Division Head of Engagement and Community Development

The Arts Institute of Middlesex County (AIMC), established in 2020, is a branch within Middlesex County Government dedicated to promoting and celebrating the County’s rich arts, history, and culture. As part of the Department of Economic Development, AIMC serves as a pillar for community engagement, quality of life, and economic vitality, ensuring that artistic and cultural achievements remain accessible to nearly one million residents.

The Division of Engagement and Community Development is an anchor division within AIMC, working in tandem with the Divisions of Administration and Education to support the Visual and Performing Arts and History and Historic Preservation divisions. This role is crucial in identifying underserved communities and ensuring equitable access to arts, culture, and history programs. Additionally, the division fosters collaboration across County departments and external partners, serving as a conduit for broader community engagement and interdisciplinary initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Engagement & Program Development

• Drive awareness and engagement in arts, culture, and history programming across Middlesex County in collaboration with subject area divisions.
• Convene stakeholders to pool resources, talent, and ideas for new and expanded initiatives.
• Identify community leaders addressing local needs and leverage arts, culture, and history resources to support their efforts.
• Represent the Arts Institute at community meetings, expanding awareness and increasing participation in arts, culture, and history programming. 

Grants & Equity Initiatives

• Guide equitable grantmaking, focusing on smaller grantees rather than Core Partners.
• Conduct site visits (or delegate staff) to underserved communities, offering support, County representation, and grant compliance tracking.
• Cultivate new grantee applicants, ensuring arts, culture, and history remain accessible to all.
• Maintain strong relationships with grantees and stay informed about the communities and neighborhoods they serve. 

Cross-Agency Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships

• Foster partnerships with other County agencies, such as Replenish, Office of Aging and Disability, and Housing, to enhance community impact.
• Utilize data from The Osgood Group and County reports to prioritize scalable initiatives that address identified community needs.
• Continuously evaluate program outcomes to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and maximize community impact. 

Leadership & Team Development

• Act as a role model, fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with the Arts Institute’s mission.
• Understand and articulate Arts Institute KPIs/OKRs, ensuring that all initiatives align with measurable goals.
• Delegate responsibilities with clarity, setting expectations, and monitoring progress through weekly check-ins.
• Lead structured team meetings to provide updates, encourage collaboration, and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide professional development opportunities for staff, empowering them to operate with increased autonomy and leadership.
• Conduct annual performance appraisals to ensure alignment with County standards and the Arts Institute’s KPIs. 

Operational & Administrative Responsibilities

• Communicate promptly, efficiently, and professionally, utilizing official County communication channels (email, Microsoft Teams, County-issued phone).
• Maintain an up-to-date shared calendar with scheduled meetings and work sessions.
• Oversee personnel time management (e.g., PTO, overtime, shift scheduling), ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Advocate for resources and cross-collaboration with colleagues and the Arts Institute Director to effectively carry out programming.
• Coordinate budget planning and projected expenses in cooperation with the Administration and Education Division.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred in Arts Administration, Community Development, Public Administration, or related fields.
• 5 years of experience in community engagement, arts administration, or nonprofit leadership, focusing on equitable access and public service.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team supervision skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, track community needs, and implement impact-driven programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and grants management systems.
• Valid driver’s license and availability for occasional evening/weekend events.

For more information on the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, visit: https://discovermiddlesex.com/arts-institute/

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.