Posted on November 4, 2009

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Strategic Initiatives and Research Director

Founded in 1982, Arts Alliance Illinois is the statewide arts advocacy and service organization promoting the value of the arts to all residents of Illinois. Through research, capacity building, and communication, the Arts Alliance advances widespread support of all the arts, enhances the health of the arts and the cultural sector, and fosters a climate in which the broadest spectrum of artistic expression can flourish.

The Arts Alliance’s work is grounded in the belief that the instinct to be creative is universal; the arts play an essential role in the social, economic and educational growth and vitality of Illinois; and that the arts must embrace all, celebrate all, and be accessible to all.

The Arts Alliance is one of the largest statewide advocacy organizations in the nation and has been instrumental in sustaining support for the arts in Illinois. The Arts Alliance recently launched an arts education advocacy initiative, Illinois Creates, which has resulted in a first time ever $12 million appropriation for arts education and foreign languages in the Illinois State Board of Education’s budget over the last five years. For more information on the Arts Alliance’s mission and programs, visit www.artsalliance.org.

The Strategic Initiatives and Research Director oversees Arts Alliance Illinois’ innovative research agenda and related programs. This position manages initiatives designed to increase public awareness and support for increased investment in the arts and arts education in Illinois. A successful candidate will be a motivated strategic thinker with strong research, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities and Goals

The Strategic Initiatives and Research Director will fulfill the following duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate policy-relevant research in the arts and arts education and oversee the dissemination of research to policy makers and key stakeholders.
• Manage programs and strategies to build support for the arts and arts education in Illinois, including the Illinois Creates initiative, the Illinois Cultural Data Project, and the Alliance’s Positioning the Arts taskforce among others.
• Build relationships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, associations, and other strategic partners at the local, state and federal levels to advance the goals of the Alliance.
• Monitor, evaluate, research and respond to local, state and federal policy developments and issues.
• Assist staff in the production of informational materials, briefings, action alerts, testimony, press releases, etc., by contributing content on the Alliance’s strategic initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate potential funding partners for the Alliance’s strategic initiatives.
• Staff the Illinois Creates committee as well as the Positioning the Arts taskforce.
• Expected statewide travel 10%

Successful Candidates will have:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, conducting, and disseminating research and program development.
• Proven ability to provide vision and think strategically and creatively.
• Excellent communications and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiples tasks and priorities, prioritize work, maintain deadlines and ensure quality of work.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills.
• Computer and Internet literacy required.

This is a full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include employer paid individual health insurance (subsidized family coverage available), 403(b) plan, Direct Deposit, Transit Benefit Program, and Flex-plan election availability.

To Apply:

No phone calls please. Arts Alliance Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Qualified and interested candidates should submit resumes to:

The Strategic Initiatives and Research Director Search Team Arts Alliance Illinois
203 North Wabash
Suite 1920
Chicago, IL 60601
E-mail: search@artsalliance.org

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

Job Type: Research/Policy
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations