Director Position of Columbia College Chicago Center for Book and Paper Arts (POS 0026)

Columbia College Chicago is an urban institution of over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing arts, media, and communications in a liberal arts setting. The Center for Book and Paper Arts preserves historical techniques while promoting the creative exploration of the book and paper arts, and their use in the production of contemporary art. The Book and Paper Center curates and mounts exhibitions nationally, publishes the Journal of Artists’ Books, teaches workshops in the book arts, hosts artist’s residencies, and houses the studio facilities for the college’s Interdisciplinary MFA in Book and Paper.

Reporting directly to the Chair of the Department of Interdisciplinary Art, the Director of the Center for Book and Paper Arts is responsible for strategic development, fundraising, grant writing, financial management, overseeing exhibitions, staff supervision, and liaison with the Book and Paper MFA program in the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts. The Director will also help solidify the center’s national reputation for excellence in the book arts, papermaking, and artists’ books.

Qualifications include an advanced degree in arts management, studio or art history, or substantial professional experience, and at least three years experience directing an art center. Candidates should have extensive fundraising experience, including major grant writing to both private and public agencies as well as fundraising experience with individual donors. A thorough knowledge of the contemporary art world, preferably on a national and international level, is essential. Also required are demonstrated management and communication skills, as well as curatorial experience. An understanding of studio practice in the book arts is preferred; experience in a university setting is helpful.

Interested candidates should send a hardcopy cover letter, CV, and the names of three references to:

Director’s Search

c/o Center for Book and Paper Arts

Columbia College Chicago,

600 South Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60605.

Or you can email these documents to: bookandpaper@colum.edu

The position starts September 1, 2008. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Columbia College Chicago encourages female, GLBT, disabled, international and minority classified individuals to apply for all positions. We offer a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package. No phone calls, please.

www.COLUM.edu