Ringling College of Art and Design (www.ringling.edu [5]) is seeking an Associate Vice President – Collaborative Enterprises (AVPCE) who will provide the leadership to transform experiential learning at the College. Located in Sarasota, Florida, Ringling is recognized as one of the best and most innovative visual arts colleges in the United States, as well as a leader in the use of technology in the arts. The College offers bachelor’s degrees in 14 disciplines and a full-time faculty of 163 distinguished artists and scholars teach more than 1,400 students from 46 states and 53 foreign countries.
The AVPCE will lead the development of an innovative learning environment that will afford students real world project experience integrated into the academic program. The new Collaboratory will provide an experiential learning conduit between students, faculty, and external for-profit, not-for-profit, and government organizations that have project needs. The AVPCE will develop the strategy and infrastructure to launch the Collaboratory; create and implement a business development plan to form relationships with potential partners; create the project framework; and work with faculty and administrators across the College to promote collaboration. The AVPCE will manage the ongoing operations of the Collaboratory and will continuously seek out opportunities to incubate new approaches and internal/external partnerships to promote collaborative learning at the College.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a well-developed balance of successful experience in business with art and design education/teaching, including a minimum of five years experience in higher education (preferably art/design education) or related industry project management experience in a senior, supervisory role. S/he will have a keen understanding of the non-profit model coupled with a revenue generating mindset. Exceptional applied project management skills and the proven ability to assess the scope of work, timelines, and resources needed to bring art and design projects from concept through outcomes based delivery are required. Candidates must have strong business development skills, a deep understanding of the creative process, and the ability to engage the appropriate academic departments and student resources to complete projects at the highest standards of work and innovation. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills are a must.
A bachelor’s degree is required and an MFA, MA or PhD in art, design, or a related field of study is strongly preferred. Alternatively, candidates may possess an MBA, JD or other advanced business or related field of study degree, combined with an undergraduate or graduate degree in the arts.
Screening will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. Complete applications should be submitted electronically and should include: a cover letter addressed to the Search Committee that speaks to the stated responsibilities and qualifications; a current resume; and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references. Nominations, applications, and requests for additional information should be directed to Ringling’s executive search consultants:
Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc.
Attention: Michele Lyons
rcad-ed@shellihermansearch.com [6]
EOE