Executive Director in London

The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA), in Columbia, South Carolina, an AAM-accredited institution, seeks an Executive Director to build upon its 75-year legacy. The Director will be charged with charting new pathways for growth, engagement, sustainability, and implementing an ambitious strategic plan.

As the preeminent art museum in South Carolina's capital, the CMA has been a dynamic cultural anchor in the region for decades. Founded in 1950 and celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2025, it was born from the inspired philanthropy of local citizens and has grown into a modern 25-gallery facility in the heart of Columbia's vibrant Main Street district. The CMA is driven by its mission "to spark powerful connections through art from around the corner and around the world in an environment that is welcoming to all," fostering an inclusive and participatory environment where diverse audiences can experience, learn, and create.

CMA's distinguished collection of more than 7,000 works spans 5,000 years of global art history, with strengths in European Renaissance and Baroque painting, 19th-century American art, and Asian ceramics. The Museum is also deeply committed to modern and contemporary art, featuring works by seminal artists such as Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Robert Rauschenberg, alongside significant pieces by leading Southern artists. This breadth allows it to present a compelling narrative of artistic achievement across cultures and time periods, which it activates through a robust schedule of both nationally touring exhibitions and innovative installations drawn from its own holdings.

The Museum operates as a vital community nexus, welcoming approximately 135,000 visitors annually from the greater Columbia area, across the state of South Carolina, the Southeast, and beyond. Its impact extends beyond its walls through extensive educational outreach, serving over 30,000 students and educators each year with curriculum-based tours, hands-on workshops, and partnerships with local schools. Public programs including artist talks, film series, and community festivals reinforce the CMA's role as a gathering place for dialogue and creative expression.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million and a dedicated staff of 35 full- and part-time employees, the CMA is poised for a transformative phase of leadership. Following a period of strategic assessment, the CMA Board of Trustees, the CMA Commission, and staff have recently developed a forward-looking, three-year Strategic Integration Plan. This plan establishes clear priorities for the institution's next chapter: achieving Fiscal Sustainability; enhancing Donor Stewardship; pursuing Operational Excellence; stewarding the Collections and Exhibitions; and deepening Education, Engagement, and Outreach.

The next Executive Director of the Columbia Museum of Art will arrive at a pivotal moment, inheriting an institution celebrated for its world-class collection and Southern charm yet poised for transformative growth. They will be responsible for embracing the Strategic Integration Plan and bringing it to life, championing the Museum's mission to be an inclusive, participatory hub where art and community thrive.

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a respected cultural institution into its next era by deepening financial resilience, expanding audience reach, and strengthening the CMA's role as an indispensable part of the region's economic, cultural, and social fabric.

The Executive Director, in partnership with an engaged Board, a passionate staff, and a supportive community, will focus on several key initiatives:

• Articulate and lead a visionary path forward, demonstrating a 21st-century understanding of museums, a passion for the impact of the arts, and innovative strategies for audience engagement.
• Provide strategic leadership and financial oversight for the Museum, ensuring accountability for the core priorities of the Strategic Integration Plan.
• Uphold excellence in collections care and exhibition programming, delivering world-class experiences that attract broad audiences and align with donor interests.
• Serve as the chief fundraiser and primary spokesperson, cultivating financial support and resources to meet both near-term and long-term goals.
• Elevate the CMA's profile by deepening investment in the regional community and cultivating strategic relationships with city, county, and state government, partner organizations, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee daily operations and executive direction for all museum programs, staff, and infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence and modernization of physical and technological resources.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture that empowers staff, engages the Board, and ensures the CMA is a welcoming and accessible place.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $215,000 - $240,000. Final compensation will reflect seniority and experience; experienced candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements Responsibilities and Expectations:

• Work in close partnership with the Board of Trustees; actively engage and cultivate relationships with Trustees to foster involvement and stability.
• Implement the CMA's Strategic Integration Plan to ensure organizational alignment and mission fulfillment.
• Pursue and secure $6.1 million+ in annual support, in addition to $3 million in capital funding.
• Persuasively communicate the CMA's vision, direction, and strategy both internally and externally.
• Manage, mentor, and lead a dedicated professional staff; foster a culture of excellence, communication, empowerment, and teamwork.
• Safeguard the integrity and longevity of the CMA's collection while developing and delivering world-class exhibitions.
• Oversee and optimize the full donor journey along with the Director of Development.
• Actively steward relationships with city, county, and state government officials.
• Maximize the use of physical facilities and resources; identify and prioritize opportunities for revenue generation.
• Organize, plan, and promote a diverse and dynamic exhibition schedule.
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to modernize and automate the CMA's financial and operating systems.
• Embed principles of accessibility, inclusivity, and welcome across all facets of the CMA.

Candidate Experience and Personal Characteristics:

• A minimum of eight years of senior-level leadership experience within a museum, arts nonprofit, or comparable mission-driven institution.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. Master's degree preferred.
• A record of significant fundraising success.
• Strategic vision coupled with business and financial acumen.
• A record of success in leading people, operations, and facilities.
• Excellent management skills with an ability to attract, retain, and motivate a high-performing staff.
• Communication and public engagement skills.
• Partnership-building skills.
• Knowledge of and a commitment to innovative arts education and community engagement.
• Genuine enthusiasm for embracing the unique culture and community of Columbia and South Carolina.
• A commitment to the CMA's mission and to the vital role of museums as accessible, welcoming institutions.

A complete application should include:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the position and giving brief examples of past related experience.
• A résumé.
• The names and contact information for three professional references.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as candidates will be considered on a rolling basis. Nominations are welcome. All applications and nominations are kept confidential.