Employment Opportunities with NBMAA

Chief Operating Officer

POSITION: Full-Time
SUPERVISED BY: Director and CEO

The Chief Operating Officer occupies a critical leadership position within The New Britain Museum of American Art (NBMAA). Working closely with, and reporting to, the Museum’s Director and CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides leadership for the effective operational and financial management of the NBMAA—overseeing the overall administrative management of museum departments and the implementation of strategic objectives and organizational initiatives. The COO works collaboratively with museum leadership to create a highly functional, interactive, and dynamic museum team. This individual will be expected to interface and build trusting internal and external relationships with staff, volunteers, members of the Board of Trustees, auditors, vendors, and consultants; uniting multiple constituents among key internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accountability for a healthy, sustainable operating environment. In the absence of the Director, this individual is charged with day-to-day leadership decisions.

The COO is ultimately responsible for all human resource, operational, and business matters of the NBMAA, with direct oversight of key functions including Finance (the Director of Finance reports to both the Director and CEO as well as COO), Human Resource, Information Technology, Facilities, Security, Visitor Experience, and Retail.

In consultation with the Director and CEO, the COO provides operational leadership and direction, broadly defines and articulates metrics for institutional success, develops policies and procedures related to process improvements and performance enhancement throughout the organization, and works to implement short-and long-term strategic goals. This individual will lead special projects—the capital upgrade of HVAC and Landers House among them—as designated by the Director.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Oversees key areas of operations and departments:
    • Finance, Accounting, HR and IT: including responsibility for, and oversight of, the NBMAA’s fiscal activities including the institutional audit, budgeting/ forecasting and the development of business policies and internal controls for financial operations across the organization and optimizing technology to increase organizational efficiency, improve information accessibility and ensure data security.
    • Visitor Experience (which includes public/social programs and Retail operations) to oversee and promote the highest standard of visitor service—creating an efficient and welcoming culture at the front desk and the shop; and to maximize revenues through earned income sources including, but not limited to, admissions, event ticket sales, facility rental, and retail in addition to new business opportunities.
    • Facilities and Security—oversee the care of the physical plant; reviewing and updating building maintenance and security policies, optimizing building functionality by addressing operational, aesthetic, security and safety issues in the most cost effective manner possible; ensuring that the NBMAA maintains the highest standards of cleanliness and attention to detail in both public and office spaces; oversees the planning and implementation of major constructions projects.
  • Supervises all areas of museum administration to ensure effectiveness, efficiencies and collaboration in accordance with the NBMAA’s vision, values and objectives. Supports coordination and follow-through on all Museum initiatives by working with, and influencing, departmental leadership to create a culture of transparency and accountability through measured engagement and analysis.
  • Drives strategic and tactical planning efforts that strengthen the museum’s infrastructure and sustainability; takes ownership of the NBMAA’s valuable human and capital assets and ensures the long-term health and viability of these assets by utilizing analytical tools and processes to support and track effectiveness; encouraging discipline and sound financial decision-making at all levels.
  • Oversees contract management and legal compliance matters, acting as primary point of contact with legal counsel.
  • Maintains cooperative and effective relationships with the Collections, Curatorial, Education, Marketing, and Development departments - providing consultation to improve efficiencies in each department’s administrative, operational, and financial areas and that these areas are aligned with the Museum priorities.
  • Develops the agenda and coordinates administrative work for museum departments; particularly senior staff meetings.
  • Coordinates the activities of various sub-committees of the Board of Trustees and facilitates the production of minutes and various actions of these groups.
  • Represents the museum at professional gatherings and area civic and social events and conventions and at various committee, trustee and staff meetings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Director and CEO.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business Administration or a related field required. MBA strongly preferred.
  • Minimum ten years in senior level administration and /or financial management required, with five years of non-profit management preferred.
  • Proven senior-level, analytical problem-solving and planning capability, as well as significant team-building and supervisory experience in a non-profit environment, preferably working within a dynamic cultural organization.
  • Expertise in working with and maintaining effective relationships among multiple constituencies including external boards and committees.
  • Dedicated manager who is self-motivated and can take charge, build consensus, work cross-functionally and motivate staff to promote a collaborative environment and culture of inclusion.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the presence to serve as an effective spokesperson for the NBMAA in all administrative, operational, and financial matters; able to effectively relate to the NBMAA’s Board, staff, and community at large.
  • Excellent planning, financial management, and organizational skills.
  • Strong professional network.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and internet based research.
  • Willingness to attend after-hour and weekend functions as well as travel as necessary.

Please submit resume and cover letter with salary requirements to [email protected] All applicants are subject to criminal background check prior to employment.

Visitor Experience Sales Associate

POSITION: Part-Time
SUPERVISED BY: Manager of Visitor and Volunteer Experience & Manager of Museum Retail

The New Britain Museum of American Art, the first institution in the country to be designated as a museum of strictly American art, is looking for a part-time Visitor Experience Sales Associate. Under the supervision of the Manager of Visitor & Volunteer Experience and the Manager of Museum Retail, Associates are the initial and primary point of contact with Museum guests and are responsible for ensuring positive guest experiences while maintaining the Museum’s mission and standards.

Responsibilities include:

  • Daily opening and closing of the Front Desk and maintaining Museum front line admissions.
  • Welcome guests with a professional and friendly demeanor.
  • Accurately manage POS systems for Museum admissions and Store sales.
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of all Museum programs and events.
  • Support retail store operations by following merchandising plans, actively work the sales floor to identify sales opportunities and engage guests to maximize sales.
  • Assist with hospitality set-up at Museum special events.
  • Provide organizational support and back up as coordinated by management.

Required Skills:

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Ability to work independently and effectively with diverse groups of people.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
  • Competent with basic math and computer skills.

Qualifications:

  • Schedule flexibility and a part-time commitment of sixteen to twenty-four (16–24) hours per week, including a minimum of one (1) weekend day and occasional holidays and evenings as assigned by management.
  • Ability to lift 20 lbs. and remain in a stationary position for duration of shift.
  • Ability to continuously perform such manipulative tasks as keying information into computer systems.
  • High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one year’s experience in sales, customer service and cash handling required. College degree preferred.

If you would like an opportunity to work with us, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Qualified applicants will go through an application process, interview process, and must successfully complete a background check.