Executive Director at Society for Contemporary Art in Chicago, US

Organisation: Society for Contemporary Art (SCA)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, US
Salary: $100,000–$120,000 per annum
Contract: Not specified
Benefits: Healthcare stipend, paid time off and paid holidays
Application deadline: Not specified

The Society for Contemporary Art (SCA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organisation’s strategic development, programming, membership growth and fundraising, while strengthening its longstanding partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago.

Founded in 1940, SCA is a nonprofit, membership-supported organisation dedicated to fostering engagement with contemporary art. Working closely with the Art Institute of Chicago’s curatorial team, SCA supports acquisitions for the museum’s permanent collection and organises public programmes, artist talks, exhibitions and cultural events.

The Executive Director will oversee the organisation’s operations and work with its Board of Directors to expand SCA’s visibility, strengthen its membership community and deepen its connections with Chicago’s contemporary art sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies for membership growth, engagement and organisational development.
• Strengthen partnerships with the Art Institute of Chicago, artists, curators and cultural organisations.
• Oversee SCA’s public programmes, including lectures, artist conversations, gallery visits and cultural events.
• Coordinate the annual artwork acquisition process in collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago’s curatorial team.
• Lead fundraising activities, sponsorship initiatives and the organisation’s biennial benefit gala.
• Manage organisational budgets, financial reporting and operational planning.
• Supervise staff, coordinate external service providers and support the Board and its committees.
• Develop communications strategies to increase SCA’s visibility and engagement within Chicago’s cultural community.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A bachelor’s degree in humanities, business or communications. A master’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Five to ten years of experience in the nonprofit or arts sectors.
• Experience managing programmes, events, budgets and organisational operations.
• Familiarity with fundraising and nonprofit membership organisations.
• Strong communication, project management and interpersonal skills.
• A genuine interest in contemporary art and the ability to work collaboratively with artists, curators, museum staff and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Familiarity with Chicago’s cultural landscape and experience with design, communications or social media platforms are advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers an annual salary of $100,000–$120,000, depending on experience, alongside a healthcare stipend, paid time off and paid holidays.

SCA encourages applications from candidates with a strong interest in contemporary art who may not meet every listed qualification.

Application deadline: Not specified. The position is currently advertised on the organisation’s website.

Image: Courtesy of Society for Contemporary Art.