Deputy Director, The Kitchen

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Exact $150,000.00
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
full-time employment
Exempt status

Job Description

The Kitchen, established in 1971 as an artist-driven collective, is a pioneering cultural institution centered in New York City that continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art and creative expression. With a longstanding history of supporting experimental and innovative art forms, The Kitchen serves as a vibrant hub combining live performances, exhibitions, and public programming within a single, dynamic space. Its mission is to empower artists and audiences alike to engage with bold and radical ideas, fostering a creative environment where boundaries can be challenged and new forms of artistic expression can emerge. The institution has a rich legacy of featuring influential artists across various disciplines, including groundbreaking names such as Laurie Anderson, John Cage, Philip Glass, and Cindy Sherman, making it a cornerstone for multidisciplinary art and cultural innovation. As an avant-garde platform, The Kitchen is committed to nurturing an inclusive and supportive community that values diverse voices and experimental practices, firmly positioning itself at the forefront of contemporary culture and arts innovation.

The role of Deputy Director at The Kitchen is a critical senior leadership position during a transformative moment for the institution. Reporting directly to the Executive Director & Chief Curator, the Deputy Director will oversee and ensure the smooth integration of internal operations, labor relations, and a major capital renovation project, all aligned with The Kitchen's innovative artistic mission and core values. This role demands a strategic and empathetic leader who can coordinate effectively across various departments, champion labor equity, and maintain organizational stability through times of change. The Deputy Director will also serve as the main liaison to The Kitchen Union, fostering transparent communication, trust, and collaborative problem-solving between leadership and union representatives.

Additionally, the Deputy Director will manage the complexities arising from The Kitchen's ongoing renovation and capital improvements, coordinating efforts that impact staffing, facilities, and programming continuity. By bridging operational needs with the institution's long-term sustainability goals, they will help build systems and workflows that prepare The Kitchen for its future, maintaining its position as a vital cultural institution. This full-time position offers a salary of $150,000 and includes comprehensive medical, vision, and dental benefits, alongside paid time off. The Deputy Director is a pivotal figure in upholding The Kitchen's mission not only through its programming but also in fostering a nurturing and equitable workplace environment that honors the institution’s experimental spirit and commitment to social justice and innovation in the arts sector.

Job Requirements

  • bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field
  • 8-10 plus years of senior management experience within arts culture or mission-driven organizations
  • demonstrated experience navigating labor relations unionized environments or complex workplace dynamics
  • strong leadership and organizational management skills
  • experience with capital projects and renovations
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • authorization to work in the united states

Job Qualifications

  • 8-10 plus years of senior management experience within arts culture or mission-driven organizations
  • demonstrated experience navigating labor relations unionized environments or complex workplace dynamics
  • strong operational and organizational leadership skills with experience managing change during periods of growth or transition
  • familiarity with capital projects renovations or large-scale infrastructure initiatives within nonprofit or cultural institutions
  • excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills
  • ability to lead with empathy clarity and firmness when needed
  • deep alignment with the kitchen’s mission as an alternative artist-centered institution

Job Duties

  • act as a senior partner to the executive director and chief curator supporting day-to-day organizational leadership and long-range planning
  • translate institutional priorities into operational plans that support staff programs and financial sustainability
  • identify and address organizational challenges proactively ensuring continuity and care during periods of change
  • support organizational efforts specific to the kitchen union serving as a consistent and informed liaison between leadership and union representatives
  • help facilitate clear communication documentation and follow-through related to union agreements policies and workplace practices
  • act as an internal bridge for matters related to the organization’s renovation and capital project coordinating across departments to address operational impacts and needs
  • foster strong communication and collaboration across departments helping to break silos and align teams around shared goals

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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