Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Staff opening: Gala/Auction Assistant
Start Date: September 8 - November 14, 2008 (approx. 10 weeks)

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art was founded in 1980 to preserve a remarkable American folk art environment located in Houston's East End. Since then, we have developed a national profile based on a solid record of stewardship and unique programs that celebrate the artist in everyone. We preserve visionary art environments, provide opportunities for the expression of personal artistic vision and create a community where that expression is valued. Our programs: hands-on workshops, Eyeopener Tours, community murals and Art Car Weekend, help people experience the creative process and teach people about visionary art.

Job Description
The Gala/Auction assistant position is a seasonal, part-time contract position. The right candidate must have ability to handle confidential data, ability to take control of projects, exercise good judgment in task execution of work performed, have previous documented clerical experience, and have good customer service skills. Prefer individuals who demonstrate dependability, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and are detail oriented. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a must. This part-time contract position reports to the Administrative Director.

Duties and Responsibilities
* Attend auction committee meetings and record minutes. Disseminates minutes and action lists to committee members and staff.
* Work with auction chair and committee to obtain, track, pick up, store, package, display, check out and deliver more than 150 items.
* Generate auction correspondence, display materials, auction catalog and forms.
* Assist in writing auction donated item description for catalog.
* Maintains and tracks information of auction donation form: Donor, item donated, value, etc.
* Coordinate with staff and auction committee chairs to oversee logistic planning of auction layout and display for night of gala as directed: timelines, site maps, supplies, volunteers, volunteer hospitality, rentals and entertainment.
* On day of auction, take responsibility for auction display items, have packing materials for auction check out; and at end of night assist with repacking auction items unsold; and borrowed materials that need to be returned.
* Assist Administrative Director with auction checkout procedure.
* Week following auction, responsible for returning all rentals, borrowed materials, and assisting staff with auction item delivery.
* Assist staff with generating thank you letters to auction donors.

Contract Salary is $12/hour.
Contract Period: September 8 - November 14, 2008
Approximately 25-30 hours/week
Ability to work evenings and weekend as required
Availability October 27 - November 1, 2008 is a must.

Fax or email letter why you are interested in the position and your resume to:

Gala/Auction Assistant
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
2402 Munger Street
Houston, TX 77023
Fax: 713-926-1506
Email: gloria@orangeshow.org

Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Staff opening: Executive Director

Vision: Creating a community that respects personal artistic vision through the preservation of visionary art environments and provides opportunities for everyone to express their inner artist.

About the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art (OSCVA): Marilyn Oshman led a wide*ranging group including Dominique de Menil and ZZ Top, in 1980, to preserve Jeff McKissack's Orange Show, a remarkable folk art site in Houston's East End which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. Since The Orange Show was restored and opened to the public in late 1982, the non-profit organization that cares for it has developed a unique and powerful program that combines visionary art preservation with events that educate the public and provide opportunities to experience the creative process.

We accomplish our mission through maintenance of two folk art sites, on-site performances featuring unique performers, hands-on art workshops, mural projects that pair artists with youth at risk for gang involvement, regional and national tours of hidden artistic treasures and programs that celebrate the drive to create. We maintain public access to the Orange Show and the Beer Can House. We present programs at our Center in Houston's East End, and at locations throughout Houston.

Mission: To preserve, promote and document visionary art environments, provide opportunities for the expression of personal artistic vision and create a community where that expression is valued.

OSCVA current programs: Preservation and maintenance of The Orange Show as one of Houston's cultural treasures, including self-guided and docent-led tours, hands-on art workshops and presentation of a vital program of concerts and films.
Houston Art Car Parade --signature annual event each May attracting more than 250,000 viewers, local television broadcast, world-wide media and 1,500 participating artists.
Eyeopener Tours - guided bus tours visiting hidden artistic treasures of Houston and beyond.
Art-A-Peel - curriculum-based field trips for elementary school children at the Orange Show
Mural Arts Project - large-scale murals created by artists and teams of youth at risk for gang involvement.
Beer Can House - internationally renowned folk art site recently restored and opened to the public. Some conservation remains to be completed and an on-going maintenance scheme needs to be developed. Self guided and docent-led tours and a gift shop/bookstore are available on site.

Outlook:
The Houston Art Car Parade is poised to become world famous. The next Executive Director will oversee the consolidation of a new funding model for the Art Car Parade which does not sell the title of the event to a particular corporation; as well as the establishment of a new and more independent art car production staff to allow for all OSCVA programs to flourish.
Soon, a capital campaign will provide for the first major conservation of The Orange Show in 25 years and for the renovation of a 12,000 square foot building adjacent to the Munger Street headquarters as well as a green space linking our properties. This industrial building, purchased in 2006, will provide a firm foundation for the future growth and direction of the OSCVA.

Executive Director:
We are seeking an Executive Director to be the chief executive officer of the organization and to provide the support necessary to ensure sound operations and fiscal health and to take the organization to the next level of growth. In collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff, the executive director will ensure the continuity of the Orange Show's programs, outreach and growth. The Executive Director will report monthly to a 12-member Board Executive Committee and quarterly to a 20-member Board of Directors. The OSCVA's projected operating budget for FY 2009 (July 2008 -June 2009) is $1.2 million. The staff currently is 7 full-time, year-round members plus 6 part-time or contract personnel. There are more than 400 active volunteers, and our programs reach over 350,000 adults and children each year.

The ideal candidate will show a demonstrated commitment to the visionary art environments we preserve and to their potential to enrich community life. The top candidate will also have experience managing a mid-sized independent agency through a period of rapid growth and a track record in developing collaborative working relationships with donors, funders, community groups, artists, volunteers, government agencies, and local schools. Strong writing and speaking skills are a necessity, as is an innovative and entrepreneurial understanding of successful nonprofits. Experience with fundraising and working with a diverse population is essential.

This position is a unique opportunity for a culturally competent, articulate and inspiring individual committed to leading a highly respected and effective organization.

Responsibilities:
The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and management of the OSCVA and will be a strategic communicator to funders, media, staff, board and community. The Executive Director will move the OSCVA forward in implementing the internal and external objectives related to the organization's mission. In addition, the Executive Director will focus on developing the internal structure and budget to support the OSCVA's continued growth.

Fund Development: The Executive Director leads fundraising efforts, working with the Development Associate and the Board of Directors to
* Develop a long-range, sustainable, diverse funding plan to ensure the implementation and success of the OSCVA programs and strategic goals
* Maintain and grow existing relationships with foundations and major donors
- Maintain and expand the OSCVA's private donor base
* Proactively develop funding proposals, prepare grant applications, and coordinate fundraising activities
* Actively seek new revenue sources (earned, corporate, foundation, private and government) to meet program goals
* Monitor contract compliance and grant objectives, and maintain reporting to funders
* Continue the growth of cash reserves
* Prepare development reports for the board
Financial Management: Working with the Administrative Director, the Executive Director will
* Prepare annual budget and development plan to meet financial needs of program and general operations
* Supervise finance staff and coordinate management of financial and administrative procedures in order to maintain fiscally sound programs and accounting systems
* Supervise audits, preparation of expenditure reports, and all other fiscal reports
* Oversee banking transactions and tax preparation

Human Resource Management
* Hire and supervise staff and independent contractors to ensure operational effectiveness
* Ascertain that the personnel policies are adhered to in all hiring and employment practices.
* Propose changes in policy to Board of Directors to keep pace with organizational changes.
* Provide for staff development activities that upgrade employee skills and motivate performance and promote longevity.
* Ensure fair hiring practices and promote an organizational culture that fosters cooperation, communication, teamwork and trust.

Board Administration
* Work with Board leadership to maintain and further develop an engaged, effective, energized Board.
* Facilitate operations and provide staffing for Board committees, as appropriate
* Serve ex-officio on all Board committees
* Support and provide Board with adequate information to help members reach sound decisions and establish policies
* Ensure and facilitate the Board's involvement in the formation of the Orange Show's policies and programs and supervise the implementation of Board-approved policies
* Assist the Board with ongoing strategic planning that is responsive to the needs of the organization to effectively define and achieve its vision, e.g. strategic expansion of outreach programs.
* Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and training of new Board members
* Assist board leadership in diversifying board membership
* Engage Board members in training and development activities
* Promote regular communication between Board and staff

Community and Government Relations
* Represent the OSCVA at public functions
* Participate in community and government conferences and meetings to further the OSCVAs goals and increase the awareness, visibility, influence and impact of the organization
* Pro-actively promote the OSCVA to key constituents: schools, parents and local youth
* Establish and maintain productive relationships with other organizations advocating for youth development, artistic creativity and preservation
* Respond to press and media queries
Program Implementation and Oversight. In collaboration with the Program Manager and other appropriate staff and Board members:
* Ensure that program decisions are based on sound financial management
* Maintain familiarity with OSCVA programs and objectives
* Ensure compatibility of program decisions with OSCVA mission
* Facilitate communication with the Board, members and the community regarding our initiatives
* Ensure that all staff members have all program information necessary to fulfill their jobs

Qualifications
* Demonstrated commitment to OSCVA program and goals
* Self-directed, energetic, tenacious leader, strong collaborator and facilitator
* Ability to partner proactively with and support Program Manager and other programming staff in program development and management responsibilities; experience working with creative program director a plus
* Minimum 5 years nonprofit management experience (strong understanding of the nonprofit sector and of the particular needs of a mid-sized organization)
* Demonstrated experience in fundraising (including understanding of and connections to funding communities), nonprofit fiscal management, budget preparation
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Creative problem solver, open to change, flexible, and capable of adapting to changing priorities
* Strategic thinker, capable of maintaining and managing growth of a successful organization
* Experience working with boards of directors and community-based organizations
* Commitment to engaging and working with diverse communities

Please send a letter stating why you are interested in this position and your resume to:

Executive Director
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
2402 Munger St.
Houston, Texas 77023
Fax: 713.926.1506
or email to gloria@orangeshow.org