University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

The Daniel Dietrich II Director, ICA

Job Profile Title

Director F, Curatorial

Job Description Summary

The next Director of the ICA will step into a regionally, nationally, and internationally relevant institution at the forefront of contemporary art. They will have the extraordinary opportunity to shape the ICA's future – and, with success, the future of the city and the field – driving its mission as a bold hub for experimentation, groundbreaking ideas, intellectual rigor, and the cultivation and launch of visionary artists.

Job Description

In taking on the role, the Director will:

Job Responsibilities

• Build upon and extend the ICA's reputation as an innovative, world-class, progressive cultural destination, both virtually and in person.

• Ensure a compelling program that defies art world homogeneity.

• As chief executive, manage effectively the day-to-day operations of the ICA. Commit to and support a caring and creative workplace environment, considering systems and infrastructure that will keep the ICA proactive, responsive, and sustainable.

• Leverage the assets, resources, and interdisciplinary expertise across the University to support curricular initiatives, research, and student engagement for the mutual benefit of the ICA, the greater university community, artists, and the field.

• Articulate the ICA’s position in the Philadelphia art community and its mission in creating transformative experiences through art and ideas.

• Work effectively and strategically with ICA’s Board of Advisors and the development team to expand fundraising and friend-raising; help recruit to the Board where appropriate; and cultivate new and deepen existing donor relationships to facilitate financial sustainability, ongoing excellence, and growth.

• Advance diversity, equity, accessibility, belonging, and inclusion efforts internally and externally. Foster a welcoming culture and ethos where staff want to work, guests want to visit, and the creative community will support.

• Initiate, support, and strengthen collaborative relationships within the ICA and across the University.

Qualifications

• Masters of Science, Masters of Arts and Over 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Personal integrity and intellectual independence. Compelling and passionate about art and ideas with an irrepressible sense of purpose and mission.

• Institutional experience in a leadership capacity, including a deep knowledge of emerging contemporary art, educational and outreach programs, artist development, and governance structures.

• Ability to provide vision and a clear strategic direction, building on predecessors’ successes and defining, communicating, and executing clear priorities without succumbing to bureaucratic muddle.

• Proven financial acumen; ability to manage a seven-figure operating budget, physical plant, and dedicated team of employees.

• Demonstrated ambition and record of success in fundraising and broad audience engagement.

• Significant background and experience creating and managing curatorial programs, major scholarly exhibitions, and publications; an advanced degree in an appropriate academic discipline or equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and academic personnel in a university environment.

• Proven commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, belonging, and inclusion, including the recruitment and retention of excellent and diverse collaborators, artists, workforce, and Board.

• Experience envisioning and executing high-impact collaborations, capitalizing on and contributing to Philadelphia’s unique cultural ethos and dynamic.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, whether in the elevator or at the podium.

The ICA has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this important recruitment. Please direct all inquiries, nominations, and applications electronically and in confidence to:

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

The ICA has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this important recruitment. Please direct all inquiries, nominations, and applications electronically and in confidence to:

Sarah James, Ben Tobin, Quizayra Gonzalez - Isaacson, Miller

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/university-pennsylvania-institute-contemporary-art/director

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Institute of Contemporary Art

Pay Range

$129,695.00 - $250,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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  To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

  The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.