Director of Artistic Programs

ABOUT LMCC

LMCC is Manhattan’s Arts Council—a dynamic non-profit organization with a 50 year history of supporting and connecting artists and communities throughout Manhattan.

Founded in 1973, LMCC serves hundreds of artists and tens of thousand of audiences each year through robust Re-granting and Artist Residency Programs as well as a dynamic calendar of free public art events throughout Manhattan and at the Arts Center at Governors Island—a 40,000 square foot arts center that is activated year round with public programs and art exhibitions.

We are a 20 person team of passionate and devoted arts leaders and administrators, providing funding, studio and rehearsal space, professional development, and leadership in cultural planning and advocacy. All activities and operations are supported by a $6M budget and the leadership of an engaged Board of Directors.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

LMCC seeks a visionary and strategic Director of Artistic Programs to lead and shape the future of our artist-centered initiatives. This role requires a dynamic leader to provide overarching direction, strategy, and administration for LMCC’s comprehensive Artistic Programs, including regranting, residencies, and public programming such as exhibitions, productions, and workshops. The Director will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impact within the department, ensuring alignment with LMCC’s mission and strategic goals.

The Director will have a strong focus on team management, partnership development, and innovative program delivery with a focus on strategic thinking to maximize resources, expand program reach, and enhance opportunities for artists. Working closely with LMCC leadership, and fellow department heads, the Director will play a key role in advancing LMCC’s position as a leading arts organization.

The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, passionate about arts and culture, innovative in their approach to artist support, and committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive artistic community. The Director will possess a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the arts sector and will develop creative, forward-thinking strategies that build on LMCC’s legacy and drive sustainable growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Program Management

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for all programming initiatives with an eye toward ensuring alignment with LMCC’s mission and strategic priorities. Key program areas are:
  • Regranting:
    • Oversee the program delivery of LMCC’s regrant programs for artists and organizations throughout the borough of Manhattan.
    • Serve as a liaison with program funders, including Howard Gillman, DCLA, NYSCA, and UMEZ, ensuring compliance and timely reporting of activities.
  • Residencies
    • Oversee the design, administration, and implementation of LMCC’s artist residency programs Workspace and Arts Center Residency (ACR).
    • Work with the VP of Operations to develop a real estate strategy to maintain and/or procure spaces/sites as required for continued program activities.
  • Public Programs
    • Work with the Executive office to develop a year-round calendar of public programming including exhibitions, productions, and workshops at both at the Arts Center and across the borough
    • Act as primary point of contact for LMCC’s River To River festival in the development of season planning.
    • Work with the Operations team to execute public programming initiatives on time and on budget.
• Develop and implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure program impact, track progress, and inform strategic decision-making for each of LMCC’s key programmatic offerings: Regranting, Residencies, and Public Programming.

Partnership Development and Management

• Work with the Executive Office to cultivate and manage strategic programmatic partnerships with external organizations, artists, and stakeholders to expand resources, enhance program delivery, and create new opportunities for LMCC’s community.
• Work with the Institutional Advancement team to identify and pursue funding opportunities to support program growth and sustainability.

Financial and Administrative Oversight

• Oversee the development and management of departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational goals.
• Contribute to LMCC’s strategic planning process, providing insights and recommendations related to artist services and programming.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision to the Artist Services & Programming team, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing work environment.
• Set clear goals and expectations for team members, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 9+ years of progressively responsible experience in arts administration or a related field, with 2+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and implementing innovative artist service and programming initiatives with a focus on grantmaking.
• Demonstrated experience in event management and/or producing.
• Demonstrated experience in team management, supervision, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Strong experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships with external organizations and funders.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of the NYC arts community, funding landscape, and current trends in the field.
• Proficiency in relevant software and technology including Docusign, Google Suites, and Submittable.