Executive Director for the Arts (SY24-25)

REPORTS TO: Deputy Chief of Teaching & Learning

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The BPS seeks an Executive Director for the Arts to provide internal and external district-wide leadership for Pre-K-12 arts programs, in keeping with the goals of the BPS Arts Expansion Program, BPS Strategic Implementation Plan and Boston Creates, the city's cultural plan, to ensure all BPS students have equitable access to quality sequential arts education. This position is charged with linking the district with the larger arts community, expanding school-based arts programming, and creating stronger connections across schools (art specialists, teachers, and school leaders) to share best practices. The Executive Director is responsible for building stronger systems, improving coordination between and among schools and external partners, and raising the visibility of the BPS commitment to the arts as part of a well rounded education for all BPS students. The Executive Director provides overall strategic leadership for Pre-K-12 arts programs, is supported by the Visual and Performing Arts department team and oversees all functions of the BPS Arts Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend 60-80 evening events in the school year including school performances and meetings with community partners and various cultural institutions
• Provide strategy and support for visual and performing arts new buildings and renovations as part of Build BPS.
• Ensure implementation of the MassCore graduation requirement.
• Manage a large scale inventory of equipment related to performing and visual arts (i.e. musical instruments, kilns, theater equipment, etc. ); manage the procurement of music and arts materials and equipment via on-site quotes with equitable procurement.
• Present at City Council Hearings and School Committee Meetings
• Oversee Visual and Performing Arts Department offerings in course catalog
• Collaborate with BPS Partnerships Office and over 30 Arts Partners in the Greater Boston Area
• Oversee BPS Arts Expansion Partnership Grants
• Oversee MassCultural Council grants for up to 35 Schools
• Organize visual and performing arts summer learning opportunities
• Provide primary leadership, management, and strategic direction for arts education services and programmatic development for the district:
• Supervise all Arts Department staff.
• Coordinate with all internal BPS departments and key related staff.
• Work across the district to advance the goals and implement the strategic vision for BPS arts.
• Oversee instructional excellence and ensure implementation of standards and curricular initiatives, professional development and quality assessment systems.

• Serve as the public face of arts education for BPS for both internal and external stakeholders, and work closely with school and district leaders and external partners to support school-level and district-wide implementation of expanded, high-quality arts instruction.
• Develop systems that address logistic support needs at the school-level and also ensure that instruction is of high quality (curriculum, professional development, quality assessment, coaching, sharing of best practices).
• Lead effective communications with internal and external audiences to ensure alignment of goals and strategies and effective use of resources.
• Lead efforts to engage students, families and the broader community in support of arts education for the district. Represent district at relevant community meetings and professional gatherings.
• Oversee data systems to support enhanced coordination and annual survey data collection.

• Oversee resource development, management and allocation related to arts education for the district.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners focused on strategic coordination of partnerships and acquisition of resources to support high-quality, expanded arts instruction in the BPS.
• Coordinate with BPS Office of Institutional Advancement (IA) to seek and maintain external private and public funding sources.
• Develop and implement multi-year plan to support sustained and expanded arts education within district schools.
• Ensure equitable distribution of arts learning opportunities for all BPS students and increase access for underserved populations.
• Provide accountability through data analysis of impact and outcomes to support both internal and external reporting and communications regarding arts education in BPS.
• Prepare annual program plans and budgets for the utilization of all city and external funds.
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Superintendent and/or Deputy Superintendent for Academic and Student Supports for Equity Team

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:

Minimum 15 years of collective experience with a combination of the following:

• Prior leadership experience in district/school-based arts administration, non-profit arts/cultural management, preferably in urban settings, with demonstrated track record of success in effective leadership and strategic implementation.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to see projects involving multiple stakeholders and activities through to completion.
• Demonstrated success in grant-writing, fundraising and resource acquisition.
• Prior experience managing all aspects of budgetary responsibilities for mid size organization.
• Ability to organize and convene multiple stakeholders and to maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate clearly with and be aware of the needs of culturally diverse audiences.
• Ability to analyze data and apply analysis to refine and improve program strategies and implementation.
• Skill in evaluating and assessing effectiveness of teams, programs and activities.
• Superior written and oral communications skills [writing sample required].
• Strong organizational, supervisory and management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, Powerpoint.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, participation in evening and weekend meetings required.
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:

• Advanced Degree (M.Ed; MFA; MPA or Ed.D) and bilingual skills

TERMS: Managerial, D71

Please refer to www.bostonpublicschools.org/ohc (under "Employee Benefits and Policies") for more information on salary and compensation. Salaries are listed by Unions and Grade/Step.

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.