Executive Director
Fotografiska, Germany
Job Description
CultureWorks is the holding company, management and development platform for culture, experience and hospitality brands. Our portfolio consists of kindred companies with intellectually curious audiences, who are shaping the future of how we gather, work, connect, and experience the arts together.
Fotografiska | Berlin
Anything but an ordinary museum, in 2010 Fotografiska was founded in Stockholm and in late 2019 opened its newest outpost in a treasured, historic landmark building in NYC’s Flatiron District. The iconic NYC and Stockholm locations are complemented by expansion in Tallinn, and our forthcoming Berlin museum, in addition to several other prospective projects in the expansion pipeline. Fotografiska’s goals both intellectually and culturally are wide-ranging: to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography, to bring people together, raise awareness and create positive change. The Museum showcases the greatest photographers, whether they’re emerging artists or already established internationally.
Slated to open in the summer of 2022, Fotogfrafiska Berlin will house 5,500 square meters in the historic Kunsthaus Tacheles building on Oranienburger Straße in the Mitte. The architects Herzog amp; de Meuron have been assigned to carry out renovations to the cultural heritage site.
The Role
Fotografiska Berlin’s Executive Director (ED) is, above all, the public face and ambassador for the Museum as it establishes the Fotografiska brand in the German market. Reporting to the CEO of CultureWorks (the Museum parent company), the Executive Director will have local support from the Museum’s General Manager and peers in Stockholm, Tallin, and New York. Operationally and financially stewarded by an established and experienced leadership team internationally, the ED’s first 12 18 months will be heavily invested in working alongside these teams and closely with the CEO, CBO amp; Board of Directors to refine, develop, and implement a program and property-level team responsible for Museum’s promotion, reputation, management, exhibitions, educational + programming activities, and community outreach.
The Executive Director is expected to manage and innovate through ambiguity with grace and charisma and will need to be excited by taking on greenfield projects. We are seeking a leader who is committed to the responsible and sustainable scaling of the business.
Requirements
- An average of 10+ years of creating best-in-class cultural and/or luxury experiences, ideally with a nuanced understanding of Berlin and European cultural landscapes
- Experience working or partnering with cultural institutions and events is critical for success as ED, while direct experience in museums and nonprofit organizations is not required.
- At least five (5) years at a senior leadership level managing Executive amp; Board relationship.
- Proven ability to work cooperatively, diplomatically, and effectively with Boards, volunteers, press, partnerships and in community relations and outreach capacities.
- Though not required, past experience with new property development and construction management would benefit the incoming ED as the Berlin Museum will be undergoing renovation through to its opening in Q3 2022; the ED can expect to draw on the experience and advice of our VP, Development and Executive team during this period.
- Works in conjunction with CEO, Board and requisite partners to develop the strategic direction and establish initiatives fulfilling the mission of the Museum and increase local, national and international awareness and prominence of Fotografiska.
- Serves as spokesperson and chief advocate for the Berlin Museum.
- Establishes strong partnerships in the community.
- Enhances the Museum’s public image to expand interest and support.
- With team and agencies of record, directs the overall development of public relations and marketing initiatives.
- With team and agencies of record, develops an effective communications plan to raise the profile of the museum.
- Strong record of success in brand and audience development. A history of building new entrants or international brands in the Berlin or complementary European markets would be ideal.
- Demonstrated knowledge of standards and best practices cultural and hospitality businesses, which may include museums or similar organizations, as well as a network and history of involvement in relevant professional organizations.
- Works in tandem with and on the advice of the General Manager and property teams to elevate the museum's operations, including development, retail, Famp;B, education and public programming, finance, external communications, and staffing.
- Competence in partnering with operational leaders to ensure smooth and sop