The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a dynamic Director of Finance to collaborate closely with the Director, Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, and the Board’s Finance and Investment and Audit Committees. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Finance will play a crucial part in maintaining the financial operations of the Museum, providing insightful reports and analyses, and establishing procedures to ensure the Museum’s fiscal health. Navigating the intersection of the museum programs and the robust merchandising operations, the Director of Finance will be instrumental in balancing the Museum’s mission with financial sustainability. The Director of Finance will oversee a Manager of Accounting and an Accounts Payable and Benefits Manager and will work closely with all Museum departments and several outside consultants.

The Director of Finance must be able to work in partnership with the Director, staff, and the Board, and be able to integrate smoothly into the senior management at the Museum, fitting into the organization’s collaborative and inclusive culture. They must be passionate about the Museum’s work and be able to work in a supportive and direct manner with the staff and with stakeholders in a spirit of mutual trust.

The successful candidate must be a highly skilled financial executive who has many years of experience in high-level management positions, particularly in nonprofits or cultural institutions. This person will be a strategic thinker who is thoroughly familiar with generally accepted accounting principles. The Director of Finance will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to address and solve problems as they arise. In addition, this individual will be diplomatic, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment.

Specific Responsibilities include:

General

• Oversee the Museum’s financial landscape, including managing the Museum’s institutional budget of approximately $11 million, and serve as the liaison for its investment portfolio of approximately $44 million.

• Manage all aspects of the Museum’s finances including accounting and tax filings, audits, risk management, and financial planning and analysis.

• Act as the primary staff contact to the Finance and Investment Committee and Audit Committee of the Board.

Accounting, Financial Management, and Controls

• Ensure financial compliance, including timely issuance of audited financial statements and various tax forms.

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Museum’s external accounting firm.

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual closing on a timely basis, maintaining workpapers and reconciliations for accounts and the NetSuite General Ledger.

• Oversee management of the investment portfolio.

• Produce prompt monthly financial reports for management and the Board.

• Collaborate with department heads on strategic goals and budgets.

• Develop and maintain accurate cash flow forecasts. Optimize working capital by working with the team to manage receivables, payables, and inventory levels. Collaborate with financial institutions and other external partners to negotiate favorable terms for the organization.

• Work closely with the Development department to manage grants and contributions and assist in related budgets and expenditure reports.

• Maintain a system of accounting controls, policies, and procedures.

Retail Operation Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Museum’s leadership to improve product sales and margins, including in-depth financial modeling and analysis.

• Track and process international income and expenses related to the Museum’s merchandise operations and royalties, which requires basic understanding of international currencies and exchange rates and oversee merchant banking and other online transactions to ensure completeness and accuracy.

• Work with the third-party vendor (Avalara) to ensure accurate preparation and filing of sales tax returns. Maintain accurate reconciliations of the sales tax balance.

Payroll and Administration

• Supervise all aspects of the Museum’s payroll, the implementation of health insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, and other benefits.

• Collaborate with the Director of People and Culture on human resource issues from finance and compliance perspectives.

Capital Project

In the next few years, the Museum will embark on a capital project, expanding the Museum’s campus. The plans will include a new nearly 20,000-square-foot facility on its properties across the street from the Museum and adjacent to Isamu Noguchi’s original 1960 studio building. The Museum will also preserve the studio building, which is in urgent need of stabilization. Noguchi’s workshop spaces will be renovated and the living quarters Noguchi created will be restored, with regular tours for visitors. Once complete, the renovation will enable the Museum to secure this important historic property and open it to the public for the first time. The project is anticipated to cost around $30 million and has received commitments from the City of New York. The Director of Finance will be responsible for managing the financial framework for the campaign and financial reporting to funders and City agencies.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred. While a CPA is not necessary, knowledge of accounting principles is essential.

• At least 10 years of experience in a leadership role in a finance department, preferably in arts organization(s) or other non-profits and /or in a retail environment.

• Knowledge of accounting rules and regulations including: USGAAP, USGAAS, IRS regulations, and Accounting Section Codification (ASC) 958 Not for Profit Entities.

• High level of emotional intelligence and capable of managing difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Strong business instincts, able to quickly identify problems, synthesize a variety of factors to make effective and practical decisions and develop an appropriate course of action.

• Proven high standards of performance; eager to pursue aggressive goals, working hard and efficiently to achieve them. Must be persistent, decisive, resourceful, proactive, and results oriented.

• Understands programmatic activity and has the ability to convey information to people with varying levels of financial expertise.

• Excellent skills in problem solving and critical analysis.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Team player with a collaborative ethos and strong supervisory skills; must be able to build consensus internally and externally.

• Prior experience with NetSuite, Shopify, Celigo, Shopify POS, and Bill.com, and Justworks, a plus.

The Director of Finance is a full-time, in-person position and is located in The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. The hours are 5 days a week, 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday. The position requires occasional work outside regular hours. Work is performed in an office environment; prolonged periods of sitting, use of computers and standard office equipment are required to accomplish work objectives. The health and safety of our community is our first priority. As such, The Noguchi Museum strongly encourages all staff members to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Salary range is $160,000–180,000 annually, and benefits include a generous health insurance program, including medical, dental, and vision, pre-tax commuter benefits, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contribution and match after a year of employment, and generous paid time off.

To Apply

The Noguchi Museum has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Anne McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer
Harris Rand Lusk
260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Email cover letter and résumé to: amccarthy@harrisrand.com.
Please include “Noguchi DOF” in the subject line of the email.

The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a full-time Director of Operations. Reporting to the Director, the Director of Operations will be responsible for ensuring the efficient and safe day-to-day management of The Noguchi Museum’s 45,000 square-foot campus. Supported by the Manager of Building Operations and the Manager of Visitor Services, this position will manage all buildings and building system operations, including security, visitor services, facilities requirements for event and exhibition preparation, and IT services. They will work collaboratively with the staff to maintain, protect, and enhance the physical spaces, cultivate a welcoming environment, protect the integrity and quality of the storage and retail space, and ensure that the Museum’s operations cohesively support its mission. The ideal candidate will be energetic, focused, and responsive to the needs of the Museum’s campus and buildings, its programs and activities, and to other employees.

The successful candidate must possess exceptional organizational and problem-solving abilities, as well as experience managing complex logistics and multiple priorities. They will have knowledge of best practices in museum operations, including safety and security, sustainability, engagement and management of contractors, and facilities and grounds maintenance and support. They should be adept at communicating with senior management and all staff, as well as with the facilities and visitor services teams, and the outside vendors that they manage.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Facilities and Visitor Services

• Oversee the Museum’s operations and maintenance, focusing on the integrity of the physical space and its alignment with the mission and programming.

• Manage the facilities, security, and visitor services teams in a supportive and collaborative manner, providing training and professional development opportunities as needed.

• With the Manager of Building Operations, ensure that all systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, safety, security, transportation, emergency procedures, acclimatization controls, communications and technology, etc.) are functioning efficiently and in compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations as well as safety and industry standards.

• Proactively assess and improve maintenance practices, procedures, and planning to ensure sustainability in building systems, facilities, and equipment.

• Conduct safety audits to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards; provide regular safety training to staff.

• Oversee the negotiation and management of contracts for vendors and service providers across various operational areas, ensuring high-quality service and compliance with agreements.

• Collaborate with contractors and architects to ensure that construction and renovation projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with zoning laws and building codes.

• Optimize space usage across the Museum campus, ensuring that the facilities support and enhance the programming, retail operations, storage, exhibitions, and events.

Financial

• Oversee management of facilities budgets, ensuring that expenditures and maintenance are cost-effective and on-target with financial goals and planning.

• Communicate anticipated costs as well as any adjustments/alterations in the budget with senior management on a regular basis.

• In collaboration with senior management, evaluate and manage costs for the capital project and the transition into operational space.

• Assist in drafting quarterly reports on facilities department projects and updates for the Board of Trustees.

Information Technology

• Oversee IT consultant’s plans and maintenance for all computer, phone, and security systems, as well as equipment, software, and programs.

• Plan for and oversee purchase of new equipment and upgrade systems when needed and ensure technical support is provided upon request.

Capital Project

In the next few years, the Museum will embark on a capital project, expanding the Museum’s campus. The plans will include a new nearly 20,000-square-foot facility on its properties across the street from the Museum and adjacent to Isamu Noguchi’s original 1960 studio building. The Museum will also preserve the studio building, which is in urgent need of stabilization. Noguchi’s workshop spaces will be renovated, and the living quarters Noguchi created will be restored, with regular tours for visitors. Once complete, the renovation will enable the Museum to secure this important historic property and open it to the public for the first time. The project is anticipated to cost around $30 million and has received commitments from the City of New York.

The Director of Operations will be part of the team overseeing the planning and execution of the renovation and construction projects to ensure that the facilities are safe, functional, and in alignment with the Museum’s mission, history, and aesthetic. In addition, they will manage the transition from construction and renovation into operational space, including overseeing final inspections and ensuring compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and goals for sustainability.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, business administration or related field, or equivalent work experience; advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in a leadership role in facilities management, preferably in cultural institutions or other non-profit organizations.

• Proficiency with building management and communications systems.

• Experience working with outside vendors, including sourcing, contract negotiation, and budget oversight.

• Experience managing safety and security of all facilities including security systems, access controls.

• Experience in public safety protocols including emergency procedures and compliance with relevant safety standards.

• An understanding of blueprints, construction documents, and operations/maintenance manuals.

• Basic proficiency in IT and the following computer software: Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Google Workspace including Gmail, Google Calendar.

• Experience in space planning and space optimization.

• Experience supervising large-scale construction and renovation projects.

• Understanding of work safety and OSHA rules and ensuring best practices for safety practices are maintained within the department through consistent compliance.

• Understanding of local, state, and federal building codes and regulations.

• LEED certification preferred.

• Ability to quickly identify problems, synthesize a variety of factors to make effective and practical decisions and develop an appropriate course of action.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and organizational skills; must be able to build consensus internally and externally.

The Director of Operations is a full-time, in-person position and is located in The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. The position requires on-call availability to respond to emergencies at the Museum 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Work is performed inside and outside in all weather conditions and requires frequent and/or sustained movement within and between buildings, as well as in an office setting. The health and safety of our community is our first priority. As such, The Noguchi Museum strongly encourages all staff members to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

Salary range is $160,000–180,000 annually, and benefits include a generous health insurance program, including medical, dental, and vision, pre-tax commuter benefits, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contribution and match after a year of employment, and generous paid time off.

To Apply

The Noguchi Museum has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Anne McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer
Harris Rand Lusk
260 Madison Avenue, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10016

Email cover letter and résumé to: sstoker@harrisrand.com.
Please include “Noguchi DOO” in the subject line of the email.

Background

Founded in 1985 by Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988), The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum (The Noguchi Museum), was the first museum in the United States to be established, designed, and installed by a living artist to show their own work. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens, the Museum itself is widely viewed as one of the artist’s greatest achievements. Holding the world’s largest collection of his works, the Museum features open air and indoor galleries in a repurposed 1920s industrial building and a serene outdoor sculpture garden.

Since its founding, the Museum has served as an international hub for Noguchi research and appreciation. In addition to managing the artist’s archives and catalogue raisonné, the Museum exhibits a comprehensive selection of Noguchi’s material culture, from sculpture, models, and drawings to his personal collectibles. The Museum is also the North American distributor of Isamu Noguchi’s Akari light sculptures and manages the distribution of Akari worldwide.

Provocative installations drawn from the permanent collection, together with diverse special exhibitions and collaborations with contemporary practitioners across disciplines, offer a multifaceted view of Noguchi’s art and illuminate his enduring influence as an innovator. In addition to on-site exhibitions, the Museum has an extensive traveling exhibitions and loan program extending the reach of Noguchi’s work nationally and internationally.

The Collections

As Isamu Noguchi’s estate, the Museum contains the world’s richest holdings of the artist’s work, including the Permanent Collection, Residual Collection, Study Collection, and Archive. The Collections remain the primary resource by which Noguchi’s legacy is preserved and promoted: through exhibitions, education, and other public programs at the Museum, as well as through loans that help to advance national and international recognition of Noguchi’s unique and diverse contributions to modern and contemporary art and culture.

The Museum’s Permanent Collection includes the Core Collection chosen by Noguchi, as well as other works the Foundation and Museum felt important to be added. The Residual Collection is comprised of works that Noguchi contributed and bequeathed to the Foundation, which could be sold, at the discretion of the Foundation, to support the Museum. Works from the Residual Collection are maintained, cared for, studied, used in exhibitions, and loaned when appropriate. The Study Collection contains Noguchi’s personal effects and other objects of interest, including works produced by other artists and given to him and objects he collected during his travels. The Archive is comprised of the photographs, records, correspondence, manuscripts, business files, film, video, audio, ephemera, press clippings, and project and architectural documents related to the life of Noguchi.

The Museum also owns works of art on long-term loan to the Isamu Noguchi Foundation Japan and is responsible for overseeing and approving any fabrication or manufacture of Noguchi’s artwork or designs.

The Position

The Director of Curatorial Affairs reports to the Director and works collaboratively with the Director, Board of Trustees, and staff to align curatorial efforts with institutional priorities. This role will oversee the curatorial team in contextualizing and extending the relevance of Noguchi’s work in terms of interpretation, representation, access and scholarship. They will oversee the Museum’s Curator; the Curator and Director of Research, who manages the Archives team; the Registrar and Director of Collections; the Head of Exhibition Production and Fabrication; as well as the Museum’s ongoing Isamu Noguchi Catalogue Raisonné project. They will collaborate with these teams in managing the care and interpretation of the collection and cultivating relationships with artists, collectors, scholars, supporters, and other cultural institutions.

In addition, the Director of Curatorial Affairs will provide direction and strategic vision in the planning and execution of public programs. They will partner with the Director of Education and with the education staff to maintain smooth, consistent, and constructive interdepartmental communication and resource sharing. They will ensure that the Museum’s programs, events, materials, and partnerships are in alignment with the identity of the Museum and express a unified vision and purpose. The Director of Curatorial Affairs must be passionate about advancing the Museum’s mission, engaging the community and stakeholders, and cultivating a creative, positive, and supportive work environment.

Responsibilities include

Exhibition Coordination

• Shape and implement the curatorial vision within the context of a five-year plan: energize and lead a team in developing dynamic exhibitions and programming that reflect the Museum’s mission and legacy, with an emphasis on innovation, scholarship, and public engagement

• Cultivate relationships with artists, curators, academic institutions, galleries, and other museums to enhance the Museum’s visibility and influence within the contemporary art community

• Oversee exhibition logistics and administration, including budgets, contracts, loan agreements, and the preparation and installation of materials and exhibition design

• Work with the Registrar and Director of Collections, Curators, Deputy Director, and Finance Department, to create and monitor in-house and traveling exhibition budgets, work plans, implementation schedules, loan agreements and contracts

• Regularly evaluate plans and progress to ensure that deadlines and budgets are being met; provide additional support and make adjustments as needed

• Coordinate meetings with and report to the Collections and Exhibitions Committee of the Board

• Collaborate with the Museum staff on the development of museum publications, curatorial communications, and design for both internal and external exhibitions and other special projects

• Communicate regularly with staff regarding the current and upcoming exhibitions and exhibition resources

Collection Management and Scholarship

• Support the Registrar and Director of Collections in maintaining the care, documentation, and conservation of the collection, as well as loans to other institutions

• Review, update and develop Collection Management Policy in compliance with AAM standards; evaluate and update study and utilization plans

• Coordinate meetings with and reporting to the Collections and Exhibitions Committee of the Board

• Develop opportunities to further advance Noguchi scholarship and his area of influence

• Provide public and community outreach activities such as lectures and participation in panels

• Lead the development of strategies around the Museum’s artwork fabrication and sales of residual works through its gallery representation

• Along with the Director, serve as the primary contacts with the Museum’s gallery representation, working collaboratively to promote Noguchi’s work and legacy through a program of exhibitions, art fairs, digital initiatives, scholarship, and publications.

Financial Management

• In collaboration with the Director of Finance and the Development staff, guide the Curatorial team in the development, evaluation, and monitoring of budgets, contracts, and project narratives

• Develop and implement systems to track, report, and stay consistent with exhibition and departmental budgets

• Work with the Director and Museum leadership to secure funding for exhibitions, acquisitions, and conservation efforts; assist with providing narratives for grants, donor relations, and other fundraising activities as needed

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field.

• Knowledge of Isamu Noguchi’s work and legacy, and a broad understanding of modern and contemporary art, sculpture, and design.

• 10+ years of experience in curatorial roles, including significant experience in exhibition planning, collection management, and academic research; prior experience in leading or managing curatorial teams is highly preferred.

• Demonstrated background developing exhibits and overseeing and contributing to the creation of supporting materials.

• Strong organizational and operational skills with the ability to develop and monitor exhibition and departmental budgets.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including artists, collectors, donors, and scholars.

• Experience with strategic planning and the ability to create and inspire a team through clearly defined goals and priorities, flexibility, and a cohesive vision.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal and organizational skills; must be able to build consensus both internally and externally.

Other Information:

The Director of Curatorial Affairs is a full-time, hybrid position (after an initial six months of working in person full-time, three days per week are required onsite) located in The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens. The hours are 5 days a week, 9 am–5 pm, Monday– Friday. The position requires occasional work outside regular hours. The health and safety of our community is our first priority. As such, The Noguchi Museum strongly encourages all staff members to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

The Noguchi Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its employment policy. The Museum considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply.

Compensation:

Salary range is $160,000–180,000 annually, and benefits include a generous health insurance program, including medical, dental, and vision, pre-tax commuter benefits, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contribution and match after a year of employment, and generous paid time off.

To Apply: 

The Noguchi Museum has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Sabrina Stoker, Senior Director
Harris Rand Lusk
260 Madison Avenue, 15^th Floor
New York, NY  10016

Email cover letter and resume to: sstoker@harrisrand.com 
Please include “Noguchi Director of Curatorial Affairs” in the subject line of the email