Executive II (Director of Programs)

Position Overview

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Director, directs, organizes, plans, executes, and controls the operation of Illinois Arts Council Agency statewide programs for arts organizations and individual artists.

Job Responsibilities

1. Directs, organizes, plans, executes, and controls the operation of Agency statewide programs for arts programming organizations, local arts agencies, and individual artists. Confers with management and makes recommendations on the integration of Agency grant activities to resolve administrative needs and improved grants making procedures.

2. Serves as working supervisor for Program staff.

3. Serves as a liaison between the Agency and constituents. Provides technical assistance to artists and organizations through consultations, site and studio visits, workshops, panel participation, and other public forums. Represents Agency views and concerns and the Illinois arts community through participation in local and national committees and special project task forces. Attends conferences related to Agency programs and makes public presentations. Travels extensively in performing these duties. 

4. Plans and coordinates site activities for the Biennial One State: Together in the Arts conference, including organizing speakers and coordinating workshops for artists, grantees, local arts agencies, and arts organizations. 

5. Carries out various confidential special projects as assigned by the Executive Director, including researching and evaluating new programs, policies, and issues in public arts support and planning for the Council program divisions. Assists in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan for the Agency by gathering information and researching data.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college with strong emphasis in the fine arts, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, humanities, or closely related field.  

• Requires two years of recent professional experience in arts administration, arts programming, and/or policy development. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers five years of recent professional experience in arts administration, arts programming, and/or policy development. 

• Prefers working knowledge of non-profit organizations such as museums, arts centers, community and social services organizations, performing arts centers, and park districts in promoting creative arts programs.  

• Prefers working knowledge of professional development and artistic resources for individual artists. 

• Prefers strong managerial and supervisory skills. 

• Prefers ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, implementing, and interpreting policies and procedures for Illinois Arts Council Agency programs. 

• Prefers extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of grants application and monitoring. 

• Prefers strong writing and computer skills.

Conditions of Employment

Requires statewide travel. 

About the Agency

The Illinois Arts Council Agency serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to:  

• Support Illinois' Arts Sector: operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all 

• Advance Arts Education: the arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council Agency 

• Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists—the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.