Executive Director, Murals of La Jolla

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library seeks an Executive Director for Murals of La Jolla to lead its well-established program of commissioned artworks for La Jolla, a distinct village neighborhood of San Diego, California. Murals of La Jolla, a project of the Athenaeum, was initiated in 2010 by the La Jolla Community Foundation and later transferred to the Athenaeum as its nonprofit fiscal umbrella. The mural project was conceived as a means to enhance the civic character of the community by commissioning public art projects throughout La Jolla. Artists are invited to create new artworks, all located on public-facing private property and all privately funded. There are currently 16 murals on view and the project has commissioned 48 artworks to date. An international roster of renowned artists creates provocative site-specific works accessible to anyone in the public realm. To select the artists, the Executive Director works with a volunteer Art Advisory Committee, comprised of co-chairs and leaders of the visual arts organizations located in La Jolla.

The Executive Director is responsible for the conceptualization and development of all murals and management of the Murals of La Jolla project, including selection of public art projects relevant to diverse audiences; oversight of all donor, member, and fundraising initiatives; and collaboration with stakeholders across La Jolla and San Diego. The successful candidate will have a proven track record as an experienced public art program leader with expertise in contemporary art, commissioning artists, fundraising, project management, and community engagement.

Project Leadership and Management
Work closely with co-chairs and Art Advisory Committee to determine scope of projects, fundraise for project expenses, and identify new initiatives

Act as the first point of contact for artists, including invitations to participate, coordinating proposals, assisting with site and project research, and coordinating site visits

Coordinate and lead meetings of the Art Advisory Committee, distribute proposals and updates to Committee via email

Act as lead in communications with property owners

Oversee all projects from proposal to approval to fabrication to installation

Ensure appropriate communications for each mural, including writing and distribution of press releases, updates to social media and website, in coordination with Athenaeum and Murals staff

Manage and work collaboratively with 1–2 part-time Murals of La Jolla team members to implement/maintain the projects

Oversee all administrative functions of Murals of La Jolla

Fundraising & Membership
Develop and track yearly budget; implement annual fundraising plan

Cultivate new donors and steward existing donors (Wall Sponsors, Mural Makers, and Mural Members)

Conceptualize and implement up to three special donor/member events annually

Communications and Marketing
Act as primary spokesperson for Murals of La Jolla

Lead bimonthly walking tours and special school or group tours, contribute to bimonthly Athenaeum newsletter, and coordinate press opportunities

Organize Murals of La Jolla/Athenaeum Artist Talk series

Keep website updated and oversee general maintenance, function, and design of website

Education / Experience
Minimum B.A. in art or related field is desirable

Work experience with contemporary art, nonprofit organizations

Minimum five years’ experience in commissioning public art projects

Track record of successful fundraising

Attributes
Detail-oriented, with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, prioritize, and be flexible

Ability to think strategically and creatively

Strong relationship-building skills

Effective communication skills, both interpersonally and in writing

Demonstrable collaborative instincts and abilities

Other Information
Salary range is commensurate with experience: $67,000–$75,000. This is a part-time, exempt position; benefits include a flexible work schedule to be set by employee, 12 paid holidays per year, and paid sick leave.

The Executive Director of Murals of La Jolla is supported by 1–2 part-time employees.

As a hybrid remote position, candidate must be able and willing to work primarily from a home office; must be based in San Diego County, and must be able to work on-site for frequent events, talks, and meetings and when murals are being installed.

Anticipated start date in early January 2025

Salary: $67,000 – $75,000 annually

Benefits: 
– flexible work schedule to be set by employee
– 12 paid holidays per year
– paid sick leave

Education requirements: Bachelor’s

Deadline to apply: September 15, 2024

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Send a resume and cover letter addressed to the Hiring Committee explaining how you believe your skills, background, and work experience could support Murals of La Jolla. Submit all materials to careers@ljathenaeum.org. Applicants should submit materials by September 15 for priority consideration.

Murals of La Jolla and the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library are committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employees from all backgrounds; candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. We are an equal employment opportunity employer. Our policy is to not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), age (40 or over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Athenaeum and Murals of La Jolla prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.