Director of the Office of Engagement

Job Description Job Description Description The Director of the Office of Engagement works to provide arts-based and arts-educational projects, classes and experiences that strive to directly impact social change and betterment for the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and the greater Cincinnati region that align with the AAC mission and vision. This includes identifying and fostering partnerships with organizations and stakeholders who have a proven history of alignment with AAC values; collaborating with organizations, stakeholders, community members and artists, to create social justice and change projects; and provide opportunities for Art Academy of Cincinnati students and the public to participate in these endeavors. This Director serves and leads the AAC in exemplifying its inclusive work in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and Cincinnati community at-large via the arts and social practice and actively works to build and strengthen good neighbor relations with the Over-the-Rhine community. The position of the Director is dynamic and nuanced and requires a culturally competent and empathetic person who can effectively navigate and liaison multiple social dynamics to achieve success for students, families, the AAC community, partnering organizations, and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. This Director is responsible for developing, designing, and executing arts-based and arts-educational projects, classes, and experiences. Project and programming concepts, goals, objectives, and deliverables will be developed in collaboration with the President, and as specific projects necessitates with the Academic Dean, Director of Student Services, Director of Enrollment and Student Success, and Director of Marketing. The Director of the Office of Engagement will work with their staff to ensure that all projects and programming and its practices embody and further AAC’s belonging efforts and initiatives, in addition to their successful execution and completion. This Director will seek and secure funding for its programming and operations. Reporting to the President, this position holds a role in institutional Leadership, Strategic Planning and Accreditation of the institution. This full-time position requires flexibility in schedule to accommodate special events and increased demand during certain periods of the year. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Lead and develop an accessible, relevant, quality and socially conscious arts programs and partnerships. Work with the President to ensure that inclusion initiatives and social change and justice are part of the department’s projects, programs offerings and practices and in accordance with AAC mission, vision and values. Work with AAC students and community, organizations, businesses and community members to create arts-based projects, classes and experiences that address social change and justice issues. Research, develop and evaluate the curricula, teaching procedures, educational materials and pedagogical approaches that are racially intelligent, culturally competent, accessible and socially conscious. Supervise registration and receipt of fees for all designated community engagement programs and activities. Work with the Director of Marketing to establish and implement a communication and marketing plan to attract prospective students, promote events and share community impact. Facilitate the Corrina Mehiel Fellows residency program. Facilitate the Scholastics Program in collaboration with Admissions. Develop, maintain, review, and analyze program evaluation and documents. Recruit and recommend staffing for programs and activities. Direct work activities of employees within the community engagement office, supervise staff and perform evaluations. Coordinate community engagement volunteers. Report progress and identify areas for improvement. Work with the AAC Business Office to prepare preliminary and revised annual budgets for community engagement programs and activities. Monitor revenues and facilitate expenditures to ensure they conform to institutional policy and do not exceed budget. Work with HR Officer to manage payroll on a biweekly basis and ensure all contract agreements are submitted to HR. Research, prepare and follow through with grant proposals or other opportunities for supplemental funding. Collaborate with externally hired grant writer as needed. Review financial reports adjusting as needed and/or requested (of tuition-based, grant funded and service-based programming income and expenses monthly, annually, etc.) SupervisionReporting to the President, the Director of the Office of Engagement works in close collaboration with the Academic Dean and Director of Student Services and Director of Marketing and the Director of Enrollment and Student Success. The Director holds a role in institutional Leadership, Strategic Planning and Accreditation of the institution. Education / Experience Needed Robust community engagement experience Fundraising and/or granting writing experience Experience working in a Not-for -profit organization MFA or related arts field Strong desire to work in a values-aligned environment Excellent communication, written, interpersonal and negotiation skills Ability to build lasting relationships with team and internal/external stakeholders Experience serving marginalized persons and communities Preferred Innovator and collaborator who is comfortable working on and connecting the big term vision with day to day needs and operations A life-long learner who operates from a strength and asset-based perspective and an active listener Thrives on content and staying up to date on innovative tools, platforms, social change projects, artists and organizations Agile, flexible and can function in ambiguity being able to pivot in real-time Deeply dedicated to inclusive excellence and belonging for all; being culturally competent and socially minded Physical Requirements: Primarily sedentary work that may involve sitting for long periods of time. There are no known adverse environmental conditions expected. Must have ability to move from one site to another, adjusting or moving objects up to 40 lbs. in all directions. Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information, type, see a computer screen and speak and hear on the telephone. The Art Academy of Cincinnati is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Posted Date: 7/17/2025