The Board of Trustees of the Art Complex Museum (ACM), a family-founded and privately supported art museum in historic Duxbury, Massachusetts, seeks a passionate and engaged museum leader for its next Executive Director. Celebrating over 50 years of free admission to its world-class collections and wide-ranging community programs, ACM boasts over 8,000 works of art, the heart of which was collected by Carl and Edith Weyerhaeuser who created this extraordinary gem to share their love of art and culture with the community. With a fully funded $1.5 million budget and about ten staff members (mostly part time), this is an opportunity to build upon a treasured legacy of family and staff passion and pride, evaluate systems and structures, and strengthen exhibitions and programming. The successful candidate will embody the open warmth and collaborative approach that marks ACM’s history, and lead this museum to an even deeper, reflective relationship with Duxbury and its region, and greater national recognition.

The Art Complex Museum and Campus

The history of the ACM is tied closely to the story of the Weyerhaeuser family and its lumber business. Carl, grandson of the company founder, chose the arts over family business as his passion, but honored the family’s legacy through the building of the ACM, which opened in 1971. Located on thirteen acres of woodlands and fields, the main museum building, designed by architect Richard Owen Abbott, is an homage to the organic beauty and flexibility of wood. The grounds also include the historic Judah Alden House (built 1790, below),  now used as art studios and galleries, and a Japanese Tea House, imported from Japan, which is activated by programming several times a year. The property also contains walking trails, gathering areas, and sculpture, which provide opportunities for quiet reflection as well as programming.

ACM organizes rotations of permanent-collection and special exhibitions three to four times a year in its three main galleries, as well as in the new Founder’s Room that features the story of the creation and focus of the museum and its collections, including interactive displays. The ACM collection is an eclectic blend inspired by aesthetics, beauty, shape, form, and function, and has four main areas of emphasis: American painting, American and European prints, Shaker furniture and objects, and Asian art. There are major works in each area, including paintings by George Bellows, John Singer Sargent, Albert Bierstadt, and Thomas Moran; prints by Rembrandt, Alexander Calder, Martin Lewis, and Richard Estes; beautiful examples of Shaker furniture forms and functional objects; and Asian textiles, ceramics, and works on paper, among other treasures. The Founders’ vision also included a major emphasis on regional working artists. Current exhibitions and programs continue to highlight area artists and many fine examples of their work have been added to the collection.

The Museum’s community programming offers a year-round array of studio classes and demonstrations, an established and popular concert series, artists talks, and an outdoor tea ceremony several times a season. A strong volunteer program engages the passion of the local community and provides valuable resources to assist the busy staff. A small, proud core of family Board members guides and supports leadership at the ACM and is truly excited about the next phase of mission fulfillment with its potential for building upon tradition, broadening commitment to community, and raising the visibility of this Museum.

The Opportunity

The next Executive Director will be passionate and experienced in outward-facing leadership, with proven skills that include building community and raising visibility. They will bring a deep love of art and culture, as well as genuine listening skills and a collaborative management style. This is an important moment of transition for the Art Complex Museum with the retirement of a longtime family director, and so requires a new leader with perspective and experience. Given its dedicated staff and volunteers, strong permanent collections, active programming, stabile financial backing, and the cultural and natural resources of the region, the next Executive Director of the ACM will have the rare opportunity to focus on the Museum and how it serves the community.

Responsibilities and Expectations

The Executive Director of the Art Complex Museum will succeed by engaging a broadening audience and expanding recognition of ACM’s storied history and collections. The Art Complex Museum Executive Director will be expected to:  

·         Listen, learn, and engage, becoming an immersed and passionate representative of the ACM.

·         Be confident and diplomatic, with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, engendering trust and genuine partnership with staff and Board.

·         Possess a track record of strong and sensitive management skills, able to inspire staff, be a generous team player and an accessible advocate for their continued development.

·         Evaluate current organizational structure and needs and launch a search for an Assistant Director.

·         Create a new Strategic Plan with the Board and staff that prioritizes programs and activities, and with their guidance and assistance, carry out that vision.

·         Ensure that Museum exhibitions, acquisitions, programming, and outreach are designed with relevance and excellence.

·         Be eager to collaborate and partner with individuals and organizations locally and nationally to increase visibility and recognition, grow younger audiences, and leverage potential for relevant programming.

·         Manage the budget and resources of ACM and work with the Board to refine/establish a model for long-term sustainability.

·         Be an engaged member of the local community, residing within 45 minutes of the Museum.

·         Promote the Museum widely by participating in local, and regional activities, as well as within the museum field.

·         Have a broad interest in art history and contemporary practice, and a passion for creative output in all media.

Experience, Skills, and Attributes Desired

• ·         Minimum of eight years of museum or nonprofit experience, preferably in a small arts organization, with at least three to five years in a management, leadership position.
• ·         Advanced degree in art history, museum studies or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• ·         Successful supervisory experience, along with organizational, communication and team-building skills.
• ·         Experience and comfort engaging with the local community and its constituencies.
• ·         Strong, persuasive skills both oral and written.
• ·         A network of museum professional contacts.

Compensation

• ·         $130,000 - $150,000 per annum (commensurate with experience).
• ·         Benefit package includes PTO, health insurance coverage, pension plan, and more.
• The Art Museum Complex is committed to fair and accessible employment practices, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this search. Nominations are welcome.

How to Apply

To applyin confidence, email: 1) aletter expressing interest in this specific position and giving brief examples of past related experience; 2) a résumé or CV; 3) names of three references with contact information. Submit application by April 24, 2024, to retained search firm: Lora Urbanelli, Museum Search & Reference, SearchandRef@museum-search.com. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. References will not be contacted without prior authorization. For additional information visit: http://museum-search.com/open-searches/.

About Duxbury, the Region, and Boston

Duxbury, Massachusetts is an affluent seaside community located 35 miles southeast of Boston. As part of Boston’s suburban South Shore and on the edge of Cape Cod Bay, it is close to Boston, Providence, and the Cape. The town is in a region steeped in history, with several of the Mayflower’s passengers among its founders. The area is rich in natural beauty, and the outdoors is quickly accessible through a network of conservation lands with trails, hiking and beaches. An active maritime community of boaters and fisherman and many artists call the region home. The public-school system is highly rated and metropolitan amenities are at-hand in nearby Boston.

One of American’s leading intellectual centers, Boston boasts some of the most prestigious universities and medical centers in the world. The city is a world-class center for banking, health care and technology research. It is also steeped in 400 years of history, which it preserves and celebrates, while maintaining many distinct and historic neighborhoods. As a metropolis, it is home to numerous attractions including museums, theatres, musical events and many restaurant and brewery opportunities. The suburbs have some of the nation’s top-rated school systems. Boston is served by a strong public transportation system and offers outdoor recreation along the Charles River and Atlantic Ocean. Sports fans enjoy the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins, as well as the soccer team, the Revolution. New England’s bountiful outdoor recreational activities are quickly accessible, including sailing, hiking, and skiing.