Executive Director Needed
CEPA Gallery Announces National Search for New Executive Director
Buffalo, NY — June 12, 2024 — CEPA Gallery, a renowned contemporary photography and visual arts center, is excited to announce that it is now accepting resumes for the position of Executive Director. This national search aims to find a visionary leader to guide the gallery into its next chapter of artistic innovation and community engagement.
TITLE: Executive Director
REPORTS TO: CEPA Board of Trustees/Board Chair
Position Open Until Filled
Mission Statement:
CEPA fosters the exploration of photography and contemporary visual arts through both its exhibition and
arts education programs that nurture creativity and encourage active learning.
Vision Statement:
Continue to be a globally recognized arts center and incubator of artistic creation, where our programs
drive engagement with art as an essential facet of life and community.
History and Background:
Founded in 1974 during an intense period of creativity and artistic exploration in Buffalo, New York,
CEPA Gallery is one of WNY’s premiere visual arts centers. One of the oldest photography galleries
in the United States, CEPA is dedicated to the advancement of contemporary photo-related art.
Throughout its history, CEPA has earned international acclaim for its unique array of visual arts
programming and dedication to the artistic practice. The organization curates and exhibits major
installations, supports working artists, and educates Erie County’s diverse populace. It is an
incubator of artistic creation whose practice drives community engagement with complex issues
and themes of local importance.
CEPA operates on a budget of approximately $400,000 annually comprised of 15% earned and 85%
contributed income. Programming includes 15 exhibitions per year; 60+ education programs, and
numerous artist discussions, public art, film screenings, publications, symposia, and visiting artist
projects.
For more CEPA history please visit our mission and history page
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporting to the Board Chairperson and the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) of CEPA
Gallery provides overall leadership and is responsible for direct oversight and management of all
administrative, financial, and artistic concerns and staff. The ED executes operating strategies,
manages program staff, interacts with artists, sponsors, donors, members and the public, and
assumes primary responsibility for the organization’s administration and funding development.
S/he works with the Board and staff on strategic planning, develops partnerships with community
organizations, manages marketing, community relations and advertising, executes fundraising
strategies, and oversees the overall operational, financial, and administrative management of the
organization. The ED hires and oversees personnel and implements policy, programs, and all
operations in conjunction with staff. The ED works closely with the board and committees to
ensure the CEPA’s strong fiscal health and effective governance, while maintaining and
strengthening its mission. The successful candidate will be able to deliver a responsive, stimulating
and effective array of programs and services consistent with CEPA’s commitment to the
understanding and appreciation of the photo-related arts and contemporary art.
Essential tasks include but are not limited to:
Hire, train and supervise staff of 5 direct reports are:
FT – Education Director
FT – Administrative and Education Coordinator
PT – Assistant Curator / Gallery Manager
PT – Archivist
PT – Marketing Associate
• Direct all artistic programming. lead artistic programming and the exhibition schedule in
collaboration with guest artists, curators and the assistant curator.
• Ensure efficient and responsible fiscal accounting procedures related to cash, credit and online
purchase and sales, banking, insurance, etc. including development of annual budget and reporting
of monthly financials.
• Collaborate with the Board to recommend, establish and refine Board, administrative and artistic
policies and procedures.
• Lead CEPA’s marketing and fundraising strategies: solicit major contributions; plan and administer
donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation program for gifts and grant writing at all levels and
via all types of fundraising strategies (e.g., capital campaigns, planned giving, major gifts, annual
giving, and special events)—in conjunction with consultants where appropriate.
• Ensure that the organization acts in accordance with its strategic and operational goals, monitor
progress and report to Board as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Board Executive Committee to ensure adequate financial controls and
reporting procedures, including revenue forecasting and budget analyses.
• Ensure that communication with Board members is effective and timely.
REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:
• Innovative and forward thinking; capable of advancing the visibility and vitality of a well-
established mid-sized non-profit arts organization.
• Leadership skills, including advocacy, negotiation, problem solving, decision making, delegation,
and employee development.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in leading programs or operations in a non-profit agency
or other arts organization; experience in fiscal planning and management.
• Expertise in cutting-edge trends and familiarity with artists in contemporary photography, and
knowledge of the history of photography and art history.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written; ability to establish and maintain effective
working relationships with the board, staff, funders, donors, & stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university; Master’s degree preferred.
The Executive Director is full-time; salary range is $70,000-$80,000 and is negotiable dependent upon experience.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their cover letter, résumé, and other relevant materials online no later than July 15, 2024 at: search@cepagallery.org
Applications cannot be accepted by regular mail or at any other email address.
Please no calls or inquiries to the CEPA office or staff, thank you.