Executive Director

Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Butler Institute of American Art seeks a strategic thinker and visionary leader for their next Executive Director. The Executive Director will engage and inspire the Butler’s Board, staff, and communities through exhibits and programming grounded in the museum’s expansive collection, which spans the breadth and depth of American art. The role oversees the following direct reports:

• Curator of Collections
• Curator(s) of Exhibitions
• Administrative or Operations Manager
• Director of Business Office, Human Resources (HR), & Finances
• Director of Education
• Security & Building Superintendent
• Director of Development

Succeeding the organization’s long-term leader, Dr. Louis Zona, who has been granted the role of Director Emeritus, the Executive Director will lead all areas of the art collections, exhibition content, programming, talent and staffing, education and community engagement, and outreach, as well as the general operational, administrative, and financial management of the organization. The Executive Director shall promote the development and execution of a strategic plan, diversify revenue sources, build collaborative partnerships, and develop and grow the museum’s visibility within and connections with its communities.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and has full authority and responsibility as the chief executive officer of The Butler Institute of American Art. Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the chief ambassador, champion, and spokesperson for the museum.
• Understand American art and its history and influences, its current state, and future trends.
• Initiate, implement, and execute a strategic plan, resulting in renewed vision and priorities for The Butler Institute of American Art.
• Oversee, understand, and steward the collection of the art, including its security and integrity.
• Oversee and understand the security and safety of the facility of the museum.
• Honor the history of the museum while charting a compelling path forward.
• Develop, maintain, and advance full exhibitions and education programs that support the mission of the museum and include the exhibition of artists from the full scope of American experience; ensure accessibility for all exhibitions and education programs.
• Develop, manage, and grow the annual operating budget to effectively support the collections, exhibits, education programs, and operations in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Diversify sources of revenue, contributions, and cash reserves, and evaluate the necessary funds to support programs and operations.
• Partner with the Board of Trustees in its leadership and governance of the Butler; help to replenish and expand the Board; and maintain strong working relationships with Trustees.
• Provide direction, leadership, and opportunities for continuous improvement to the staff of the Butler Institute of American Art in support of the mission, vision, and goals; ensure a supportive work environment that attracts, motivates, and retains an accomplished and energetic staff.
• Lead staff and Board in fundraising and maintaining strong relationships with the funding

community.

• Develop and steward strong relationships with the communities of the region; maintain a high degree of visibility in the community.
• Develop and maintain strong relations with strategic partners, other arts organizations, public agencies, and the media.
• Develop marketing and public relations strategies to achieve earned income and community participation goals, to enhance the museum’s visibility and reputation, and to ensure steady growth.

About The Butler Institute of American Art

The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, is America's first museum dedicated solely to American art, founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr. The Butler offers free admission to its extensive collection spanning three centuries, including works from American masters alongside contemporary pieces and folk art, serving as a cultural gem preserving and promoting American artistic heritage.

The Butler's permanent collection narrates the American experience, encompassing over 22,000 works beginning with 18th-century masterpieces, including the museum's earliest piece, the Portrait of Catherine Ten Broeck (1719), and continuing through the 19th century with luminaries of the Hudson River School and iconic works like Winslow Homer’s Snap the Whip. The collection is particularly renowned for its American Impressionist holdings, featuring artists such as Mary Cassatt and Robert Vonnoh, as well as its extensive Western Collection depicting the frontier through the eyes of Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Hill, and the Americana collection featuring folk art and historical artifacts. Moving into the 20th and 21st centuries, the museum displays a transition from the gritty realism of the Ashcan School and Norman Rockwell’s Lincoln the Railsplitter to the bold abstractions of Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell, and Louise Nevelson. The Butler’s Beecher Center, a specialized wing completed in 2000, is devoted to electronic and digital art.

The Butler Institute of American Art offers a vibrant array of public and educational programs designed to foster creativity and visual literacy for all ages. For children and families, the museum hosts monthly Family Days featuring scavenger hunts and artmaking, as well as the Young Friends Adventure for toddlers. Students can participate in summer visual arts day camps or specialized K-12 school tours that align with school curricula. Adult learners and seniors are engaged through the Director’s Lecture Series, Senior Art & Learn sessions, and the unique Meditation on American Masterpieces program, which combines art appreciation with mindful reflection. Additionally, the Butler’s North Education Center serves as a dedicated hub for hands-on art classes—ranging from photography and oil painting to digital media—as well as film screenings and community performances.

The Butler is fortunate to have a stable financial foundation and a healthy endowment. With a supportive Board of Trustees, a staff of 37, and an operating budget of $4.7 million, the Butler is favorably situated to support an innovative vision for the future of the museum.

Learn more about The Butler Institute of American Art at http://butlerart.com.

About Youngstown, Ohio

Youngstown, Ohio, with a city population of 60,000, and metro population area of 727,538, is an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant lifestyle. At the heart of its appeal is Mill Creek MetroParks, a massive 5,000-acre urban oasis featuring 45 miles of scenic trails, stunning waterfalls, and the historic Lanterman’s Mill. This "green" backbone is complemented by a thriving downtown revival where historic buildings have been transformed into trendy lofts, local breweries, and unique dining spots.

Youngstown is also home to Youngstown State University, a comprehensive, public, not-for-profit institution. YSU is a major driver of the region’s economy and plays an enormous role in the educational, financial, and social well-being of Northeast Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and beyond. As the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys have emerged from their industrial past, the university is viewed now more than ever as a major catalyst for the future, attracting faculty and staff to the area, providing economic stimulus, serving as a leader in workforce education and innovation, and producing energetic, talented graduates ready to make their mark on the region and the world.

Youngstown offers a remarkably affordable cost of living while hosting world-class offerings like the Butler Institute of American Art and the Covelli Centre for major concerts and sports events. Its strategic location, midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, allows residents to enjoy big-city perks while living in a community characterized by suburban comfort and a growing reputation as a hub for additive manufacturing and electric vehicle research.

Candidate Profile

The following offers an aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile; we encourage applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.

The next Executive Director will bring visionary leadership, financial acumen, exceptional communication, and deep interpersonal skills. They will focus on inspiring staff, engaging the community, building donor trust, and strategically steering the institution’s future while demonstrating unwavering integrity, adaptability, and passion for the museum’s mission.

The Executive Director needs to be a strategic thinker with a strong business sense for fundraising and operations, as well as an empathetic leader who champions diversity and fosters collaboration across a range of interest holders.

In essence, the ideal Executive Director is a rare blend of artist, CEO, diplomat, and community advocate, capable of inspiring people and managing complex operations towards a shared, meaningful future.

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

• Proven record of leadership in an art gallery or museum, demonstrating a high level of initiative and creative and flexible problem-solving skills.
• Deep knowledge of art and art museum practices and standards; familiarity with arts management challenges and opportunities.
• Ability to create and articulate a compelling future for the museum, driving innovation and relevance.
• Adept at developing long-term plans, anticipating trends, and positioning the museum for success.
• Adaptable and able to navigate crises, evolving landscapes, and setbacks with flexibility and a positive outlook.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, including the capacity to develop innovative strategies for programming, broadly inclusive audience-building, and income generation.

Financial and Operational Expertise

• Record of success in leading or delegating the financial and endowment management, fundraising, community relations, marketing, and Board development for a nonprofit museum or other relevant organization.
• An individual with the highest moral and ethical standards, especially concerning collections, finances, and public trust.
• Motivational manager and mentor who develops and leads high-performing teams, establishes clear goals and metrics for success, and encourages a culture of transparency, accountability, collegiality, and collaboration.

Fundraising and Relationship Building

• Proven ability to cultivate relationships and secure major gifts from donors and foundations.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator skilled in persuasive storytelling; able to connect with donors, inspire staff, engage the public, and liaise with officials.
• Community-driven connector who champions the museum as an inclusive and accessible resource and “third space.”
• Strong relationship builder with Board members, community leaders, artists, and cultural peers.
• Empathetic and emotionally intelligent; understanding and responding to the needs of staff, visitors, and community to build trust and a positive culture.

Passion for the Mission

• Genuine dedication to the museum's purpose and role in society.
• Enthusiasm for The Butler Institute of American Art’s mission and community.
• A deep understanding and respect for the art and cultural heritage the museum preserves.

In addition, top candidates will offer:

• A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, high energy level, and strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration;
• An advanced degree in art history, museum management, or related field, and/or a minimum of five (5) years of senior leadership experience in an art museum, including work with a Board of Trustees.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting compensation for this position begins at $200,000 based on experience and ability to have broad impact early and can range to $225,000. The compensation package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Tenley Bank and Naree Viner. Submit a cover letter and resume by filling out our https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22882 or emailing Tenley at tenley.bank@dsgco.com. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The Butler Institute of American Art is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from veterans, people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About DSG | Koya

DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's https://www.dsgco.com/industry/nonprofit-and-social-impact/.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/6899599