Director of Programming & Partnerships

AR - LITTLE ROCK, AR 72202

Overview

Position Type

Full Time

Education Level

Graduate Degree

Travel Percentage

Negligible

Description

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) seeks a strategic and collaborative Director of Programming and Partnerships to join its programmatic leadership team, which includes the Directors of Children’s Theater and Performing Arts, the Windgate Art School, and Community Engagement.

Reporting to the CEO, this role will lead ongoing internal and external program analysis to assess and strengthen AMFA’s portfolio of offerings. Working closely with department directors, the Director will expand the Museum’s reach and impact by deepening connections across existing programs while identifying gaps and developing new initiatives that engage broader and more diverse audiences.

This position will shape a compelling, innovative, and balanced roster of programs that connect art to lived experience and fully leverage AMFA’s assets and partnerships. The Director will help position AMFA as a welcoming, inspiring, and educational destination for the community.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities: 

·     Collaboratively develop short- and long-term strategies to strengthen AMFA’s portfolio of flagship programs, balancing reliable signature events with innovative offerings that attract and retain new audiences.

·     Cultivate strategic partnerships in Central Arkansas and beyond to expand the Museum’s community impact and ensure programming remains relevant and responsive to evolving needs.

·     Build proactive partnerships with schools and districts to design innovative onsite and statewide initiatives serving Pre-K through high school students.

·     Analyze data, trends, and best practices to refine and elevate AMFA’s programming, creating distinctive, mission-driven experiences.

·     Partner with the Development staff to shape and draft multi-year funding proposals that advance strategic programmatic initiatives.

·     Collaborate with Membership and Development to design benefits and engagement opportunities that deepen relationships with members and donors.

·     Supervise and mentor staff to ensure programming reflects educational excellence and best practices.

·     Prepare and administer an approved annual budget and established revenue goals. 

·     Adhere to AMFA policies and procedures while supporting the Museum’s mission and fostering a welcoming, inclusive workplace culture.

AMFA

AMFA is about to celebrate its three-year anniversary having undergone an extraordinary transformation that included the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility.  Designed by the renowned architecture firm, Studio Gang, the new facility has secured AMFA’s position as one of the top cultural institutions in the state and region.  The new AMFA features state-of-the-art galleries, art school, theatre, lecture hall, outdoor event area, and other spaces to host programming, classes, and performances.  The innovative Cultural Living Room, restaurant, store, and landscaped grounds position the AMFA as a cultural hub for Little Rock and the Delta region.  

AMFA Exhibitions and Programming

Exhibitions and Collections

The rich and distinctive AMFA Foundation Collection contains art in various media, primarily from Europe and the Americas, dating from the 14th century to the present. Strengths include 19th- through 21st-century works on paper with a focus on drawing, contemporary craft, and art of the American South, including works by prominent photographers and self-taught artists.

The Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries house exhibitions showcasing the permanent collection, as well as temporary exhibitions. The galleries also include specially designed spaces, such as the new media gallery—designed to present artworks created in video, computer animation, and interactive digital art—and the Art Perch, a north-facing feature window for large-scale art installations.  AMFA’s grounds feature works from its growing collection of outdoor sculpture.

Windgate Art School

Established in 1963, the Windgate Art School offers studio instruction in drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, metals, woodworking, and more. Instruction is available for students of all ages and skill levels, with daytime and evening classes offered quarterly, as well as short-term courses and specialty workshops.

Additional features and programmatic areas of the School include the Robyn and John Horn Gallery, dedicated studios for artists-in-residence, and the Art Lawn for outdoor classes and activities.

Children’s Theater and Performing Arts

AMFA’s Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts program was established in 1979 and provides a range of family-friendly productions including contemporary and classic literary adaptations for the stage, while also presenting productions by national and international touring companies that explore the full spectrum of performing arts for young audiences.

The upgraded theater facility expands the range of performing arts programming available to AMFA audiences, to include musical concerts, dance, film screenings, and more.

Community Engagement

Community-centered educational programs make full use of AMFA’s building and grounds, with learning experiences and activities for guests of all ages. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, AMFA offers engaging arts programming for everyone.

Life in Little Rock

Central Arkansas offers a vibrant blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, providing residents with the best of both worlds.  With its capital city of Little Rock nestled amid scenic landscapes, residents enjoy a rich cultural scene, diverse dining options, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.  Boasting a welcoming community spirit and one of the country’s most affordable cost of living rates, Central Arkansas stands as an ideal destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.  In the next few years, Little Rock will see major improvements and additions to its downtown.  The City of Little Rock is pursuing a new master plan and cultural organizations, such as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Arkansas Repertory Theater, continue to serve the community.  A new ArtSpace designed to serve both visual and performing artists is also on the horizon. Downtown Little Rock’s arts and culture community is about to be as connected as ever.

Qualifications

·     Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in art education, museum studies, education, or a related field.

·     Minimum of five years’ administrative leadership experience in a museum, art school, or similar setting.

·     Demonstrated knowledge of K–12 education and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

·     Proven success in partnership development, staff supervision, and mentoring.

·     Strong collaborative leadership and communication skills.

·     Strategic and operational management experience, with proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Physical demands:
• • Regularly sit for prolonged periods of time (up to 5 hours at a time) at desk and working on a computer. 
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and operating office equipment.
  • Occasionally stand and walk within the office and museum, including attending meetings and events.
  • Occasionally bend, reach, and stoop.
  • Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Communication demands:
• • Regularly required to use speech to interact with other employees and stakeholders.
• Vision demands:
• • Visual acuity adequate to read and prepare documents, and to view a computer screen for extended periods of time.

• Hearing and Speaking demands:
• • Hearing adequate to communicate effectively in person and via phone
  • Clear speaking ability adequate for presentations and interactions.

• Work environment/exposure:
• • Work is performed indoors, in an office environment