Chief Curator

About YBCA For three decades, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts has served as a dynamic hub for contemporary art in San Francisco"s downtown community, showcasing innovative and thought-provoking contemporary art across various disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, film and more.

YBCA brings together artists, audiences, and perspectives under one roof. We believe it's this synergy that makes the city what it is today and will be for years to come–a hotbed for new and emerging creativity—a place where the rich tapestry of the Bay Area comes to life and its artists, people, and ideas thrive.

YBCA aims to be a catalyst for conversations around critical social and cultural questions, using art as a medium to engage audiences in meaningful dialogues. To do this, YBCA is committed to supporting artists who push boundaries and challenge conventions, encouraging experimentation and innovation in the arts. YBCA's Mission Vision, and Values

Mission : To be a gathering space for creative expression that fosters meaningful connection for all.

Vision : To be a catalyst of creative exploration, expression and innovation that empowers artists, inspires community and drives lasting social change.

Values :

Belonging : We believe the arts are for everyone.Inclusive Collaboration : We are stronger together.Optimism : Art has the power to inspire change.Curiosity : We believe that learning is at the center of all artistic expression.

Job Title : Chief Curator Reports to : CEO FLSA Status : Exempt, Full-Time 37.5 hours / week Schedule : Monday-Friday, some evenings, weekends, & events Compensation : $206,000 / annually

About the role

As a key senior management team member, the Chief Curator will come to YBCA with significant curatorial and programmatic expertise emphasizing fresh and engaging work. The Chief Curator will be collaborative, committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment, and eager to work across disciplines. This role will drive YBCA's multidisciplinary program strategy and oversee the implementation of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, Education, and Community Engagement. The Chief Curator will manage the exhibitions, public programs and education teams and work closely with the CEO, External Relations, Operations, Events and Production teams to design and operationalize cross-departmental campaigns, programs, and initiatives that position YBCA as an active hub for arts and culture.

The Chief Curator will be a proven leader committed to reimagining the role of arts institutions in the life of San Francisco and the Bay Area at large. The ideal candidate has a solid track record of overseeing the design and implementation of complex projects, managing large cross-disciplinary teams and diverse partners, and has demonstrated marketing and fundraising experience. The position reports to the CEO and collaborates with all departments, including the Board of Directors, and external partners. Through inspiring, insightful leadership, the Chief Curator will lead the curatorial team to position YBCA as a leader among arts institutions.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the creation and implementation of YBCA's artistic plan, ensuring alignment with the institution"s strategic plan.Collaborate and coordinate across departments and functions - production, exhibitions, education, external relations, development, and other key departments to ensure alignment of YBCA programmatic objectives.Plan, develop, implement and manage approved budgets, and allocation of resources for the curatorial teams.Identify, recruit, hire, develop, manage, supervise, and evaluate team members to achieve the organization"s goals, while embodying YBCA's values and commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. Participate in opportunities to foster communications and fundraising efforts for the organization, including public speaking engagements.Actively participate in visitor and participant assessment to ensure increased community engagement.Ensure that YBCA has engaging and productive relationships with peer professionals and institutions locally, regionally, and nationally.Communicate a compelling and cohesive vision of YBCA exhibitions, film and theater programs, and events to internal staff, BOD, donors, partners, members and participants.Provide strategic vision and tactical and leadership support to implement and execute programs.

Qualifications, education, trainings, & certifications

Minimum Qualifications

Leadership experience in a museum or arts organization, including a strong record of innovation in developing an artistic vision and related programs and events.Minimum of 6 years of management-level experience with demonstrated project leadership and experience, managing substantial and complex projects, teams, and budgets.Experience in developing effective community partnerships, taking initiative, ownership and influencing others to action.Demonstrated expertise in engaging potential donors and funders; a compelling communicator.Has local community experience as well as a national reputation.Applied knowledge of professional curatorial and programmatic principles, practices and proceduresSelf-directed, motivatedFlexible and collaborative; open to occasional evening and weekend hours.

Skills and Abilities :

Exemplary written, verbal, and listening communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionallyStrong staff management and mentoring skillsEffective interpersonal skillsHighly developed public speaking skillsSelf-directed, able to work independently and effectivelyMaintain highest levels of confidentiality and discretionUnderstand and maintain highest ethical standards related to organizational responsibilities and public accountabilityAbility to create and successfully manage an annual budgetDemonstrated organizational planning, problem-solving, collaboration, and change management skillsDemonstrated understanding and use of diplomacyProficient Microsoft Office and Google suite, data and project management software, and ability to share compelling content for social media.Thrives in a highly collaborative environment that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and works effectively with people of varied backgrounds, experiences, points of view, and aspirations.

Who Should Apply?

Creatives with a strong curatorial perspective and a commitment to broadening audiences for contemporary art.Experienced managers who motivate teams to work together to achieve their goals in a dynamic environment. Intentional leaders who believe in the power of arts and creativity to inspire change in individuals, communities and systems.

If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

We are eager to review applications from candidates who believe in YBCA"s mission and are excited to contribute to our work. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the requirements of the job description.

Compensation & Benefits The salary for this position is $206,000 and includes a competitive benefits package.

Benefits include :

Time off : PTO, holidays, & floating holidaysMedical, dental, visionLong term disability, life and AD&D insurance, including voluntary lifeFlexible spending account (FSA) for eligible health & dependent care expenses, and transit / parking expenses403(b) retirement plan with match

Equal Opportunity Employer

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a work culture and environment that is reflective of San Francisco Bay Area demography. The Center encourages and actively recruits applicants representing dimensions of difference that include — but are not limited to — age, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender or political affiliation.

YBCA will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).

Accommodations

YBCA is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact accommodations@ybca.org with the subject line Accommodations Request.

Health and Safety

At YBCA, we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our community. Our current COVID-19 health and safety protocols meet or exceed local, state, and federal public health requirements. We require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Exemption from these requirements will be reviewed according to standards set forth by state and local health agencies and reasonable accommodations will be made for those providing valid exemptions.

All initial interviews will be conducted remotely via phone or video conference. Please note that this position may perform some work remotely and on site responsibilities. Application Status

After you apply, you will receive a confirmation email to let you know that your resume has been received. A member of our recruiting team will personally review your application and, if you are a potential match for one of our open positions, we will be in touch. If there is not a match right now, we will keep your resume on file for future opportunities.

Agencies and Recruiting Firms : Please note that we will only review applications submitted directly by candidates and do not accept resumes or pay fees to third parties. Any unsolicited resumes received will be considered the property of YBCA.

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Salary : $206,000