Position Summary: The South Side Community Art Center’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for providing organizational leadership and vision and as the #2 senior leader of the Center, oversees financial and resource management, and works in partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to advance the organization’s efforts to impact both the established and emerging arts community while maintaining a legacy of arts advocacy on Chicago’s Southside. The primary responsibilities of the SSCAC COO shall include oversight and management of the Center’s daily operations and key resources. The COO will oversee its financial management; Human Resources (including staff and volunteer training and recruitment); facilities management, IT and related systems management; and risk management. The Executive Director and COO will jointly manage the Center’s longer-term facilities planning / capital projects and fundraising with the COO managing membership and grants management. The COO partners with the Executive Director to support the Center’s artistic direction, as well as its programming, the conservation and maintenance of the Center’s archives and collection, and marketing / communications. The COO will work collaboratively with the Executive Director to ensure that the organization meets its goals and objectives. The Chief Operating Officer reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the Board of Directors to keep them informed of management operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Management • Contribute to the development of the organization’s strategic goals and objectives as well as the overall management of the organization. • Represent the organization externally, as necessary, particularly in banking and lease negotiations, interfacing with key vendors, including the Center’s external auditors. • Oversee workflow of Center operations including facility maintenance and rental policies. • Carry out policies and operations as determined in partnership with the SSCAC Board of Directors and Executive Director. • Understand the role of technology in information exchange and works to ensure that the SSCAC employs current and innovative methods needed to reach multiple demographic groups. Develop 2 and implement clear IT equipment and information management policies to ensure information is secure and appropriate steps are taken to manage data security, etc. • Ensure the operations and administration of the Center follow and comply with all local, state, and federal regulations. • Develop and oversee all risk management activities, including procurement and maintenance of appropriate insurance coverages for the Center and its operations, and the safe keeping of the Center’s data, facilities, archive, and collection. • Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the finance, grants management and operations teams. • Work in partnership with the with the ED, and as necessary, work with the SSCAC Board of Directors and attend Board meetings as requested.
Financial Management • Serve as chief financial officer of the organization, working in partnership with the Executive Director, Board Treasurer and Finance Committee to steward the financial resources of the SSCAC. • Advise the executive director and other key staff on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, investment priorities, risk management and policy matters. • In partnership with the Executive Director and Board Treasurer, manage the SSCAC budget, including planning, preparing, monitoring, and administering the budget; recommend opportunities to grow and develop sustainable revenue streams. • In partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, support the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy, including support for the annual operating budget and a major capital campaign to support capital improvements to the Center and programmatic growth. • Oversee restricted gift management (grants and individual donors) to track grant purposes, budgets and expenses to ensure that restricted funds are spent in accordance with donor/foundation wishes. • Serve as the management liaison to the board and finance committee; effectively communicate and present critical financial matters at select board of directors and committee meetings.
Human Resources • Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality. • Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development. • Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, with Executive Director conduct annual (and mid-year) performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments. • Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach: assign accountabilities; set objectives; establish priorities; and monitor and evaluate results. • Manage the full, part-time, volunteer and contract staff including staff development, coaching, collaboration, problem solving and goal setting. Conduct annual staff evaluations and mid-year reviews for report directs and others as necessary. Direct reports include: Accountant (Contract), Membership and Audience Development Manager, Facilities Manager, and Executive Assistant/Operations Manager (co-managed with the Executive Director).
Stakeholder Communication, Engagement & Fundraising • Interface with major stakeholders for the purposes of fundraising, including major gifts and grants for special projects, operations, and development of the Center. 3 • Work in partnership with the Executive Director and Development committee to develop a fundraising strategy and track metrics to evaluate that strategy on an on-going basis. • Utilize traditional, print, social, and other forms of media to bring visitors to the SSCAC and foster membership growth. • Perform a variety of public relations activities; coordinate communication both internal and external concerning all aspects of SSCAC, work closely with affiliate groups, encourage and work with potential donors and sponsors to increase local community appreciation of the arts, and often gives presentations to various groups. • Attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and other training for professional development purposes. • Prepare annual report and other special reports as requested by funders, the Board, and other key stakeholders.
Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Enthusiasm for SSCAC’s mission, history, vision, values, and goals. • Commitment to SSCAC’s values of inclusion, legacy, and deepening public understanding of Black art and creativity. • Highly confident public speaker and proven relationship builder. • Passion for Black art and culture, and for supporting artists’ work and their voices. • Ability to listen to and understand various perspectives and identities, with an intersectional and intergenerational approach and framework. • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience. • Successful operational experience in a non-profit organization preferred; skill sets should include financial and operational management, experience in developing and managing annual operating and capital budgets, and deep knowledge of financial controls necessary for a non-profit organization. • Ability to interact with both artists and families as well as funders, donors, and the press. • Commitment to expanding and maintaining strategic community connections and strengthening the institution. • Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, work in a fast-paced, self-managed environment, establish effective working relationships with staff, and perform within set deadlines. • Ability to get things done quickly with attention to detail. • Ability to work flexible hours as necessary, including on some evenings and weekends as required by events and programs at the Center. • Strong communication, analytical, and project management skills and excellent grammar, editing, and proofreading skills. • Knowledge of and fluency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and other administrative software programs and related information technology. • Must be able to pass pre-employment substance abuse screening plus a background check. The above list of duties is illustrative and is not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this position.
Compensation: The SSCAC COO position salary range is $85,000 to $95,000 annually based on experience. Healthcare and dental benefits are provided with a percentage of the premium paid by the South Side Community Art Center and Two weeks paid vacation. The role offers a casual work environment; Full time 37.5 to 40 hours consistent with SSCAC’s schedule and additional hours for extended evening and weekend programs, board meetings, events and other activities as needed. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.
The South Side Community Art Center is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process may contact the South Side Community Art Center by calling (773) 373- 1026 or by emailing jobs@sscartcenter.org with their request. Provide a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to jobs@sscartcenter.org. The application review process will begin Monday, June 3, 2024.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule:
Experience:
- Operations management: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60653 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60653: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person