Now Hiring: Programs Director
We are currently reviewing all submitted applications for the Programs Director position and are not accepting additional applications at this time.
The Union for Contemporary Art strengthens the cultural and social landscape of our community by using the arts as a vehicle to inspire positive social change. We are currently seeking a passionate and self-motivated individual to join our leadership team to manage all aspects of The Union's programs.
We use the term “social change” as a broad umbrella to encompass a range of social and civic outcomes from increased awareness and understanding, to attitudinal change and increased civic participation. Recognizing that change on the individual level is directly linked to the building of public will and the development of policy that corrects injustice, The Union embraces the opportunity to foster social change every day through our programs, partnerships, and commitment to North Omaha. A full overview of the programs offered by The Union can be found here.
At The Union, we embrace an organizational culture rooted in Servant Leadership – striving to lead with a serve-first mindset, focused on empowering and uplifting those who work for and with us. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. We would ask that interested candidates take a moment to review our Core Values and Statement of Cultural Equity to gain a deeper understanding of the commitments we’ve made to our stakeholders, greater community, and team members.
POSITION Programs Director
DIRECT REPORTS: Exhibitions + Residencies Manager, Co-Op Studios Manager, Producing Artistic Director – Theatre, Youth Studios Manager, and other program staff as hired
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
The Programs Director is a senior leader responsible for sustaining The Union’s programmatic vision, with the primary responsibility to influence and forge connections between programs, ensuring that our programs serve our mission and achieve the highest standard of artistic excellence across the organization. This position drives the establishment and alignment of program goals and objectives and works collaboratively with the leadership team on setting high-level strategy, planning and budgeting, and team management. The Programs Director is largely responsible for communicating the organization’s mission, values, and initiatives to local and national stakeholders and securing strategic partnerships. The Programs Director will have a deep knowledge of contemporary artforms and creative practices, staying abreast of new developments and best practices in artist residencies, social practice, community-based art, arts education, and related areas while maintaining deep investment and relationships in our North Omaha community.
COMMITMENT This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. The Union strives to be a human-first organization. We work on a 32-hour work week. This position allows for the employee to determine if 4 workdays at 8 hours or 5 workdays at 6.5 hours is best for them.
Please Note: The Union for Contemporary Art requires all staff members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes receiving booster shots, as suggested by the CDC. If you have questions about this policy, please contact our Executive Director at brigitte@u-ca.org.
COMPENSATION $75,000 annual salary, health/dental/vision benefits with The Union covering 80% of employee and family premiums, accrued PTO, 6 paid holidays including a paid winter holiday break from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day, 56 hours mental health/sick days, 40 hours paid volunteer service hours, Employee Assistance Program, $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, and 401k with automatic, fully-vested 3% employer contribution.
The Union will also reimburse a portion of moving expenses for relocation to Omaha, Nebraska, if needed.
ABOUT YOU
You are dedicated to arts access as a human right. To us, the arts are not a thing of privilege, or strictly academic. Our work is dedicated to making space for everyone in the arts.
You have extensive experience (8–10+ years) in the program development process including visioning, budgeting, setting measurable outcomes, project timelines, and evaluations, preferably at an arts or community-based organization.
You have a high level of emotional intelligence.
You’re a proven team manager, leading in collaboration with your direct reports focusing on their programmatic and professional growth and success.
You are a self-starter. If you have questions, you jump in to find the answer. If you have an idea, you lead the process to make it happen.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide strong leadership that enables The Union to present programs at the highest level of professional practice and achieve the organization’s objectives and ambitions.
Develop strategies to deepen programmatic connections across the organization.
Lead the development of program evaluation methodology.
Lead the research and development of new programs and initiatives, including a new national residency The Union will be launching soon.
Oversee the development of Youth, Co-Op, and Fellowship curriculum and pedagogy.
Work closely with Communications and Development staff to articulate the programmatic vision in print collateral, grants, and other materials.
Lead program staff on goal and objective setting, strategic planning, and budgeting.
Assist the Development team in securing funding for Union programs.
Further position The Union as a site for innovative and best practices in socially- and community-engaged art.
Identify and strengthen relationships with community partners as necessary.
Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure that all programs and projects actualize the social justice-based mission of the organization.
Champion The Union at conferences and in other professional contexts.
Assist with the 360° evaluation of direct reports – this position currently manages a team of four program staff.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
TO APPLY If this job description speaks to you and you have some of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply even if you do not hit every bullet point in the About You section. Please send an introduction of yourself via a one-page cover letter, under 2 min video, or email note summarizing your interests and experiences, a resume or CV, and contact information for three references to jobs@u-ca.org with the subject Re: Programs Director position or mail your application to The Union re: Programs Director, 2423 N 24th Street, Omaha, NE 68110. This position will remain posted until filled.
The Union for Contemporary Art is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of age, race, religion, color, disability, gender identity, physical condition, sexual orientation, or national origin. Period.