MCASD

Job Opportunities at MCASD

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego!

Unless otherwise specified, please e-mail or fax submittal requirements to jobs@mcasd.org or (858) 454-6985.

You MUST list the position requisition number in your Subject Heading. No phone calls please. Short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Last updated February 25, 2010.

INDIVIDUAL GIVING MANAGER

Department: Advancement
Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer
Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Requisition: 201010

JOB SUMMARY: The Individual Giving Manager reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and is responsible for securing financial gifts from major donors and corporate sponsors. The Individual Giving Manager works closely with the David C. Copley Director and Advancement team to successfully solicit major support from individual donors, with some emphasis on planned giving. The Individual Giving Manager is responsible for managing relationships with major donor prospects determined to have the ability to make new gifts at or above $1,500. A major priority will be to grow the membership program at the $1,500-level and above. A key responsibility of this position is to ensure the flow of prospects into the gifting pipeline; identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a portfolio of individual prospects at a specific gift level.

Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the aptitude for persuasion are necessary to be successful in this position. Being results-driven with the aptitude for creative problem solving is a plus. The position supervises a full-time Membership Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITITIES:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to obtain specific goals for individual annual gift support of $1,000 and higher. Must have a successful track record in soliciting for gifts for a similar institution.
  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit planned gift prospects among MCASD's pool of prospective donors. Manage 100-150 prospects with 10-15 prospect visits monthly with the goal of confirming a minimum of 20 planned gifts per year.
  • Design special giving promotional materials and information for use in soliciting major individual and corporate donors. Manage marketing initiatives for the Annual Fund, including Web site updates, Annual Fund appeals, and collateral materials for the department.
  • Manage a comprehensive membership program and develop upgrade strategies for higher levels of giving. Evaluate benefits to ensure that benefits are appropriate to each giving level. Develop several upgrade campaigns to increase giving. Coordination of mailings may involve working with the marketing manager, graphic designer, and outside vendors such as mailing houses and printers. Strong project management skills desired.
  • Develop and implement a planned giving marketing program to reach new and existing donors, including marketing bequests and other planned giving opportunities.
  • Be thoroughly knowledgeable on all planned giving vehicles and regularly update knowledge through professional development seminars. Develop and maintain current understanding of relevant tax, probate, trust, and financial/estate planning information and of the Museum's programs, plans, and staff members.
  • Prepare written communications to major donors and prospects ranging from proposals and informational packages to acknowledgement letters. Maintain active level of written correspondence with all major gifts prospects.
  • Plan donor cultivation events and outreach to major donors to encourage attendance.
  • Produce regular contact reports and progress reports on cultivation moves leading up to solicitations. Responsibilities include prospect list management and recording moves actions in Raisers’ Edge. Must be familiar with moves management systems.
  • Provide donor assistance to any phone and written inquiries. Maintain personal contact and good relationships with donors, administrators, volunteers, and other constituencies. A timely and polite response to donors is imperative.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Minimum B.S or B.A. degree and general knowledge of art history; interest in and knowledge of contemporary art is desirable.
  • Five to seven years successful experience in major or planned gift fundraising preferably in a museum or higher education setting.
  • Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to build effective professional relationships.
  • Must possess knowledge of fundraising principles and practices and maintain a professional, polished demeanor.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information.
  • Strong project management and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to work in a demanding environment.
  • Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
  • Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline. Comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
  • Excellent inter-personnel and verbal communication skills with ability to act in a mature and professional manner with top donors and trustees.
For candidacy consideration, please submit resume and PERSONALIZED COVER LETTER including salary requirement with subject heading 201010 to clee@mcasd.org.

SECURITY SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE

Department: Security Services
Reports to: Security Specialist
Employee Status: Part-time, Non-Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Requisition: 201008

JOB SUMMARY: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is currently seeking a qualified security professional to function as a Security Services Representative (SSR) assigned to the La Jolla site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Responsible for performing interior patrols of Museum galleries
  • Ensure Museum visitors adhere to company policy to preserve the collection and prevent theft or damage
  • Ensure that daily security reports are preformed properly
  • Impart knowledge of Museum exhibitions, events, and the surrounding area to patrons
  • Respond to any emergency events (e.g. medical emergencies, natural disasters, etc.)
  • Additional duties may include exterior facility patrols, vehicle escort after hours, and general Museum opening/closing procedures
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong organizational skills, and planning ability
  • Excellent customer service skills; maintain professional demeanor in challenging, dynamic environment
  • Ability to perform crowd control by providing clear guidance and direction
  • Must be detail oriented and have the ability to work with minimal supervision
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) preferred
  • CPR/FA/AED Certification is preferred, but training will be provided
  • Must have a flexible schedule
  • Ability to walk/stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs/stoop/kneel in order to perform security duties
  • High School Diploma (or Equivalent), some college course work preferred
  • Prior museum/art related experience a plus, but not required
  • Minimum of 1 year prior security related work experience preferred
  • Bilingual a plus
Please forward your resume, wage requirement, and work schedule availability to clee@mcasd.org and reference “201008” in your subject heading.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Department: Communications
Reports to: Manager of Graphic Design
Employee Status: Part-time, Independent Contractor
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Requisition: 201007

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Manager of Graphic Design, this position will design and produce high-quality printed materials, exhibition graphics, building signage, and design for electronic distribution.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Understand MCASD graphic identity and its application to print and electronic design
  • Manage project details and schedules with the various Museum’s departments and assigned design project managers
  • Coordinate all steps of the production process with vendors
  • Pre-flight files before submitting digital jobs for output, alter and convert images when necessary, mark up pages for pre-press, make comps, place hi-res art, and supervise printing
  • Identify and problem-solve issues of cost, scheduling, and quality
  • Provide additional support to the Manager of Graphic Design as needed
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Great organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, high standards of quality in terms of design and production, and the ability to produce and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
  • Design education and professional experience required
  • Minimum 5 years of print production experience, i.e. magazine publishing, design firm, advertising agency, or similar environment
  • High proficiency in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat required; preferably in a Mac environment
  • Solid working knowledge of black & white, four-color and spot print production process
  • Must have car and be willing to travel within San Diego County as necessary
  • Project management experience a plus
  • Illustration skills a plus
  • Some experience in Web and electronic design a plus
For candidacy consideration, please submit resume, electronic portfolio and PERSONALIZED COVER LETTER including salary requirement and work schedule availability with subject heading 201007 to clee@mcasd.org.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

MCASD is now accepting applications for the 2010 Summer Internship Program. Internships provide hands-on experience within various departments of the Museum, for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. Chosen applicants work closely with Museum staff, and are assigned a range of projects that provide meaningful experiences for those wishing to pursue a career in museums or art-related fields.

All internship positions begin on June 7 and end on August 13 and are full-time unless otherwise noted. Weekly seminars are organized with different department heads and curators. The Museum offers a $1,000 stipend for full-time summer interns. All applications must be received by Monday, April 1.

Curatorial Department (Three Positions Available)

La Jolla Curatorial Intern: Reporting to the Curator, the La Jolla Curatorial Intern will assist with exhibition and collection research, writing, and related programs.

Downtown Curatorial Intern: Reporting to the Associate Curator, the Downtown Curatorial Intern will assist with exhibition research, writing, and related programs.

Qualifications: These candidates should be a fine art or art history student with an interest in contemporary art. Good general computer knowledge (PC) of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point a plus. Comfortable using databases as well as familiarity with online research a plus. Must have excellent research, organizational, and administrative skills. Spanish fluency a plus.

Archive & Collections Intern: The Archive & Collections Intern will report to the Office of Registration and Collection Management. This department is responsible for the care and preservation of artworks both in the collection and on loan to the Museum. This office coordinates the transport, insurance, proper care, and handling of artworks; maintains the Museum's vaults; and handles rights and reproduction requests. They also oversee the Museum’s archives and library, in conjunction with the Curatorial department.

Qualifications: The candidate for this internship must be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough. Good general computer knowledge (PC) of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop; a familiarity with contemporary art is preferred.

Education Department (One Position Available)

The Education Department is responsible for engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds with MCASD’s exhibitions and collection.

Projects: Assist the Education Department staff with the implementation and planning of youth and adult programs at both MCASD’s downtown and La Jolla locations. Assist with the development of school tours and the implementation and planning of public programs. Generate reports in relation to youth and adult programs over the past fiscal year. Assist with and attend monthly Gallery Guide workshops and public programs.

Qualifications: Experience working with youth and adult audiences in formal or informal settings. Excellent research, multi-tasking, and organizational skills. Good general knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of contemporary art. Spanish fluency a plus.

Communications Department (One Position Available*)

MCASD’s Communications Department oversees all of the Museum’s public relations, marketing, audience development, internal communications, and visitor services to enhance MCASD’s image regionally, nationally, and internationally, and promote increased attendance, optimized visitor experiences, media coverage, earned revenue, and contributions.

Projects: The Communications Intern will be responsible for assisting the communications efforts of the Museum, under the direction of Senior Communications Manager and Communications Associate. Projects can include the archiving of press clippings, working on PR outreach mailings, drafting press releases, drafting ad copy, updating the Museum's social media outlets, among other tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: College or university coursework in communications, marketing, public relations, and/or journalism; good general computer knowledge (PC) of Microsoft Word and Excel; excellent research, multi-tasking, and organizational skills. Candidate must be extremely detail-oriented and possess strong writing skills, excellent telephone manner and time management/organization skills, and be willing to contribute where assistance is needed. Interest in contemporary art and Spanish fluency a plus.

*Please note that this is a part-time internship position.

To apply for the 2010 Summer Internship Program, all applicants must provide the following materials:

  • Résumé
  • Complete course list or transcript of college/university records
  • Cover letter explaining your interest in the program and what you hope to gain from the experience. In your letter, please make note of the position for which you are applying
  • One letter of recommendation, academic or professional

Please do not submit any supplementary materials, such as writing samples or artwork.

Mail application materials to:

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Attn: Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell
1100 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Contact Information:

For more information about the application process, please e-mail Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell, Education Programs Coordinator, at eyanghellewell@mcasd.org.

EVENT TECHNICIAN

Department: Hospitality and Events
Reports to: Hospitality and Events Manager
Employee Status: Part-time, On-call / Non-Exempt
Position Available: Immediately
Primary Work Location: La Jolla and Downtown
Requisition Number: 201003

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is currently seeking part-time, on-call Event Technicians.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Contributes to successful production of events for our patrons.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Must have fundamental stage lighting, sound reinforcement, PowerPoint presentation, and other audio/visual experience. Experience working various special events required, including lectures, concerts, weddings, film, audio/visual, and various performing arts and receptions. An interest or knowledge of contemporary art and or performing arts a plus. Candidates must possess excellent customer service and communication skills in order to interact diplomatically with community members and deal appropriately with clients and vendors for event services. Work is required on weekends, evenings, and some daytime events, often on short notice. Moderate to heavy lifting. Transportation required.

Please forward your resume, wage requirement, location preference, and work availability to clee@mcasd.org and reference "201003" in your subject heading.

SECURITY SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE

Department: Safety & Security
Reports to: Security Specialist
Employee Status: Part-time / Non-Exempt
Position Available: Immediately
Primary Work Location: La Jolla and Downtown
Requisition Number: 201002

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is currently seeking a qualified security professional to function as a Security Services Representative (SSR) assigned to work at the La Jolla and Downtown sites.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

  • Responsible for performing interior patrols of Museum galleries
  • Ensure Museum visitors adhere to organization's policy to preserve the collection and prevent theft or damage
  • Ensure that daily security reports are preformed properly
  • Impart knowledge of Museum exhibitions, events, and the surrounding area to patrons
  • Respond to any emergency events (e.g. medical emergencies, natural disasters, etc.)
  • Additional duties may include exterior facility patrols, vehicle escort after hours, and general Museum opening/closing procedures

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with strong organizational skills and planning ability
  • Excellent customer service skills; maintain professional demeanor in challenging, dynamic environment
  • Ability to perform crowd control by providing clear guidance and direction
  • Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to work with minimal supervision
  • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) preferred
  • CPR/FA/AED Certification is preferred, but training will be provided
  • Must have a flexible schedule
  • Ability to walk/stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs/stoop/kneel in order to perform security duties
  • High School Diploma (or Equivalent), some college course work preferred
  • Prior museum/art-related experience a plus, but not required
  • Minimum of 1 year prior security-related work experience preferred
  • Bilingual a plus

Please forward your resume, wage requirement, location preference and work availability to clee@mcasd.org and reference "201002" in your subject heading.

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER

Department: Advancement/Communications
Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer
Employee Status: Full-time
Primary Work Location: Downtown
Requisition Number: 200919

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Communications and Marketing Manager leads the Museum's efforts to promote MCASD and its collections, programs, activities, exhibitions, and facilities to local, national, and international media (print, electronic, and broadcast), and to oversee all aspects of media relations, marketing, and advertising for the purpose of Museum positioning, branding visibility, and audience and visitor growth in support of the Museum's mission and goals. The Manager is also responsible to build ongoing public interest and support for MCASD programming; to maximize revenues through paid admissions, ticket sales, media sponsorships, and other sources; and to sustain and expand the Museum's various audiences.

The Senior Communications and Marketing Manager is charged with enhancing MCASD's image through all communications and helping to promote increased attendance, earned revenue, and contributions through the development and execution of marketing and public relations plans. The position supervises a full-time Communications Associate, Visitor Services Supervisor, and Graphic Design Manager.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Creates and executes overall marketing and public relations strategies for the Museum.
  • Secures local, regional, national, and international media coverage of the Museum's exhibitions, public programs, fundraising activities, and other important events.
  • Conceives and implements overall institutional identity-building initiatives through audience research, strategic planning, media, and marketing research. A key initiative will be to implement an audience research survey as part of an arts innovation grant.
  • Understands, helps define, and ensures adherence to communication standards.
  • Is responsible for Museum and exhibition-related advertising strategies, including selection of publications for ad placement and layout, and confirming media buy with all participants including curators, director, and funders as appropriate. Negotiate media sponsorships for exhibitions and programs.
  • Institutes and supervises marketing initiatives for Museum exhibitions including cultivation events, cross-promotions, and targeted mailings with fellow cultural institutions, art schools, and arts organizations. Develop shared marketing and innovative partnerships with key arts and cultural organizations.
  • Works with travel and hospitality partners to promote MCASD as a cultural destination.
  • Writes press releases, pitch letters, fact sheets, media alerts, and other forms of media outreach.
  • Serves as primary liaison to PR, communications, marketing, and other consultants as needed.
  • Oversees Graphic Design Manager. Supervise print collateral and external signage and helps ensure design continuity for advertising and marketing campaigns.
  • Oversees Communications Associate's writing and production of the quarterly VIEW newsletter for distribution to members, funders, press, and the general public; and the MCASD Web site at www.mcasd.org.
  • Oversees the Visitor Services Supervisor to develop key strategies to grow membership, track visitor attendance, enhancing visitor experience, and provide excellent customer service.
  • Works with the Communications Associate to develop new media initiatives, including social networking, and community outreach to new audiences.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job; they do not purport to describe all functions of the position. Employees may be assigned other duties, and the essential responsibilities of this position may change or be changed from time to time.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have five to seven years experience in a directly related field, at a senior level. Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred, ideally in art history, public relations, marketing, communications, or liberal arts; or commensurate related experience. Demonstrated track record in planning and conducting major marketing and communications campaigns. Knowledge of national arts and audience trends and extensive experience with audience research, strategic public information, and community-relations concepts, principles, methodology, and techniques. Experience in media placement, printing, production, creative development, and innovative community partnerships. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of advertising and marketing theory, good contacts with media, and cooperative marketing partners, the ability to both lead and manage the marketing department staff, and also be an effective team player with MCASD's other staff. Must have excellent, demonstrated written, oral, interpersonal, and communication skills (including editing ability), and must be able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Candidates for this position should possess a good capacity for thinking strategically, as well as an ability to supervise and manage employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Nonprofit experience, particularly with an art museum, is preferred. Knowledge of art press and contemporary art is important. Should have an ability to work flexibly and collaboratively. Must be able to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with a high level of creativity and entrepreneurship.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

No unusual working conditions.

Competitive salary, depending on experience. Generous benefits package.

For candidacy consideration, please submit resume, salary requirements, and PERSONALIZED COVER LETTER to clee@mcasd.org.

SENIOR CURATOR & CURATORIAL DEPARTMENT HEAD

Department: Curatorial
Reports to: The David C. Copley Director
Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Requisition Number: 200915

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum seven years' curatorial experience with escalating responsibility and commensurate management experience. Requires demonstrated excellence in organizing contemporary art exhibitions and publications; close familiarity with museum practices; knowledge of American and international art markets; and a broad knowledge of art history. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and administrative skills; experience in donor cultivation; and an ability to motivate and work well with artists, colleagues, trustees, and volunteers. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

EDUCATION

Master's degree in art history or fine arts; Ph.D. preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Synopsis of position: Working with the Director and managing the curatorial team, the Senior Curator provides leadership in all aspects of artistic programming and operations, overseeing and managing MCASD's active exhibition schedule, 4,000-work collection, and artistic and interpretive programming for the Museum's two locations in La Jolla and downtown San Diego.
  • Responsibilities include initiating, budgeting, planning, and implementing internally generated exhibitions (some to travel) and overseeing traveling exhibitions
  • Undertaking original research and providing scholarly contributions to publications and gallery texts
  • Conceiving and overseeing artist residencies, site-specific installations, and collection commissions
  • Identifying and implementing institutional partnerships for joint programming, exhibitions, and acquisitions
  • Helping to build and refine the collection by acquisition and donation, working directly with the Museum's Director and Collections Committee on proposed donations, purchases, and collecting priorities
  • Supervising collections care, research, and conservation
  • Managing staff of 12 in curatorial department consisting of two additional full-time curators, education staff, registrars, and installation team
  • Developing and maintaining an annual departmental budget that includes exhibitions, publications, education programming, accessions, collection storage and maintenance, salaries, and general departmental needs
  • Working closely with Director and Development staff to identify and secure funding sources and grants, as well as cultivate patrons and organize and lead donor trips
  • Partnering with Communications team to raise the local, national, and international profile of MCASD
  • Developing and maintaining a strong network of contacts including artists, dealers, curators, museum directors, and collectors
  • Representing the Museum on external advisory boards and committees
For candidacy consideration, please submit resume and PERSONALIZED COVER LETTER including salary requirement with subject heading 200915 to ifunck@mcasd.org.

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