The Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts advances the artist’s spirit of critical thinking, risk taking, and provocation in the arts. Established by Mike Kelley in 2007, the Foundation seeks to further Kelley’s philanthropic work through grants to arts organizations and artists for innovative projects that reflect his multifaceted artistic practice. The Foundation also preserves the artist’s legacy more broadly and advances the understanding of his life and creative achievements through educational initiatives including exhibitions, educational events, publications and the preservation and care of the Foundation’s art collections and archives.

The Director of Operations (DO) serves as a trusted thought partner to the Executive Director (ED) and provides strategic, hands-on operations leadership to the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts (MKFA). The DO is responsible for enhancing the internal organization processes and infrastructure that will allow MKFA to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. The DO and the ED together will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the day-to-day financial and operational aspects of the $1.9 million annual budget.

The DO will provide coordination and functional supervision for MKFA’s senior staff team; work with Human Resources consultants to manage Human Resources and Benefits; identify best practices and improve internal systems with an eye toward future needs and budget realities, and work with the organization’s ED and Board of Directors to keep them abreast of financial and operational challenges and solutions. Reporting to the ED, the Director of Operations deputizes for the ED in their absence.

The DO will join a small team of seven staff members headquartered in Los Angeles (temporarily remote) to advance the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation is led by a volunteer board of eight distinguished directors from the LA area

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director.  Reports include Office Manager, Collections Manager, Grants Manager, and others as needed. Supervises the work of the Bookkeeper and HR Consultant.  

Hire date September/October.

MKFA is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff; the foundation honors your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our team strives to maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

RESPONSIBIILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

Business Operations

• Working with the ED and other staff, plan and monitor the day-to-day running of MKFA to ensure smooth progress across financial and operational activities towards strategic goals; evaluate infrastructure and recommend effective and efficient systems for using resources, personnel, and work processes
• Ensure MKFA is in compliance with all requirements established by regulatory agencies including liability and insurance coverage
• Assist the ED with gallery and institutional partnerships, sales; rights and reproduction management and licensing; management of digital/online platforms
• Provide administrative support to ED and Board of Directors working with Office Manager

Financial

• Develop and prepare the annual operating budget with the ED and manage it within its limits throughout the year reporting on progress and challenges; prepare budget analysis and projections for ED and Board as needed
• Supervise the bookkeeping process to ensure that general accounting activities including A/P, invoicing of sales, and payroll processing are performed timely and efficiently along with the dissemination of monthly and quarterly financial reports to ED, Treasurer and Board
• Secure timely and accurate performance reports from MKFA’s investment managers for the ED and Board Treasurer
• Help facilitate the annual audit and tax filings working with MKFA’s bookkeeper, accountant, and auditor, report on progress to ED, Board

Staffing & Human Resources

• Work with human resources consultant and employment attorney as needed to develop, implement and update guidelines, policies, and protocols for all staff in compliance with best practices and legal requirement
• Manage benefits programs for employees including annual group healthcare insurance renewal, 401K and leave benefits working with HR consultant, ED and employment attorney as needed
• Coach the performance of functional and direct reports; lead the employee evaluation process, professional development program, and training for all staff
• Cultivate a healthy work culture that embraces professionalism, camaraderie, diversity, equity and inclusion
• 2021 – Work with ED and Office Manager to implement MKFA’s COVID-19 Prevention Program and safe return to the workplace; review and develop organizational disaster, emergency and illness prevention plans in collaboration with Office Manager, HR consultant and staff

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE SKILL REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree or relevant experience required 
• 5 to 7 years’ experience in a senior management role with in-house financial and operational management experience
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, project management and communication skills
• Ability to see the big picture and creatively problem solve
• Keen appreciation for accuracy and level of detail entailed in all aspects of work
• History of successful supervisory and facilitation experience with a proven ability to coordinate teams to meet deadlines
• Proven knowledge of IT Systems and technology use in the workplace; advanced proficiency with QuickBooks Nonprofit, Mac or PC platforms, MS Office Suite, Google Workplace, FileMaker Pro, Zoom)
• Valid CA driver’s license required
• Background or experience in nonprofit arts and culture sector, entertainment, or film industry helpful; knowledge of or interest in international contemporary art preferred

COMPENSATION
Salary range is $85K to $95K commensurate with experience; Benefits include healthcare, 401K + match, & vacation

The following is required when submitting your application: a cover letter outlining your interest in the position that describe how your experience aligns with the position description; resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. No calls, please.

ADA SPECIFICATIONS

• While largely sedentary, this position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 20 lbs., as well as speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time
• Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings
• Requires the ability to travel regionally on occasion, on behalf of the Foundation

It is the policy of Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.