Founded in 1991, the Leather Archives and Museum is dedicated to the compilation, preservation, and maintenance of primary materials on the Leather, Kink, BDSM and Fetish communities and their cultures in both physical and electronic formats. Over the last 26 years, the Leather Archives & Museum has become recognized worldwide as a significant center for sexuality research; the Leather Archives provides an annual research stipend to a scholar wishing to use the resources of the Archives for academic research. Our museum galleries serve to present educational and historical material that highlights the silent histories of marginalized and under-represented communities.
The Archives, a 10,000 square foot mortgage-free building, is located on Greenview Avenue in Chicago near Loyola University. The building houses the Teri Rose Library with holdings of over 3,000 books and 12,600 journals and periodicals, searchable by an online catalog; a 1425 sq. ft. archival storage space; and, eight exhibit galleries. Among its ongoing endeavors are the Women’s Leather History Program, a gallery with rotating exhibits that celebrate contemporary artists who inspire dialogues related to Leather, Kink, BDSM and Fetish, and a community space used for programming and special events. The LA&M is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charity under the 501 c (3) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Nearly all income is derived from members of the Leather/Kink/BDSM/Fetish communities. Approximately 25 to 30 % of all income is generated during the International Mr. Leather Contest Weekend.
Working Conditions
This is a management position in a small organization; therefore, while the primary responsibilities are sedentary in nature, the Executive Director may be called upon to move materials for exhibits, offsite events, and handle packages and donations weighing up to 50 lbs. The Leather Archives & Museum building is not fully ADA compliant at this time. The candidate must be able to negotiate stairs multiple times each day.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted electronically in .docx or .pdf formats. Each application should submit one email with two attachments, 1) a cover letter and 2) resume or CV. Do not imbed links in application emails. Links in emails will not be opened! Applications must be emailed to: [email protected] . Applicants will be notified by email that their application has been received. There will be no further communication or information about the status of applications available until October 17, 2017. No phone calls! Phone calls from applicants will not be accepted or returned.
No applications will be accepted after 5 PM Central time on October 15, 2017. No applications will be accepted by mail, fax, courier, hand delivery or by any other means than email.
The Executive director reports directly to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Executive Committee of the Board to:
- Implement the mission and vision of the LA&M through their leadership with the Board, staff, donors, patrons and the Leather/Kink/BDSM/Fetish communities.
- The Executive Director is responsible for the leadership and day to day operations of the LA&M.
- The Executive Director manages a growing paid staff, currently 3 fulltime employees, one part time employee and small but loyal group of volunteers.
- The Executive Director is the leader and public face of the institution and travels regularly to represent the LA&M at events throughout North America.
- The Executive Director, in consultation with the board of directors, manages all development aspects of the institution including staff, collections, program and fund raising.
- The Executive Director also facilitates the cohesiveness of and assists with finding programming to enhance the development of the Board of Directors.
- The LA&M is a grass roots community archive and museum that has received professional recognition and is actively seeking a mission driven leader that will further facilitate the professional growth, scholarly reputation and impact of the LA&M.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise staff and volunteers
- Be the leader, spokesperson and "public face" of the organization
- Manage institutional development, marketing and programming
- Supervise fundraising, including grant writing; meeting with and cultivating current and potential donors
- Prepare and oversee agendas and materials for board meetings
- Facilitate the development of draft budgets for treasurer and board consideration
- The Executive Director should expect to work most weekends; working the Memorial Day weekend is a requirement.
- Travel 10-12 weekends per year
- Conduct regular staff meetings
- Conduct Performance reviews and build professional capacity of staff members
- Lead and assist in board development and long-range planning
- Comfort in interacting with various demographics such as, but not limited to, persons who identify as: o Alt-sex o Polyamorous o Pansexual o Heterosexual o LGBTQ+
The candidate selected will be the applicant who offers the best combination of qualifications and demonstrated evidence of being able to succeed in all essential duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director position.
- Evidence of the candidate’s ability to provide leadership for the LA&M must be demonstrated through:
- Superior communication and presentation skills;
- Ability to adjust leadership styles to best lead different constituencies such as staff, volunteers, donor;
- Ability to interact with and take direction from the board of directors;
- Outstanding problem solving skills;
- Skill in team building, especially among staff, volunteers, and the board of directors;
- Ability to work with the various constituencies and demographic groups who are served by the LA&M;
- Comfort and familiarity with information technology;
- Basic understanding of social media and other marketing strategies to connect with the vast populations interested in the LA&M;
- A commitment to serve the diverse constituencies encompassed by the LA&M.
- The Executive Director has a fiduciary responsibility to the collection and the donors. As a not for profit institution, the fiduciary responsibility extends to the public, the City of Chicago, Cook County, the State of Illinois, and the United States Government. The ED must be above reproach and submit to a thorough background check.
- The Executive Director must be a citizen of the United States or possess a valid Work Permit.
- The Executive Director should possess a valid Driver’s License.
- The Executive Director should have a basic understanding of facilities management.
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Not for Profit Management.
- Experience working with growing Not for Profit Institutions
- A record of successful Fundraising or Grant Writing is required.
- Basic understanding of Leather/Kink/BDSM/Fetish culture and community
- A basic understanding of Social Media Information Technology and Computer Literacy is required.
- A sound understanding of QuickBooks, Salesforce and archival systems is strongly preferred.
The compensation package includes: salary of $60,000.00; PTO, institutional matching contribution retirement account; and, a cost share group health insurance.
(NOTE: the Search Committee reserves the right to further explain or define qualifications.)
Working Conditions
This is a management position in a small organization; therefore, while the primary responsibilities are sedentary in nature, the Executive Director may be called upon to move materials for exhibits, offsite events, and handle packages and donations weighing up to 50 lbs. The Leather Archives & Museum building is not fully ADA compliant at this time. The candidate must be able to negotiate stairs multiple times each day.
Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted electronically in .docx or .pdf formats. Each application should submit one email with two attachments, 1) a cover letter and 2) resume or CV. Do not imbed links in application emails. Links in emails will not be opened! Applications must be emailed to: [email protected] . Applicants will be notified by email that their application has been received. There will be no further communication or information about the status of applications available until October 17, 2017. No phone calls! Phone calls from applicants will not be accepted or returned.
No applications will be accepted after 5 PM Central time on October 15, 2017. No applications will be accepted by mail, fax, courier, hand delivery or by any other means than email.