The Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, a nonprofit membership library in the heart of La Jolla, CA, is seeking a dynamic and highly organized Executive Director to build on over a century of successful programs while leading positive and continued growth and sustainability. Rooted in the mission to provide our community with library resources in music and the arts along with cultural programs, classes, concerts, and exhibitions, the Athenaeum is a multi-faceted institution that requires a director with historical perspective and future vision while playing a significant role in fundraising and development.  Maintaining positive and deep relationships with current supporters, while cultivating new donors and other sources of revenue, will require creativity, experience, and energy. The Executive Director also manages all day-to-day operations within an annual budget, reports directly to the Board of Trustees, and leads to build upon the significant role the Athenaeum plays in the cultural life of San Diego.

Officially incorporated as The Library Association of La Jolla in 1899, the organization evolved into what is now known as the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. It is a vibrant and respected cultural institution and one of only seventeen membership libraries in the US. Several ambitious capital campaigns have united three historic buildings in La Jolla offering welcoming and accessible library/reading rooms, exhibition spaces, a music performance room, an art studio, and administrative offices. The Athenaeum expanded in 2016 with a second facility in the Logan Heights region of San Diego.  Called The Athenaeum Art Center, it houses a complete print studio; facilities for painting, drawing, and sculpture; and equipment for ceramics. Today the Athenaeum counts nearly 2,000 members, 100,000 visitors, and hosts 150 programs a year that include concerts of chamber music, jazz, and new music; art exhibitions; openings and receptions; lectures and courses; studio art instruction; school programs; and offerings for people of all ages.

We are seeking an Executive Director who has:

• a background in managing arts institutions with demonstrated broad interest and knowledge about music, art, and library resources.
• experience as a strategic thinker yet is a “hands-on” leader who can motivate staff, volunteers, artists, and performers to produce high-quality programs while encouraging new ideas.
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a passionate commitment to our goals and vision from facilities management to people management.
• a commitment to the Athenaeum as a strong and enduring institution along with knowledge and connections with the San Diego arts community.
• confidence and social skills to seize opportunities for meeting and socializing with the membership and the community at large for fundraising and development success.

We are seeking an Executive Director who will:

• review the organization and capacity of our staff to sustain smooth day-to-day operations and program activities.
• successfully manage change and thoughtfully bring resolve, imagination, and enthusiasm to meet objectives with ongoing organizational improvements.
• remain focused on accomplishing the Athenaeum's goals while realizing its values and vision.
• be flexible with personal scheduling as required by the demands created by the Athenaeum's performance, lecture, event, and school calendars.
• understand our unique role in the San Diego community and recognize and nourish that intangible spirit that continues to draw us and others to the Athenaeum.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@ljathenaeum.org.

The Athenaeum is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and community resource. We believe diversity brings forth dimensions one could never imagine, equity is expected for all, inclusion is critical to our mission. We endeavor to create a space where everyone belongs.