EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
COMIC-CON CENTER FOR POPULAR CULTURE
San Diego, California
Summary of Position
The Board of Directors of Comic-Con International (CCI) is seeking an
entrepreneurial and dynamic leader to serve as the first Executive
Director of the Comic-Con Center for Popular Culture (Center). This
new cultural attraction, with a target opening date in 2018, will explore
the appreciation of comic book and popular arts, films, and science
fiction/fantasy literature through exhibitions, performances,
educational programs, and outreach efforts. Programs will be
contemporary, cross-disciplinary, accessible, and reflective of CCI’s
dedication to innovation.
A comprehensive Strategic Plan, Business Plan, and visitor experience
concept were completed for the Center in July 2016, and CCI is now
ready to engage an Executive Director with the passion and experience
to take the Center from concept to reality. The Executive Director will
be responsible for all aspects of building the Center including further
defining the visitor experience, building out the facility, implementing
a staffing plan, and opening the Center to the public. The Executive
Director will report to a Board of Directors to be appointed by the CCI
Board of Directors.
About The Center
Comic-Con International has become the premier advocate for
awareness and appreciation of comic book and popular arts, which
have grown to include films and science fiction/fantasy literature as
well. CCI’s mission is dedicated to building appreciation for comics and
related popular art forms through its Center for Popular Culture,
conventions, and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing
contribution of creators of comics, science fiction, fantasy literature,
and film.
CCI’s conventions and events draw record attendance, and now the
Center is envisioned as a site for continuous access to the world of
Comic-Con and the evolving world of sequential art. Located in San
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Diego’s Balboa Park, the Center will be an extension of CCI, manifesting
the same values of accessibility, curiosity, and appreciation. Through
exhibits that refresh frequently and consistently, and programs that
offer opportunities to learn, experience, and participate, the Center
will continue to build awareness and appreciation for the valuable
contribution of comics to art and culture. The Center will be visitorfocused, whether a Comic-Con fan or a member of the general public,
and will provide engrossing experiences that engage curiosity and
inspire learning.
The San Diego
Community
San Diego is located two hours south of Los Angeles on the U.S.-Mexico
border and is the second largest city in California, with a population of
1.4 million. It is known for its mild climate, natural deep-water harbor,
extensive beaches, and long association with the United States Navy.
Home to the University of California San Diego and the UCSD Medical
Center, the city has recently emerged as a healthcare and
biotechnology development center. Tourism is also a large part of San
Diego’s economy. In 2014 the city was named the best U.S. city to
launch a startup company by Forbes magazine.
The Center will be located five minutes from downtown San Diego in
Balboa Park, a 1,200 acre cultural park. The Park features 17 museums
and cultural organizations including the world-famous San Diego Zoo,
the San Diego Museum of Art, and the San Diego Museum of Man. The
Center will be housed in a 68,000 square foot Maya Revival style
structure that originated with the California Pacific International
Exposition of 1935.
Responsibilities
The Executive Director will report to the Center’s Board and will have
full administrative and artistic authority and responsibility as the chief
executive officer of the Center. Responsibilities include but are not
limited to:
•
Providing leadership in implementing the Strategic, Business, and
Visitor Experience. This includes furthering the concepts for
exhibits and educational programs, overseeing the building
renovations; and ensuring a successful opening of the Center;
•
Updating and implementing the staffing plan;
•
Collaborating with CCI staff and Board regarding the visitor
experience;
•
Developing and successfully managing an annual operating budget
in alignment with the Strategic and Business Plans;
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Ideal Candidate
Characteristics
Experience/Education
•
Working with the Board to develop and implement a fundraising
program to raise contributed revenues for capital projects and
annual operations;
•
Maximizing earned income opportunities that support the mission
of the organization;
•
Establishing and facilitating an Advisory Board to engage high
profile individuals to serve as advocates for the Center;
•
Developing effective branding, marketing, and awareness of the
Center by coordinating with CCI marketing staff to provide a high
degree of visibility in the community through strategic partnerships
with other cultural organizations, educational institutions, donors,
etc. while positioning the Center as a destination for community
and regional residents and tourists;
•
Managing the Center in a fiscally responsible manner with the
newly appointed Board and in accordance with accepted non-profit
financial accounting practices.
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following:
•
A passion for the vision of the new Center and an appreciation for
comics;
•
A proven track record of leadership abilities, a high level of
initiative, strong interpersonal skills, creative and flexible problem
solving skills, and team oriented;
•
The capacity to implement the vision for the Center including
innovative programming, professional practices, consensusoriented management, effective decision-making, strategic
visioning, and practical implementation;
•
Demonstrated success in fundraising, community relations,
financial management, and marketing;
•
The capacity to develop and maintain positive relationships with
community leaders; and, the ability to maneuver in the community
with comfort and credibility;
•
A strong work ethic, good sense of humor, sincerity, and a high
energy level.
A minimum of five years of leadership and senior management
experience in a museum or cultural setting.
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Compensation
Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with
qualifications and experience. A benefits package will also be provided.
Application Procedure
Individuals applying for this position should send a letter of interest
and resume to:
Museum Management Consultants, Inc.
[email protected]
Position open until filled
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