Position Director/CEO
Reports to Board of Trustees
Location Wichita, Kansas

The Wichita Art Museum (WAM), located in the Museums on the River District near Downtown Wichita, boasts a permanent collection showcasing over 12,000 artworks, spanning historical to contemporary pieces, celebrating the essence of American artistic heritage. With 31,500 square feet of galleries, the Museum deliberately offers a wide spectrum of art on display, eager to inspire the imagination and learning of every visitor. Annual attendance is roughly 80,000 and growing, as is the 12,000+ art collection.

Since its opening, WAM has become the cultural hub of Wichita. It is an institution deeply centered on the community it serves, and the community reflects a deep sense of ownership over the collection. In 2023, the Board approved free admission to the permanent collection, so that all, regardless of income, can have their lives enriched by visiting the Museum.

When fully staffed, the Museum has 53 full- and part-time employees. The organization has a $5.4 million annual budget, is governed by a dedicated 30-member Board of Trustees and welcomes 100+ volunteers from the Friends of WAM, Docents and the broader community. For more information about the Museum, please visit www.wam.org.

The next Director/CEO will have the opportunity to lead WAM into its next phase of excellence. With a strategic plan (2023-2026) to guide the way, the next leader will work collaboratively and in full partnership with the Board of Trustees and the loyal and dedicated staff to maintain the forward momentum that the Museum is experiencing. The strategic plan has three main pillars of focus: Engagement & Impact, Facilities & Campus and Resources & Fundraising.

The Director/CEO will be responsible for driving radical welcome and inclusion at the Museum. This will be demonstrated in multiple ways: continuing to engage the entire Wichita community with a focus on our neighbors from diverse backgrounds; continuing to diversify the collection through a DEI lens; and utilizing the funds in the American Art Acquisition Fund to purchase additional American art from a wide variety of artists.

Over the next years, conversation about the current building in which the Museum is housed will need to continue. While the building is an historic space, there are some issues that will need to be remediated. There has been discussion about the need for/possibility of finding a new home for the Museum and the new leader will be able to foster open, transparent dialogue about what is needed, feasible and supported.

Maintaining strong relationships with the City government (which provides 40% of WAM’s funding) and with donors of all levels will be a key focus. Cultivating trust and driving consensus and alignment will be important priorities. The arts sector in Wichita is rising and the new WAM Director will join an excellent and cooperative group of local museum CEOs.

In concert with the Board of Trustees, the Director/CEO is responsible for leading WAM in achieving its operational and strategic goals; leading and guiding the organization in its mission and vision; increasing its reputation and impact; facilitating donor development and grant seeking opportunities; overseeing program development and operations; ensuring sound fiscal management; and establishing a positive culture for board relations, human capital management and administrative matters.

A graduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. A respect and appreciation for American art is a must. The preferred candidate will demonstrate art museum experience with evidence of advancement to high levels of responsibility and leadership.

The salary range for this position is between $230,000 and $250,000 and will be commensurate with experience. A bonus is possible, based on annual financial performance. WAM offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to 12 paid holidays, vacation days, medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as a retirement plan with a match of up to 4%.

Applications and nominations are being received by Kittleman & Associates, LLC. To apply, please send a current resume and letter of interest to https://bit.ly/wamdirceo (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For best consideration, please submit your materials by August 7^th.