Beirut is looking for a creative and dynamic individual to join the team as Managing Director, starting late September or early October 2014. The position is a unique opportunity to build on the momentum of Beirut as a young art initiative and exhibition space that quickly gained a critical role in the local and international art community.
Position: Managing Director

Reporting to: Director and Advisory Board

Location: Cairo, Egypt

Engagement: 12 months contract, renewable

Salary: Basic (depending on experience)

Working Days: Sunday – Thursday

Working Hours: 10:00 – 18:00, 40h/week (plus events)

Application Deadline: 30 August, 2014

Beirut is the manifestation of a set of ideas grounded in the belief that change needs first to be imagined in order to be achieved. It opened its doors in October 2012 as an art initiative, curatorial office and exhibition space located in Cairo. Since then a year-round program of exhibitions, publications, discussions, film screenings, talks, workshops and seminars voices the importance of independent and critical thinking for political and social emancipation, including longterm research frameworks developed to address specific questions related to the role of art, institutions and language in culture, politics and education. Beirut considers institution building as a curatorial act, towards creating stronger affinities between individuals and institutions who actively engage with the current social and political transition experienced in the region.

Beirut is looking for someone interested in committing her/his time and energy to a young organization that requires the development of an administrative vision and governance structure with a strong future outlook. Key tasks are to handle all structural activities and actively support the development of a relevant and meaningful contemporary art program. She or he will devise, manage and deliver the tools needed to realize the overall artistic vision, identify and build alliances with other institutions, and supervise the financial operations of the organization in an effective and sustainable manner. Beyond that, she or he will direct members of staff, support artists and consult Beirut’s team on means of engaging new and existing publics.

The successful candidate will have the overall responsibility for the day-to-day management and report directly to the Director and Advisory Board. Candidates should demonstrate strong organizational skills, combined with the energy and commitment required to further Beirut’s role in the community. Candidates must also possess the skills necessary to manage and lead the organization internally and in its crucial relationship with publics, funders, partners and stakeholders.

Legal and financial administration responsibilities:

•Strategic business planning, fundraising and compliance
•Financial operations and sustainability
•Liaisons with funders, sponsors and partners
•Human Resources management of in-house staff
•Management of gallery and office facilities
•Contracts, permits and other legal documents
•Day-to-day accounts and cash flow of the organization

Program and project management tasks:

•Develop project management tools and schedules
•Supervise logistics of individual projects in dialogue with artists and team
•Implement projects, exhibitions and other public programs
•Manage contracts, loan forms and agreements with national and international collaborators for exhibitions, residencies and co-productions
•Manage visiting artists and research residencies
•Manage international shipping and local production of artworks
•Coordinate workflow between the team, temporary workers and service providers
•Facilitate dialog between Director, Curator(s) and Advisory Board

Candidates should have the following skills and qualifications:

•Keen interest in contemporary art development locally and abroad
•Excellent relationships with stakeholders and institutions on a local level
•A thorough knowledge of and experience in financial reporting, business planning, compliance and corporate governance
•Strong negotiation skills to manage an institution efficiently and strategically
•Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
•Advanced production skills with a proven capacity to handle exhibitions and events
•Relevant experience in the professional art or culture world including: personnel policy / project development, fundraising and budgeting / overseeing press, communication and publication projects / developing partnerships with art organizations, granting bodies, philanthropic organizations, foundations and private partners
•Excellent command of English and Arabic is required
•Academic degree in Humanities or Social Science related field is a plus

This is a paid full-time position with a basic salary for the duration of twelve months (September 2014 – September 2015) with possibility of renewal. Depending on the experience and availability of the candidate we can offer a contract between 30 and 40 hours per week, to be determined. The Managing Director will be based in Cairo.

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV including contact information of two references to office{at}beirutbeirut.org.

www.beirutbeirut.org