Executive Director - California Institute of the Arts, CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology
Executive Director
CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology
Through artistic practice, we transform ourselves, each other, and the world…
THE SEARCH
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) invites applications for a bold, visionary, and innovative leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology (CCAT). This is a rare opportunity to shape a groundbreaking initiative at the intersection of art, technology, and global cultural innovation. The Executive Director will lead CCAT through its formative five-year grant, guiding its strategic direction, cultivating its public presence, and ensuring its seamless integration within CalArts and the larger technology and art world ecosystem. As both an internal connector and external ambassador, the Executive Director will bridge academic programs, faculty, students, and administrative functions with a dynamic network of global partners, industries, and institutions. The ideal candidate will bring deep ties to the creative industries (including film, art, music, and design), credibility within academia and among potential nonprofit partners, and experience navigating international and cross-cultural contexts, drawn possibly from interface with governments or in diplomatic arenas.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Office of the President, the Executive Director is responsible for leading the CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology, creating a strategic vision and advancing its cutting-edge work at the intersection of art and technology in alignment with CalArts’ broader mission. They will champion the Center’s goals, intentions, and achievements while maintaining a respected presence within both domestic and international communities in their field. This role ensures programmatic excellence through rigorous evaluation, sound financial oversight, and effective administration while identifying and pursuing strategic opportunities for CCAT’s growth.
QUALIFICATIONS
Background and credibility in the arts, technology, or their intersection, with a demonstrated level of accomplishment
A minimum of 10 years of related work experience, preferably at a leadership level, dealing with the arts, technology, or at their intersection
Deep commitment to the multidisciplinary nature and academic model of CalArts
Creative and innovative thinker with a forward-looking perspective on the future of the arts
Proven effective relationship builder and partnership manager
Strong organizational skills; effective under pressure and able to manage competing demands
Internationally engaged and at ease, including with governments and in the diplomatic arena
Respected and well-connected within the fields of art and technology or some relevant combination therein, with commensurate professional networks
Excellent, inclusive, and astute communication skills
Proven ability to lead and motivate teams to foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment; demonstrated expertise in performance management to attain results
Strong project management skills with experience in planning, executing, and delivering projects on time and within budget; experienced in managing financial operations reliant on grant funding
Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, dynamic startup or entrepreneurial environments
Possessing sound judgment and integrity with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and resolve challenges; decisive
Proficiency in both English and a second language strongly preferred
EDUCATION
A graduate or professional degree in a related field preferred in arts, education, and/or technology.
COMPENSATION
The posted salary range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000 and is commensurate with experience.
APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website: https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/california-institute-arts-CHANEL-center-artists-and-technology/executive-director
Sarah James, Quizayra Gonzalez, Siobhan Hanley
Isaacson, Miller
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) seeks to employ faculty and staff who can engage our diverse communities of learners at the highest levels of artistic endeavor and critical thinking. Across the range of practitioners from artists to scholars and librarians, we welcome candidates who possess a demonstrated worldview and cultural competency to support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities, and gender expressions. CalArts is an equal opportunity employer.
MORE INFO : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calarts_logo.svg
CONTACT : sknipple@graystoneadv.com
