Employment Opportunities with NBMAA

Deputy Director of Operations

New Britain Museum of American Art

Summary: The Deputy Director of Operations occupies a critical leadership position within The New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA). Working closely with and reporting to the Museum’s Director and CEO, the Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) provides leadership for the effective operational and financial management of the NBMAA and oversees the overall administrative management of the museum departments including implementation of strategic objectives and organizational initiatives. The DDO works collaboratively with museum-wide departmental leadership to promote a highly functional, interactive, and dynamic museum team. This individual will be expected to interface and build trusting relationships within the organization, including staff, volunteers, and Board of Trustees, as well as external entities such as auditors, vendors, and consultants, and to unite multiple constituents among key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accountability for a healthy, sustainable operating environment. In the absence of the Director, this individual is charged with day-to-day leadership decisions.

The Deputy Director of Operations is responsible for all human resource, operational, and business matters of the NBMAA, with direct managerial oversight of key functions including Finance (Director of Finance co-reports to Director and CEO as well as DDO), Human Resource, Information Technology, Facilities, Security, Visitor Experience, and Retail.

In consultation with the Director and CEO, the DDO provides operational leadership and direction, broadly defines and articulates metrics for institutional success, develops policies and procedures related to process improvements and performance enhancement throughout the organization, and works to implement short-and long-term strategic goals.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Oversees key areas of operations and departments:
    • Finance, Accounting, HR and IT: including responsibility for and oversight of all financial activities of the NBMAA including institutional audit, budgeting/ forecasting and development of business policies and internal controls for the museum’s fiscal operations; optimize technology across the museum to increase organizational efficiency, improve information accessibility and ensure data security;
    • Visitor Experience (including public/social programs and Retail operations) to oversee and promote the highest standard for visitor service to ensure the efficient and welcoming delivery of front desk and visitor service functions; and to maximize revenues through earned income sources including admissions, event ticket sales, facility rental, and retail operations as well as new business opportunities;
    • Facilities and Security on the care of the physical plant and review of building maintenance and security policies; ensure the functional optimization of the physical plant by addressing operational, aesthetic, security and safety issues in the most cost effective manner possible; assure that the building maintains the highest standards for cleanliness and attention to detail in both public and office spaces; oversees planning and implementation of major constructions projects.
  • Supervises all museum administrative areas to assure effectiveness and efficiencies among all museum departments by working and ensuring collaboration in accordance with the NBMAA’s vision, values and objectives. Supports the coordination and follow-through on all museum initiatives by working and influencing department leadership through measured engagement and analysis and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability;
  • Drives strategic and tactical planning effort that strengthen the museum’s infrastructure and sustainability; take ownership of the NBMAA’s valuable human and capital assets and ensure the long-term health and viability of these assets by utilizing forecasts and analytical tools as well as processes to support and track effectiveness, and encourage sound financial decision-making and discipline at all levels;
  • Oversees all contract management and legal compliance matters on behalf of the museum, acting as primary point of contact with legal counsel;
  • Maintains cooperative and effective relationships with the Collections, Curatorial, Education, Marketing, and Development departments and providing consultation to improve efficiencies in each department’s administrative, operational, and financial areas aligned with Museum priorities;
  • Develops agenda and coordinates all administrative work activities for museum departments including senior staff meetings;
  • Works with all museum departments and is responsible for developing and overseeing tactical plan to support Strategic Plan goals;
  • Preparation, consolidation, and review in advance Board of Trustees packets, which includes reports developed by all departments. Coordinates the activities of various sub-committees of the Board of Trustees and facilitates the production of minutes and various actions of these groups;
  • Lead special projects – including capital upgrade and new construction projects – as designated by the Director.
  • Represents the museum at professional gatherings and at civic social events, conventions, committee and various trustee and staff meetings;
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director and CEO.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration or a related field required. MBA strongly preferred;
  • Minimum ten years in senior level administration and /or financial management required, with five years in non-profit management capacity preferred;
  • Proven senior-level, analytical problem-solving and planning capability, as well as significant team-building and supervisory experience in non-profit environment, preferably working within dynamic cultural organizations;
  • Demonstrated expertise in working with and maintaining effective working relationships among multiple constituencies including external boards and committees;
  • Dedicated manager who is self-motivated and can take charge, build consensus, work cross-functionally and motivate staff to promote a collaborative environment and culture of inclusion;
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the presence to serve as an effective spokesperson for the NBMAA in all administrative, operational, and financial matters and able to effectively relate to the NBMAA’s Board, staff, and community;
  • Excellent planning, financial management, and organizational skills;
  • Strong professional network;
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and internet based research;
  • Willingness to attend after-hour and weekend functions as well as travel as necessary.

Please submit resume and cover letter with salary requirements to [email protected].

All applicants are subject to a criminal background check prior to employment.