as ROBERT BECHTLE, ENRIQUE CHAGOYA, BILL FONTANA, TARANEH HEMAMI, MILDRED HOWARD, HUNG LIU, JIM MELCHERT, CHIURA OBATA, SONYA RAPOPORT, KATHERINE SHERWOOD, PETER VOULKOS, and CARRIE MAE WEEMS, among many others.
Nestled in Live Oak Park, BAC offers an intimate platform for the public to engage with work by emerging and established contemporary artists. We champion artists and curators who are Black, Indigenous, POC, queer and trans, formerly incarcerated, and living with disabilities. BAC supports sustainability in the arts by compensating artists at competitive rates exceeding industry standards. Our programs include exhibitions, workshops, artist-conceived events, and partnerships with community organizations.
With an annual budget of approximately $400K, BAC relies on a combination of City funding, private donations, grants, memberships, and special events to fund its operations and programs.
Position Summary
Berkeley Art Center (BAC) is seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and rebuilding. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate, equity-driven individual to oversee all aspects of a vibrant arts organization, shaping its future while fostering community connections and supporting diverse artists.
The Director will join BAC during a period of transition and challenge. Like many non-profit arts organizations in the Bay Area impacted by increasing expenses and reduced funding, BAC has undergone changes in leadership, staff, and revenues over the past year. The Board of Directors has made headway in addressing these issues by securing funding for current financial stability, streamlining administrative procedures and expenses, maintaining previously scheduled exhibitions, and hiring a gallery manager.
As Director, you will take the helm of an organization deeply rooted in Berkeley’s cultural fabric. You will lead with vision, overseeing strategic planning, fundraising, programming, marketing, finance, facilities, and general administration. This role offers the chance to cultivate donor relationships, build dynamic partnerships, and strengthen BAC’s position as a hub for creativity, equity, and community engagement.
If you are a motivated leader with experience in nonprofit management, believe in the critical role of artists in creating a thoughtful and empathetic society, and have a talent for fundraising, this role will provide you with the platform to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact on a small nonprofit at a crossroads.
The Opportunity
This is an exceptional opportunity for a nonprofit leader to guide BAC into its next era by promoting and optimizing its unique assets, strengthening its operations, and fostering long-term sustainability through innovative approaches to revenue generation and community engagement. In collaboration with a committed Board and staff, the Director will steer the organization forward as this position offers:
Career Advancement: Lead a respected arts organization at a pivotal moment of growth, transformation, and rebuilding.
Creative Freedom: Collaborate with diverse artists and curators to design innovative programming.
Community Impact: Be at the forefront of supporting underserved artists and building connections within the Berkeley arts community.
Professional Growth: Access networking opportunities and professional development resources to support your leadership journey.
What You’ll Do
As Director, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Shape Strategy: Lead strategic planning and evaluation to strengthen and expand BAC’s impact.
Drive Fundraising Success: Oversee all fundraising efforts, including cultivating major donors, securing grants, and organizing an annual fundraiser to support a $400,000 annual budget.
Inspire Programming: Collaborate with artists, curators, and program committee to develop exhibitions and events that amplify diverse voices.
Build Partnerships: Forge program collaborations with like-minded arts organizations and community movements.
Lead Operations: Oversee finance, operations, and facilities, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.
Engage the Community: Represent BAC to the City of Berkeley and the public, strengthening ties with the broader community.
Foster Team Growth: Manage and inspire part-time staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers.
Collaborate with the Board: Cultivate and develop Board of Directors maintaining strong relationships. Work closely with the Board of Directors to guide BAC’s strategic vision and maintain effective governance. Work with the Board President to create meeting agendas and attend monthly Board meetings.
Manage Personnel: Supervise one part-time Gallery Manager, coordinate with consultants and contractors, and inspire volunteers.
What We’re Looking For
This is a growth-oriented role, perfect for a leader ready to take on new challenges and opportunities. You’re a great fit if you’re:
Strategic and Visionary: You see the big picture and know how to build toward it step by step.
Committed to the Arts: You’re committed to amplifying diverse voices and creating sustainable opportunities for artists.
Fundraising Savvy: You have a proven track record of securing funding and cultivating lasting donor relationships.
Adaptable and Collaborative: You thrive in dynamic environments and excel at bringing people together toward shared goals.
Equity-Driven: You’re committed to fostering inclusion and representation in every aspect of your work.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $80,000 annually (exempt full-time employee, 40 hours per week).
Health benefits (medical/vision).
Paid time off: 12 vacation days, 8 sick days, and 10 holidays per year.
Flexible schedule with on-site days required when gallery is open, and some regular remote work possible in coordination with staff and volunteers.
Some evening hours required during special events with compensatory time for hours worked beyond 40 per week.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent training and work experience.
Minimum three years of experience in nonprofit leadership roles, with a demonstrated record of financial stewardship and fundraising.
Strategic and savvy manager passionate about and committed to the mission of BAC.
Strong fundraising experience and prudent financial management.
Ability to inspire BAC Staff and volunteers, demonstrating a commitment to equity.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to lead and collaborate in an open, dynamic, and continually shifting environment.
How to Apply
To apply, please send your cover letter, resume, and three professional references as a single PDF to jobs@berkeleyartcenter.org by Friday, April 4, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Qualified candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.
We strongly encourage individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, LGBTQIA+, and members of other marginalized groups to apply.
Berkeley Art Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.