About

swilliams@cacno.org

mcorazzini@cacno.org

corange@cacno.org

dcalliet@cacno.org

jcasimier@cacno.org

dforcell@cacno.org

misom@cacno.org

nmushatt@cacno.org

The Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans (CAC) seeks permanent part-time Patron Services Associate, reporting to the Patron & Visitor Services Manager.

Organizational Overview:

The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), New Orleans is committed to artists, the presentation of multi-disciplinary work, and advancing the value and power of the art of our time.

The CAC was formed in the fall of 1976 as a non-collecting organization by a passionate group of artists when the prescient movement to tear down the aesthetic barriers between the performing and visual arts was active nationwide. Housed in a four-story, 80,000 square foot building with two adjacent 10,000 square foot warehouses, the CAC boasts among its many physical assets a 210 seat flexible theater as well as 14,000 square feet of exhibition space on two floors. For more information, visit cacno.org.

Departmental Overview: Operations

The Operations Department is responsible for devising and executing public relations, supporting the Executive Director in the overall direction of the CAC and its facilities, and managing the activities of the galleries, the front of house, special events and artistic performances that take place at the CAC. Patron Services Associate responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Keep the works of art safe and secure.

● Arrive on time for all shifts and works well with the patron services team.

● Ensure the protection of assigned posts by walking and/or standing during public hours.

● Help keep staff, and visitors safe by reporting potential safety violations immediately.

● Interact with visitors by providing general information in a pleasant fashion.

● Maintain a neat appearance and follow a professional dress code.

● Turn galleries on and off each day, as instructed.

● Supports the guiding principles of the position and the Institution.

Relationships:

This position will report directly to the Patron & Visitor Services Manager as part of the Operations Department; works closely with the Communications, Programming, and Hospitality Departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Demonstrated interest in the visual arts; previous experience working in a cultural institution

● Experience safeguarding art/security position

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume through jobs@cacno.org with the “Patron Services Associate” in the subject line.

Salary: $15 HR

Part-time (2 or more shifts per week required)

CAC New Orleans is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

The Contemporary Arts Center of New Orleans (CAC) is a leading cultural institution in the city, dedicated to presenting and supporting multidisciplinary contemporary arts. The CAC has a distinguished history, dating back to its founding in 1976. For decades, the CAC has presented a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and programs, and has become a vital part of the New Orleans cultural landscape.

For nearly 50 years, the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) has been a vital part of New Orleans' cultural fabric, celebrating the city’s vibrant creativity and supporting artists who reflect its rich diversity. As a hub for multidisciplinary contemporary art, the CAC connects artists and audiences through innovative programs that uplift local and regional talent, provide learning opportunities for area youth, and foster meaningful dialogue on issues impacting our community. Committed to advancing the power of art and its role in building a more just and connected society, the CAC remains dedicated to serving the New Orleans region as a dynamic space for artistic expression, collaboration and community engagement. In 2023, the Contemporary Arts Center embarked on a significant organizational assessment to ensure our sustainability for the next 50 years, a strategic process that will strengthen partnerships, diversify leadership, and align our mission to present innovative, multidisciplinary art that reflects New Orleans’ rich cultural diversity.

Compensation
$130,000-$160,000/yr.

Benefits
Health insurance, 403b (3% match), paid parental leave, relocation reimbursement, CAC membership, 2 free tickets to CAC programs, professional membership reimbursement, 16 paid holidays, and 15 days of PTO.

Job Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the organization’s leader, guiding its strategic vision, operational excellence, and artistic mission. The ED ensures the center is a vibrant, innovative hub for contemporary art while fostering financial sustainability, community engagement, and a reputation for artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute a compelling and inclusive strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and vision.

Lead change management in order to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.

Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish goals, policies, and performance benchmarks.

Position the center as a leader in the local and global contemporary arts community.

Recruit, onboard, train, and coach the executive staff members and conduct timely performance management.

Artistic Vision:
Champion innovative programming that reflects cutting-edge contemporary art practices, engages diverse audiences, and fulfills the CAC’s mission and strategic goals.

Partner with curatorial staff to plan exhibitions, events, and educational initiatives.

Foster relationships and collaboration with artists, cultural institutions, and art communities, especially in the New Orleans metro area, to enhance the center’s profile.

Fundraising and Financial Management:
Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor cultivation, sponsorships, and grant applications to maximize contributed revenue.

Hire and lead development director and oversee hiring and development of fundraising staff to ensure a robust contributed revenue.

Create and execute effective revenue generation strategies, including membership growth, business partnerships, and property rentals to maximize earned revenue.

Oversee financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Prepare and manage annual budgets, maintaining accountability and transparency.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
Raise the visibility of the CAC with innovative marketing and special events.

Serve as the primary spokesperson, representing the center to the public, media, and stakeholders.

Build partnerships with local communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.

Promote inclusivity and accessibility in programming and operations.

Operational Oversight:
Manage and mentor a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability.

Oversee the maintenance and development of the center’s facilities.

Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and operational standards.


Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Fine Arts, related field, or comparable experience.

At least 10 years of combined fundraising, public relations, and leadership experience or equivalent.

Deep understanding of Contemporary Art and its cultural context

Proven track record in executive leadership and excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Proficiency in arts management software, including but not limited to Google Business Suite.

Domestic travel required.


Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Business and/or Arts Administration

At least 5 years of arts management experience


Submissions:
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. The DEADLINE TO APPLY is APRIL 30, 2025. Thank you for your interest in the Contemporary Arts Center.
The CAC is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, representative of the community we serve. We believe a diverse and inclusive workplace helps the CAC foster its innovative culture of creativity and artistic excellence. The CAC encourages all applicants to apply. The CAC is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of their diverse voices, perspectives, and background; because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.



The hiring department will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate.

REPORTS TO: Interim Executive Director


In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:


Perform quality work within deadlines, with or without supervision

Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers

Work effectively as a team contributor on all tasks, projects and assignments

Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations

Work conscientiously, respectfully, and with awareness of issues of equity and disparity as they affect our work environment, creative field, and city.




Position Purpose:
The Development Associate supports the Contemporary Arts Center in the planning and execution of donor cultivation and events-based fundraising. The Development Associate is responsible for implementing donor engagement efforts, supporting development database management, goal tracking, reporting, and other administrative processes that support contributed revenue goals. Working with the Executive Director, Grants Manager and Board of Trustees, the Development Associate will assist in the design and implementation of membership and audience development opportunities focused on building a broad and diverse base of membership and patron support, including artists and families and community partners. The Development Associate will assist in all aspects of Grants Management.





Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks:


Membership and Donor Cultivation


Support the strategy, planning, and execution of membership/donor cultivation efforts

Support development of opportunities for membership growth designed around CAC programming.

Support fulfillment for all membership benefits, including list management, member outreach and event planning for all development related events.

Creates and implements audience and member development programs and opportunities focused on lower-level membership and city-wide development campaigns like Give Nola Day, for the purpose of building a broad and diverse base of support from the New Orleans community.

Fundraising Events:


Supports the budgeting, goal-setting, creation and overall direction for fundraising events.

Supports planning and execution of fund and donor development aspects of major fundraising and donor cultivation events, including, but not limited to SweetArts Gala, President’s Council Dinner, and other Sustaining Member Level events and outreach.

Assist in year-round fundraising efforts including, but not limited to, the annual End of Year campaign and Give NOLA Day

Supports the solicitation of event sponsorship, proper processing, recognition and delivery of benefits.

Coordinates with Patron Services around ticket sales, admissions, VIP services, and check-in systems for the event.

Coordinates across all departments around comp tickets and admissions, and subsequent outreach

Works with the Communications Department to produce invitations and other collateral materials, updated mailing lists, and other targeted development strategies.

Manages acknowledgement, tracking and reporting of donations and expenses.




Grant Management:





Collects and maintains all metric data from across all departments and externally through other partnerships and initiatives.

Research grants through collaboration with the programming team, database research, and other fact-finding actions.

Supports adherence and updating of grant schedule, and all application and reporting deadlines.

Compiles, maintains and shares with staff all information for the application and reporting process.

Supports Grants Manager’s coordination of drafts and compilation of application materials, maintaining all budgets and compliance documents.

Supports Grants Manger to ensure grant is submitted on time and within application parameters with support from the Executive Director, programming and development departments.

Completes all documents, forms, or reports required by the grant.

Coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects that are funded by grants.

Develops and maintains master files on grants and paperwork connected to programs funded by grants.




Administrative Duties


Oversees gift processing, donor acknowledgement, renewals, and benefits management for affinity groups and special fundraising initiatives.

Systematically maintains, updates and improves donor database.

Provides regular reports for senior leadership on membership and contributions.

Represents Development Department at CAC events, performances, exhibitions, and community events to increase membership and fundraising presence as needed.

All other duties as needed.




Qualifications:



Required Education and Experience


Bachelor’s Degree

3 years of applicable experience






Required Skills & Abilities



Proficiency in G-Suite (Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc.) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)






Knowledge of a current CRM system (Salesforce, Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, etc.)





Travel: Some travel in Orleans and Jefferson Parish will be required.


Work Environment:


This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to extreme outdoor temperatures, airborne particles and loud noise levels in the work environment.


Hours are typically M-F 9-5, however some evening and weekend hours are required.


Physical Demands:


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.


This is a largely sedentary role; however, some lifting and bending is required, with an ability to lift up to 40lbs.


This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.


To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@cacno.org with “DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE” in the subject line.