Executive Director
Museum of Craft and Design - San Francisco, CA
The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) seeks an Executive Director to be an execution-focused leader and trailblazer for the Museum. MCD is a highly respected institution with both local and global reach, and is positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. This is an exciting opportunity to lead MCD into the future, exhibiting the unique perspective of the intersection of excellent design and fine craft, building diverse audiences by recognizing multiple perspectives, continuing the process of building a secure financial future for the institution, and promoting a positive work environment. The Executive Director will be fully responsible for the vision and oversight of this 21-year-old institution. They will build on MCD’s history of presenting some of the best in fine craft and superb design, and its culture of innovation, bold curatorial choices, diversity, and philanthropy. Reporting to and partnering with the Board of Directors, the ED will lead all aspects of the museum and will be responsible for the achievement of the museum’s mission and goals. The ED will also serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Museum.
The Museum of Craft and Design is the only museum in San Francisco devoted to craft and design. Through inspired exhibitions and experiential programs, MCD explores the creative process and current perspectives in craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers, and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. As a non-collecting institution, the museum actively collaborates with artists, designers, museums, and universities, as well as design venues and practitioners to create inspirational experiences in the world of craft and design for visitors of all ages. From late-night museum parties and speaker series to festival pop-ups and drop-in programming–MCD presents dynamic learning opportunities for guests of all ages. Led by their education team and in collaboration with local artists, designers, and makers, the Museum of Craft and Design hosts a variety of hands-on explorations of emerging design concepts, trending crafts, artistic techniques, materiality, function, and the creative process.
"What MCD needs now is a new Executive Director with the vision, steady hands, and drive necessary to mobilize these advantages into a trajectory of continued growth. Identifying and engaging new contributors is a critical part of the Executive Director’s remit. Serving as an effective ambassador to the worlds of craft and of design is also a key part of the work. The community of supporters needs to be expanded, and MCD’s profile further enhanced through exceptional public offerings and effective personal engagement. The vibrancy of MCD’s future will depend on the new Executive Director’s mustering the enthusiasm and financial support of the craft and design communities to support the continuation of MCD’s success story. I invite you to consider whether you might be the person to take on this exciting challenge. If you conclude the answer is yes, I urge you to apply and look forward to engaging with you." — Neil O’Donnell, Chair, Board of Directors
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
The Museum of Craft and Design is the only museum in San Francisco devoted to craft and design. Through inspired exhibitions and experiential programs, MCD explores the creative process and current perspectives in craft and design. Founded in 2004, MCD showcases designers, makers, and artists through an exciting and distinctive series of craft and design-focused exhibitions and public programs. As a non-collecting institution, the museum actively collaborates with artists, designers, museums, and universities, as well as design venues and practitioners to create inspirational experiences in the world of craft and design for visitors of all ages. From late-night museum parties and speaker series to festival pop-ups and drop-in programming–MCD presents dynamic learning opportunities for guests of all ages. Led by their education team and in collaboration with local artists, designers, and makers, the Museum of Craft and Design hosts a variety of hands-on explorations of emerging design concepts, trending crafts, artistic techniques, materiality, function, and the creative process.
"What MCD needs now is a new Executive Director with the vision, steady hands, and drive necessary to mobilize these advantages into a trajectory of continued growth. Identifying and engaging new contributors is a critical part of the Executive Director’s remit. Serving as an effective ambassador to the worlds of craft and of design is also a key part of the work. The community of supporters needs to be expanded, and MCD’s profile further enhanced through exceptional public offerings and effective personal engagement. The vibrancy of MCD’s future will depend on the new Executive Director’s mustering the enthusiasm and financial support of the craft and design communities to support the continuation of MCD’s success story. I invite you to consider whether you might be the person to take on this exciting challenge. If you conclude the answer is yes, I urge you to apply and look forward to engaging with you." — Neil O’Donnell, Chair, Board of Directors
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.