Search for Director General

About the museum
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is the result of an exceptional collaboration between the Basque Institutions—Basque Government and Provincial Council of Biscay—and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Today, the Museum is a reality that has surpassed the most ambitious artistic and cultural expectations, and has made an extraordinary contribution to the urban, economic, and social regeneration of Bilbao, Biscay, and the Basque Country.

It is the Museum's Mission to collect, preserve, and research modern and contemporary art and to exhibit it in the context of the History of Art from multiple perspectives and aimed at a wide and diverse audience, in order to contribute to the knowledge and enjoyment of art and the values it embodies, within the framework of an emblematic example of architecture, as a fundamental, shining star in the Guggenheim Constellation of museums and as a symbol of the vitality of the Basque Country.

Code of ethics
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is firmly committed to being an inclusive and diverse institution and through its Code of Ethics it ensures ethical and social behavior, observing equal opportunities for individuals in their diversity and promoting work-life balance. The Museum does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability status.

The Museum guarantees equal opportunities in its search processes, and offers quality and stability in employment, in a friendly and stimulating environment, fostering reciprocal responsibility between employees and the institution, and promoting flexible and innovative work practices.

Summary of position
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Director General shall provide leadership and direct policymaking, planning, organization, staffing, and operations. The Director General will report to and work closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees to develop, coordinate, and implement the Museum policies and programs including exhibitions, collections management, educational activities, fundraising, and community outreach.   

Values approach
The selected person must possess personal values in line with those that inform the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao's Mission:

–Integrity in the performance of their duties, discernment, and good judgment
–Determination and commitment in decision-making
–Flexibility, ability to adapt to all kinds of contexts, and critical spirit
–Empathy, assertiveness, communication skills
–Talent for team building, leadership and motivational abilities

Main responsibilities
–Work in alignment with the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, and under their guidelines, to develop the strategic direction and initiatives to fulfill the  Mission of the Museum and its constituent entities
–Plan, coordinate, and direct the Museum’s operations, including art programming, education and public programs, development, finance, external communications, and human resources. Draft and propose strategic plans and their subsequent operational budgets, as well as establish monitoring and drive mechanisms
–Oversee the management of the Collection and acquisitions
–Pursue the goal of international prominence and recognition; develop strategies to increase the Museum’s audiences local and internationally; and ensure its financial stability and growth
–Work collaboratively with the Basque Public Institutions
–Serve as the main liaison with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Basque Institutions’ representative on the SRGF Board, and with other Guggenheim museums, and ensure fulfillment of the obligations arising from the agreements in force, with the aspiration of strengthening and enriching the identity, ties, and projects shared in the Constellation of museums
–Lead fundraising efforts and cultivate relationships through corporate and individual membership programs, maximizing self-funding levels
–Maintain an organizational culture which attracts, keeps, and motivates staff; plan, organize, and direct the activities of staff in all areas of the Museum
–Establish relationships and coordinate with other museums, cultural and artistic agents, and other organizations connected with economic and social development
–Direct the overall development of public relations and marketing initiatives; serve as the principal spokesperson for the Museum

Skills and qualifications
–Knowledge of art, collections, and museum art programming and operations
–Managerial, planning, organizational, and administrative skills, specifically in a transnational organization with an international scope of activity
–Ability to provide strong leadership, vision, and strategic direction
–Problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
–Effective working relationships with public and private organizations, foundations, Board members, the community, and stakeholders. Understanding of the institutional framework and socio-cultural context of the Museum
–Proven skills in fundraising, audience development, promotion, and public relations
–Ability to supervise and work successfully with staff; teambuilding, motivation, and teamwork qualities
–Written and verbal communication skills; ability to present to audiences and media
–Degree or postgraduate level in a subject related to the duties of a museum, including those of the director’s role
–Knowledge of languages; the level and fluency in the three official languages of the Museum (English, Basque, and Spanish) will be specifically assessed
–At least 10 years’ experience at a senior management level gained in an arts organization, museum or cultural sector or other equivalent experience; and at a point in their professional career that makes it possible to develop a medium/long-term project in this new stage of the Museum

How to apply
Interested candidates may submit their application through the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao website.

Attention to queries via e-mail to Antonia Josten: jobs@antoniajosten.com

Application deadline is Sunday, June 30, 2024.