The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is currently seeking a dynamic, mission-driven and community-oriented museum director who will lead the OOMA into its new waterfront, Frank Ghery-designed campus in Biloxi, Mississippi.
HISTORY : Founded in 1992, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art has a celebrated history of educating visitors on the “Mad Potter of Biloxi” George Ohr through workshops, classes, exhibitions, and lectures. Through the incredible generosity of committed individuals, supportive Foundations and appropriations on a local, State and Federal level, the museum broke ground on a landmark Gulf-front facility. In 2005, the Gehry-conceived campus, featuring five buildings designed to “dance” with the ancient Live oaks, was at 50-percent completion when Hurricane Katrina came ashore completely leveling the site. Four years later, the rebuilding is underway. Ultimately, the campus will include the Center for Ceramics, Welcome Center, George Ohr Museum, Museum of African-American Art, and Pleasant Reed House joined together by an expansive Terrace with stunning Gulf views. The Executive Director, who has served in the position since 1992, is retiring at the end of this year; the ED and four leading members of the Board of Trustees serve on the Search Committee.
PERMANENT COLLECTION : The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art Permanent Collection consists of over 250-pieces of Ohr’s work; the largest public collection in the world. In addition, the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art houses pottery, photography, and supporting documents by and of Ohr contemporaries and colleagues. The Museum is also actively collecting the works of 20th-21st century potters and ceramicists. Currently, a collection of 40-Ohr pieces are traveling the nation in an exhibition entitled, “Ohr Rising: The Emergence of an American Master”, which was organized by the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art’s Curator.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION: The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art is facing the challenge of replacing the existing Executive Director who will retire in December 2008. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration and leadership of the Museum, management of its 7-person staff, community relations, fiscal management, and works with the Board of Trustees in fundraising and strategic planning efforts. The salary for this position will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Minimum of a master’s degree preferred, in a field related to museum administration and the arts. The position will begin January 2009. Interviews will be conducted this summer.
Ideal candidates will have:
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A successful progression in leadership roles and a minimum of 5-years Arts administration experience.
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Proven fundraising skills and capital campaign experience.
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A strategic outlook, community-driven approach, and team-building managerial style.
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Ability and experience in fiscal management including budget development and implementation, as well as business and strategic plans.
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Strong public speaking skills, with a high level of comfort serving as a public presence for museum-related organizations, as well as experience in working with the media and strong familiarity with principles of marketing and communication.
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A passion for ceramics, pottery, and George Ohr, plus familiarity with diversity of programming, including African American history and art.
TO APPLY Submit a cover letter and resume with salary requirements to:
Executive Search Committee
Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art
1596 Glenn Swetman Street
Biloxi , MS 39530
For additional information about the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, its collection, mission and progress on construction of the new facility, please visit www.georgeohr.org. The Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer.
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