Job Title: Director of Operations

Classification: Exempt

How to Apply: Email cover letter and resume/cv to eva@nextlevelstrategies.net

Summary

About the Djerassi Resident Artists Program: 

The mission of the internationally renowned Djerassi Resident Artists Program is to support and enhance the creativity of artists by providing uninterrupted time for work, reflection, and collegial interaction in a setting of great natural beauty, and to preserve the land on which the Program is situated.

Djerassi is the largest artist residency program in the western United States, regularly awarding month-long, fee-free residencies to approximately 60 artists per year, as well as other residencies. The 583-acre ranch in Northern California rises to the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains with views west over the Pacific Ocean. Artists of all disciplines, from all over the world, and at different stages of their careers apply and are selected through a highly competitive jury process. Djerassi alumni now number more than 2,500. Founded in 1979 in memory of artist Pamela Djerassi, the Program has been an independent non-profit since 1994 and operates with an annual budget of approximately $1M.

About the Opportunity and the Successful Candidate:

The Djerassi Resident Artists Program is seeking a dynamic and experienced candidate to serve as Director of Operations to advance the mission and lead the organization. 

The Director of Operations serves as the organizational leader and chief operating officer of Djerassi, working closely with and reporting to the Board of Trustees. The Director of Operations directs and administers all organization programs, operations, and policies, including the organization’s goals of greater diversity, equity, and inclusivity, in addition to leading a small and dedicated team of approximately 10 professional staff. The Director is expected to reside in the on-site Director’s House, provided as a condition of employment (see details below). Primary areas of responsibility include:

• Equitable and ethical leadership; a solution-maker; always direct, transparent, and open
• Culture-building, staff leadership, management and oversight
• Quarterly and annual planning for programs, environmental stewardship, and ranch maintenance, in coordination with Programs Director, Ranch Director, and development staff
• Budgeting and fiscal management, working with the Program’s chief financial officer, other staff, and board
• Partnering with development staff and board on fundraising and grant oversight
• Community relations, representing the Program with artists, alumni, partner organizations, supporters, and the general public

Qualities and qualifications of successful candidates:

Operating an international artists residency in the rugged Santa Cruz Mountains is no mean feat. The ability to wrangle important details while simultaneously cultivating productive personal relationships and developing a compelling, long-term vision is key. A passion for the arts, artists, and new ideas, as well as for nature and the environment will be key.

• At least 5 years management experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization, with significant experience in the arts or a related area; prior experience as President or Executive Director is strongly preferred
• Excellent temperament; ability to handle exigencies while also maintaining strategic focus 
• A roll-up-your-sleeves, get-the-job-done kind of attitude, comfortable in a casual outdoor setting
• Ability to positively motivate and develop staff, board, and volunteers.
• Visionary, innovative, and resourceful thinker
• Understanding of and commitment to the organization’s diversity, equity, access, and inclusion goals
• Ability to create positive and productive relationships with all sectors of the community, staff, and board of trustees
• Readiness to live on the Program’s beautiful property in rural Woodside, CA
• Valid driver’s license

Housing details:

• Director’s House is a large 2-bedroom, 2 ½ bath open-plan ranch house with decks facing the Pacific Ocean. Additional space includes a downstairs area with another bedroom, sitting room, and two large storage closets
• An adjacent 1,000 square-foot wing/studio serves as an administration office

Compensation:

• Salary: ~$110k-$140k DOE
• Generous benefits package, including full health, dental, and vision coverage

Physical requirements:

The physical requirements listed are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regular and consistent attendance and the ability to sit and work with hands and arms for at least eight (8) hours per day and five (5) days per week.
• Physical ability to stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, walk, crawl, push and pull items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Stand and move throughout the office.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Have consistent and reliable onsite attendance at the office.
• Proficient interpersonal relations and communicative skills in English;
• Interpret and follow a variety of instructions and procedures furnished in English – written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Meet daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly and other deadlines consistently.
• Work under pressure with changing, dynamic priorities.
• Communicate effectively and promptly to constituents, vendors or employees of the organization.
• High level of manual dexterity to adeptly type and use computer equipment.
• Auditory and visual skills – Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

How to apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume/cv to eva@nextlevelstrategies.net.