Culminating a public process that included a survey (Feb. 10-16) identifying the preferred attributes of the ideal candidate and a public meeting (Monday, Feb. 24) to adopt the job description and search timeline, the state of Oregon today opened the search for the next executive director of the Oregon Arts Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust. The search is being led by Twyla Lawson, the state’s senior human resources consultant.

More than 400 Oregonians participated in the public survey to identify the preferred qualities of the new executive director, said Lawson. “They provided incredible feedback and agreed on the attributes that are important. We now begin a proactive process to identify and recruit the best candidate.”

The executive director is a full-time, executive service position located in Salem, Ore. The successful candidate will become part of the state’s Executive Service team.  The position requires a minimum of three (3) years of management experience in a public or private organization or two (2) years of management experience in a public or private organization and 45 to 48 quarter hours (30 to 32 semester hours) of graduate level coursework in management.  The salary range is from $64,608 to $95,136 per year plus benefits.  

For additional information on the requirements and desired attributes for the position please view the complete announcement. The announcement can be found at www.Oregonjobs.org and is scheduled to close at the end of the day on Wednesday, March 13.  Interested candidates should apply now. 

The mission of the Oregon Business Development Department, Business Oregon, is to create, retain, expand and attract businesses that provide sustainable, living-wage jobs for Oregonians through public-private partnerships, leveraged funding and support of economic opportunities for Oregon companies and entrepreneurs. This position is located within the Oregon Arts Commission section and is responsible in providing leadership, funding and arts programs through its grants, special initiatives and services. Nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor, determine arts needs and establish policies for public support of the arts. The Arts Commission became part of the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) in 1993, in recognition of the expanding role the arts play in the broader social, economic and educational arenas of Oregon communities. In 2003, the Oregon Legislature moved the operations of the Oregon Cultural Trust to the Arts Commission, streamlining operations and making use of the Commission’s expertise in grant making, arts and cultural information and community cultural development.

Interested candidates, or those wishing to recommend a candidate, should contact Lawson at (503) 373-7677 with questions.