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Foundation The Arts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

An Arts and Culture Resources Developer is responsible for managing the development and fundraising ... and foundation procedures. This class is supervised by the Deputy Director of Development, who ...

... the execution of Blumenthal Arts' fundraising strategy, with primary responsibility for contributed revenue generation. This role manages major donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, and ...

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$21K

$62.6K

$170.5K

How much do foundation the arts jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation the arts in the United States is $62,609.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation in the Arts professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation in the Arts professional, you generally need a broad understanding of art history, creative techniques, and foundational artistic principles, often supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with digital design tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite), basic studio equipment, and portfolio development is typically expected. Creativity, open-mindedness, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help individuals excel in collaborative and expressive environments. These skills and qualities are essential for developing artistic talent, engaging audiences, and building a successful career in the arts.

What are Foundation The Arts?

Foundation The Arts refers to introductory courses or programs that provide students with a broad understanding of various art forms, such as visual arts, music, drama, and dance. These foundational courses are designed to develop basic artistic skills, creativity, and an appreciation for the arts. They often serve as a stepping stone for further specialized study or careers in the arts by building essential knowledge and techniques.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in foundation roles within the arts sector?

Professionals in foundation roles within the arts often encounter the challenge of balancing limited funding with ambitious programming goals. They must also navigate complex relationships with artists, donors, and partner organizations, ensuring that the foundation's mission aligns with community needs and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, adapting to evolving trends in the arts and demonstrating measurable impact can require innovative thinking and strong communication skills. These roles often involve both independent project work and close collaboration with a small, passionate team.

What is the difference between Foundation The Arts vs Art Teacher?

AspectFoundation The ArtsArt Teacher
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some roles may need a certification in arts educationRequires a bachelor's degree in art education or related field; state certification often needed
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, arts organizations, non-profits, or outreach programsSchools, educational institutions, or private studios
Industry UsageFocuses on arts promotion, community engagement, and arts education programsInstructs students in art techniques, history, and creative development within educational settings

Foundation The Arts roles generally involve community-based arts initiatives and outreach, while Art Teachers focus on formal education within schools. Both roles require a passion for arts and some level of certification, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

More about Foundation The Arts jobs
What cities are hiring for Foundation The Arts jobs? Cities with the most Foundation The Arts job openings:
What states have the most Foundation The Arts jobs? States with the most job openings for Foundation The Arts jobs include:
Infographic showing various Foundation The Arts job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,609 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Head of Archives

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts advances the artist's spirit of critical thinking, risk-taking, and provocation in the arts. Established by Kelley in 2007, the Foundation seeks to further Kelley's philanthropic work through grants to arts organizations and artists for innovative projects that reflect his multifaceted artistic practice. The Foundation also preserves the artist's legacy more broadly and advances the understanding of his life and creative achievements through educational initiatives, including exhibitions, educational events, publications, and the preservation and care of the Foundation's art collections and archives.
At MKFA, we are a small team that works closely together. No task is too small, as we understand that every responsibility contributes to advancing our mission.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Archives provides strategic and operational leadership for the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts archives, which includes original papers, records, audiovisual materials, born-digital assets, and substantial digital holdings related to Mike Kelley's life and work, as well as the institutional records of the Foundation.
Building upon a substantially processed archive, the Head of Archives focuses on stewardship, access, preservation, and the continued development of systems and policies that support research, exhibitions, publications, educational initiatives, and future catalogue raisonnรฉ projects.
The position oversees archival operations, manages archival systems and preservation activities, supervises archival staff and contractors, and collaborates with colleagues across the Foundation to ensure archival collections and records remain accessible, well-documented, and responsibly managed.
The Head of Archives serves as the Foundation's lead archival professional, providing expertise in archival standards, digital preservation, researcher access, and records stewardship while contributing to broader institutional planning and special projects.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Foundation's archives, including planning, budgeting, staffing, and reporting.
  • Advance access to and engagement with archival collections through the development of researcher services, educational initiatives, and other mission-aligned programs; provide advanced reference support as needed.
  • Supervise archival staff, interns, contractors, and project-based consultants.
  • Develop, implement, and assess policies, procedures, and workflows related to archival operations, researcher access, and records stewardship.
  • Guide appraisal, preservation, access, and stewardship decisions for archival collections and institutional records.
  • Oversee archival processing activities and establish priorities for arrangement, description, preservation, digitization, and access projects.
  • Administer and maintain archival systems and repositories, including ArchivesSpace, Archive-It Vault, and related preservation and access platforms.
  • Develop and maintain workflows for born-digital archives, web archives, and digital preservation activities.
  • Collaborate with collections staff to support connections between archival resources, artwork records, exhibition histories, and related research tools.
  • Maintain exhibition history authority records and related archival data in support of research, publications, and future catalogue raisonnรฉ initiatives.
  • Oversee archival facilities and storage environments to ensure appropriate preservation conditions, security, and environmental stability.
  • Manage archival vendors, preservation consultants, and related service providers.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Administration and Operations on matters relating to institutional records stewardship, archival transfer, and long-term preservation.
  • Collaborate with Foundation staff, consultants, and vendors on information management and digital asset initiatives to ensure archival and preservation requirements are represented.
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Foundation's mission.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of archival standards, descriptive metadata practices, and best practices, including DACS, EAD, Dublin Core, authority control, and related guidelines pertaining to description, access, preservation, and security.
  • Experience writing, implementing, and assessing policies and workflows related to the management of physical and digital collections.
  • Demonstrated experience administering or working extensively with ArchivesSpace or comparable archival management systems.
  • Demonstrated experience with digitization projects, born-digital archives, and digital preservation.
  • Knowledge of 20th- and 21st-century art and experience with artists' archives preferred.
  • Proficiency in FileMaker Pro and other database platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and Mac and PC computers; strong technical ability to evaluate and learn new software to support innovative strategies for preserving and cataloging archival materials.
  • Strong decision-making, problem-solving, project management, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments and deadlines within a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Active participation in the archives profession preferred.
  • Self-motivated, highly organized, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's degree in Library Science, Information Studies, or a related field, with a concentration in archives management preferred, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience.
  • Seven or more years of progressively responsible archival experience, including experience managing archival projects, digital preservation initiatives, systems, staff, or contractors.
SCHEDULE, WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Position works in our Los Angeles location (Highland Park) during standard business hours Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm and may require travel to storage facilities and other venues with which the Foundation does business.
  • Periodically may require lifting, moving 40lb. boxes.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license
  • This position will require a background check and professional references.
Salary range: $100k - $120k/year, commensurate with experience, skills and fit.
Competitive benefit package includes:
  • Paid vacation (10 days per year, accrued)
  • Paid holidays (11)
  • Paid winter break (up to 5 days annually)
  • Paid sick/safe time (10 days per year accrued)
  • Medical insurance with optional vision and dental plans available with subsidy from the foundation
  • Eligibility for 401(k) after 6 months with annual employer contribution and additional match
  • Professional Development opportunities
  • Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be revised or assigned as organizational needs evolve.
We are seeking to hire the Head of Archives as soon as possible to support the continued growth of our organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Interviews will be on a rolling basis.
We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Everyone is welcome and our employees are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We believe that diversity drives innovation and allows employees to do their best work.
In California, the relationship between employer and employee is "at will." This means that, without an employment contract, the employer or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.
It is the policy of Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.