About the position
Fairfield University is excited to announce the launch of the new Center for Arts and Minds, set to begin in the summer of 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the academic profile and intellectual discourse of the University by coordinating high-caliber artistic, cultural, and educational programs across various campus venues, including the performing arts center, museum galleries, and bookstore. The Center will collaborate closely with the Special Assistant to the President for the Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Fairfield University Art Museum, the Quick Center for the Performing Arts, and other academic centers to engage students, faculty, and community members in enriching program offerings. Furthermore, the Center will serve as a bridge connecting Fairfield University to the broader artistic community in the tri-state area through innovative partnerships that are mutually beneficial. In its inaugural year, the Center for Arts and Minds is seeking two creative and experienced Associate Directors to join the leadership team and support the Executive Director in developing and implementing a strategic vision to elevate the arts at Fairfield University. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Associate Directors will play a crucial role in coordinating the Center's activities and overseeing a diverse, integrated, interdisciplinary team of staff and contributors dedicated to the Center's initiatives. A key component of the Center's success will be the production of high-quality print materials, including an Arts & Minds Brochure, a Cultural Events Calendar, and philanthropic guides that reflect the Jesuit Catholic educational mission of Fairfield University. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in the arts and an understanding of the unique dynamics of working within a higher education environment. Extensive experience in communication, project management, publication, and promotion is essential. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to contribute to the creation and management of a comprehensive strategy for promoting multi-venue arts programming and will have the capacity to collaborate effectively with various constituents and stakeholders across campus to advance this strategy. Experience in navigating a complex communications ecosystem and superior oral and written communication skills are also critical for this role. Specific responsibilities for each Associate Director will be defined throughout the Center's first year, based on individual skill sets and the evolving needs of the Center. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with education and experience.
Responsibilities
- Assist in coordinating the Center's activities and overseeing an inclusive, integrated, interdisciplinary team.
- Support the Executive Director in developing and implementing a vision and strategy for the Center.
- Contribute to the publication of print materials such as brochures and event calendars.
- Engage with students, faculty, and community members to promote the Center's offerings.
- Develop and manage a comprehensive strategy for multi-venue arts programming.
- Collaborate with various stakeholders across campus to advance the Center's initiatives.
Requirements
- At least five years of experience in project management and/or communications within a higher education or non-profit environment.
- Proven ability to develop reports and manage budgets effectively.
- Experience with project management and editorial software products.
- Demonstrated capacity to write engaging long-form stories and other communications.
- Proven experience in producing print materials, magazines, and brochures.
- Strong editing and proofreading skills for guiding written materials through to print and distribution.
- Experience in developing fundraising materials in a non-profit setting.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop working partnerships.
- Capacity to make decisions and exercise authority in a complex administrative environment.
- Creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset with problem-solving skills.
- Bachelor's degree in the humanities, with experience in the arts; a Master's degree or equivalent is preferred.
