Chief Executive Officer Federation of British Artists/Mall Galleries London SW1 80,000+ per annum Full time Reports to Chairman, FBA Job Description The Federation of British Artists (FBA) is seeking a dynamic and inspirational new Chief Executive to lead the next phase of its development. The FBA is a major visual arts charity, established in 1961, with a mission to promote, encourage and educate audiences about the study and practice of the fine and visual arts, primarily by living artists. We operate Mall Galleries, a large, contemporary gallery space on The Mall, London SW1, offering a lively and engaging programme of exhibitions, comprising the FBA s own Member Society exhibitions, alongside external solo, group shows and art fairs. Following a major programme of refurbishment and modernisation, including the creation of larger wall surfaces, new lighting and increased Bookshop resources, the profile and reputation of the FBA and Mall Galleries has grown significantly. Our gallery spaces have now become central London s major venue of choice for solo artist and group exhibitions, art fairs and events. At the core of our programme are the annual exhibitions of the FBA s own Member Societies. Jointly, these Societies represent years of artistic heritage. They have survived wars, numerous recessions and dramatic changes in fashion. Today each Society is still regarded as a highly significant flagship for the art forms they champion. We are responsible for providing these Member Societies with administration, marketing and gallery services. We have an annual turnover of approx. 1.6m and have succeeded in delivering a surplus for each of the last seven years. The Board and executive team have strengthened the charity s financial resources by diversifying our channels of income and by attracting sponsorship and donations from companies, major grant-givers and foundations. This has enabled us to modernise our gallery spaces, attract new, high profile exhibitions and art fairs, construct a dedicated Learning Centre out of unused cellar spaces, create a large and growing stream of income from 1
our merchandising activities and develop our website presence, which includes a busy online sales platform. All of these successes have helped us engage with a wider number of audiences and the educational programmes we have launched to complement these initiatives have helped us deliver a lively and impressive programme of creative initiatives. See: www.mallgalleries.org.uk As Chief Executive, you will have overall responsibility for delivering the charitable and commercial objectives of the FBA/Mall Galleries, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the charity. We employ a staff of 20 full or part-time professionals, plus a further team of 12 part-time gallery technicians. The FBA s operations are diverse and complex and some significant challenges lie ahead. As the new Chief Executive, you will be expected to direct the project that integrates the charity s various databases into a more efficient CRM; you will lead the charity s long term strategy planning around gallery hires and new commercial opportunities; you will help expand the national reach of the FBA s activities by launching touring exhibitions around the UK; you will oversee the further development of our charitable activities, including leading the fundraising for new initiatives; you will manage the key relationships of the charity, negotiating with The Crown Estate on property matters; and you will advance the charity s multichannel distribution strategy by further development of the FBA s web and online sales presence. Main Responsibilities 1) Delivering the mission of the charity, as set out in the Company s Articles of Association 2) Leading the FBA s fundraising and development programmes, in particular, in support of activities delivering our public benefit 3) Ensuring the exhibition services, resources and administration services provided to Member Societies and other gallery hirers meet the highest possible standards, at the same time helping achieve a rich and diverse artistic programme 2
4) Managing the charity s major corporate, sponsorship and grant giving relationships, as well as identifying new relationships that can benefit the FBA s exhibition and educational programmes 5) Leading our relationship with key local stakeholders (including The Royal Parks), as well as The Crown Estate and their managing agent 6) Building on the growing success of the FBA s marketing initiatives to promote the Galleries and its exhibitions, as well as securing a high profile with the media. Also, developing the charity s retailing activities, including maximising merchandising opportunities. 7) Growing the FBA s online footprint by ensuring the FBA s web strategy and online sales platform are equipped to meet the demands of this dynamic marketplace 8) Delivering operational effectiveness by ensuring best practices for IT Systems and Digital Communications are met and keep pace with the risks, opportunities and trends in the different channels of distribution. This involves your overseeing the modernisation of data management and ensuring compliance with current regulations, in particular, with GDPR 9) Alerting the Board of Trustees to industry developments, which may bring about changes in business strategy 10) Analysing and reporting to the Board on financial performance 11) Monitoring all issues of risk and reporting to the Board on significant operational and reputational issues 12) Directing the Company s employment policies and providing leadership to all FBA staff, in particular, direct line management of five senior business executives Head of Finance, Head of Exhibitions & Events, Head of Commissions, Head of Education & Cultural Strategy and Digital Manager 13) Overseeing a robust building management strategy, required to meet client expectations, compliance and operational demands 14) Delivering the Trustee Induction programme for all new Trustees of the charity 3
Essential Personal Qualities You will have a professional background in business and the arts, together with a strategic approach to addressing market dynamics that are leading to changes in the industry A good team leader able to harness the best from a highly competent, talented but diverse team Proven experience building relationships with corporate sponsors and/or grant givers Experience in financial management and reporting an ability to analyse financial trends and variances, in order to better understand, advise and direct the business of the charity Excellent presentation and communication skills - for client presentations and for reporting to Trustees A good networker essential for developing new clients for the charity, raising the profile of the Mall Galleries and establishing regional contacts which can lead to FBA touring exhibitions Sensitivity towards the differing requirements of a wide range of stakeholders, including artists, collectors, society committees, suppliers, funding bodies, commercial sponsors and staff An ability to direct and oversee major operational projects, in particular, lead a new project to develop a Company-wide CRM A recognition of the importance of the internet as a major channel for distribution as well as communication experience in setting up or operating an online sale platform would be an advantage How to Apply If you are interested in this exciting leadership role, submit a copy of your CV, together with a one-page covering letter addressed to Director@mallgalleries.com outlining how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate. 4
The deadline for submissions is Monday 3 September 2018. Interviews will be held on Friday 28 September 2018. 5