CAA News Today

Associate Director/Director of Conferences
College Art Association

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for providing leadership for CAA’s conference programs, identifying content, content providers, and dissemination mechanisms that meet the needs of those working in academic visual arts fields. This position enables CAA to respond to a changing environment by planning and implementing conferences as well as special programs and activities that support the CAA Strategic Plan.

Responsibilities include all planning and administrative activities related to organizing CAA conferences and meetings, such as the selection and contracting of the conference hotels and preparing and publishing all conference information. Acts as ex officio liaison to the annual conference committee, which vets all session proposals, and schedules its meetings. In consultation with leaders in the visual arts fields, identifies workshop leaders, career services mentors, roundtable leaders, distinguished artists to be interviewed, and distinguished art historians to be honored. Oversees the organization of CAA’s Career Services and interview hall. Works in cooperation with a local community to organize exhibitions and receptions. Prepares the schedule of special events, including convocation, openings, and the annual business meeting. Works cooperatively with the staff and individuals from the hosting community and local universities and museums to prepare and coordinate all conference programs. Administers conference travel grant programs. Organizes other conferences and regional meetings as needed.

Prepares annual budget and forecasts and adheres to budgets.

Supervises Programs Department staff: Assistant Director for Annual Conference, Manager of Programs and Archivist, CAA-Getty International Program Manager and Programs Assistant (part-time).

Key Responsibilities

• Schedules conference sites, contracts the hotels, and works with onsite hotel staff during the conferences
• Selects and contracts all conference service providers, including AV provider and temp agencies
• Schedules all sessions, meetings, and special events
• Oversees the organization and content of the conference website
• Organizes the convocation program in cooperation with the president and executive director
• Oversees the organization of the book and trade fair exhibitors
• Works cooperatively with the Board of Directors, staff, and standing committees to organize and schedule board sessions, professional development programs, mentoring, special events, tours, and receptions
• Oversees the organization of the CAA Career Services, including the Interview Hall
• Proposes the jurors for the awards of distinction, oversees the jury process, and organizes the awards presentation ceremony at Convocation
• Works cooperatively with the IT staff on the session submission systems, database design, registration processing, financial management

Education and Experience

• MA in art history or MFA in studio art; PhD in art history preferred with some studio coursework;
• At least 3 years experience in academic administration such as department head or collaborative scholarly or creative projects
• Experience in organizing national or international scholarly conferences
• Academic committee experience
• Familiarity with academic curriculum and tenure requirements, current trends in art history, critical theory, contemporary art, studio art and design and with leaders in the academic field of the visual arts
• Familiarity with scholarly communications, streaming, and other types of real-time communications
• Preference will be given to those with technical skills in areas that will enhance both the organizing of the meetings and with their success

Salary dependent on experience
EEOC Employer
Start date: September 1, 2015
Full-time with benefits

Please send letter of interest, CV and references to: nyoffice@collegeart.org

3-9-15