Posted on November 6, 2008

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Executive Director

The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA), a 501(c)(3) membership association, seeks an Executive Director to fill the position by March 1, 2009.

The Executive Director reports to the association president and works closely with and is evaluated by the AATA Board of Directors. The position calls for a focused and creative leader who possesses strong organizational and communications skills. The candidate must be able to work well within a non-traditional/virtual office as well as traditional office management structure. The Executive Director monitors and continually strengthens the relationship with the association’s management services provider in the Washington D.C. area and thus candidates should reside in or be willing to relocate to this general region. No relocation costs will be paid.

Selected applicants will first be interviewed by phone with a current AATA ad hoc search committee. Final interviews will be conducted in person at a location in the Washington D.C. area, possibly the weekend of January 3-4, 2009.

Background and Mission of AATA: The AATA is an organization of professionals formed in 1969 dedicated to the belief that the creative process involved in art making is healing and life enhancing, Its mission is to serve its members and the general public by providing standards of professional competence, and developing and promoting knowledge in, and of, the field of art therapy. The AATA is a national, non-profit association representing approximately 4500 members. It is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors elected by the membership. AATA also has more than 30 State and Regional Chapters that conduct meetings and activities for members and promote art therapy on the state and local level.

The AATA promotes the therapeutic use of art by:

• Encouraging the highest quality of art therapy services to the public.
• Facilitating communication among members and colleagues.
• Supporting legislative efforts at the state and federal levels.
• Disseminating information to the general public, art therapists, and related mental health professionals.
• Recognizing excellence in clinical, professional, educational, and research activities.

Responsibilities of the Executive Director: This individual advises and supports the Board of Directors in the development, management, and evaluation of programs and provides oversight in contractual and financial matters to meet the association’s goals and objectives. The candidate ensures that initiatives and programs are strategic, effective, and coordinated with the association service providers and with allied groups, organizations, and coalitions.

Primary duties focus in four key areas:

• Management: Oversees the relationships with contracted professional staff, conference manager, and other consultants/vendors.
• Communications: Ensures the quality and consistency of all AATA communications including Board reports, Web site content, member newsletters, press releases, promotional brochures, and other marketing materials. Provide strategic input on semi-annual Board meetings, periodic Board committee meetings and the annual AATA conference held in November.
• Development: Works with the Board of Directors toward improvement in the areas of strategic planning, organizational development, revenue enhancement, membership expansion, and State/Regional chapters.
• Advocacy: Coordinates AATA advocacy initiatives and, along with other AATA contract staff, represent AATA before regulatory and credentialing agencies and affiliated mental health organizations.

Qualifications: The candidate must have demonstrated experience in managing professional associations or nonprofit member organizations. She or he must be familiar with negotiating and overseeing contractual relationships with vendors and understand the industry standards in addressing the rights and responsibilities inherent in these relationships. Candidates must be capable of handling multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced, non-traditional work environment. AATA is looking for a strong executive with a collaborative leadership style, excellent communication skills, entrepreneurial drive, and a commitment to the AATA mission. The candidate must have the ability to think and act strategically and creatively within budget limits. Occasional travel is required to attend conferences and meetings. Preference will be given to those candidates with a record of not-for-profit professional association management success in the health care field, particularly mental health, and reside in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. We are seeking an individual with a dynamic and collegial leadership style and an appreciation of creativity and the arts is a plus.

Compensation: This is a contract position, renewable annually. Contract terms will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. No benefits are provided. The candidate is expected to provide home or remote office location, computer, and internet access. The position requires approximately 30-35 hours per week.

EOE; women and minority candidates encouraged.

To Apply: No telephone inquiries will be answered. E-mail cover letter, resume, and 3 references from the association management field (Microsoft Word or PDF files only) to:

Diane Brown
AATA National Office Manager
American Art Therapy Association
E-mail: dbrown@arttherapy.org

Find out more by visiting the organization's web site»

Job Type: Executive
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations