Position Description
April 2016
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Mission: to preserve and display for the public the Collection, and to augment its holdings in
fields established by Henry Clay Frick, reflecting the uncompromising levels of quality that he
embraced, and maintaining the historic tranquility of Mr. Frick's house.
To provide access, understanding, and enjoyment of the Collection to the public through
special exhibitions, publications, education, research, and public programs of the highest
caliber.
To offer a singular and memorable experience for the visiting public, providing an engaging
view of life in the Gilded Age.
To serve as a center for research and to stimulate scholarship in the history of art, and the
history of collecting works of art in the Western tradition, from the fourth to the midtwentieth centuries.
Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center since it opened in
1935, The Frick Collection is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and
outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. Assembled by the
Pittsburgh industrialist Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919) the Collection is housed in his former
residence on Fifth Avenue, one of New York City’s few remaining Gilded Age mansions. A
collecting institution, The Frick provides a tranquil environment for visitors to experience
masterpieces by artists such as Bellini, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Gainsborough, Goya, and
Whistler acquired by its founder, as well as new acquisitions purchased since his death.
Less well known to the public but of great renown among scholars is The Frick Art Reference
Library, adjacent to the museum and founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick as a memorial to
her father. Today it is one of the leading institutions internationally for research in the
fields of art history and collecting.
Along with special exhibitions and an acclaimed concert series, The Frick offers a wide range
of lectures, symposia, and education programs that foster a deeper appreciation of its
permanent collection.
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Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Secretary
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BASIC FUNCTION
Working in close partnership with the Director and in tandem with other members of The
Frick’s senior leadership team, the Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant
Secretary (“Deputy Director”) of The Frick is responsible for broad oversight of all human
resource, operational, retail, and other business matters for the institution. The Deputy
Director assists the Director in many aspects of institutional management and serves as "actingin-charge" in his absence. S/He contributes to the ongoing strategic development of The Frick
as a premier collection and center for scholarship. With the Director, the Deputy Director
provides operational leadership and direction, broadly defines and articulates metrics for
institutional success, provides short- and long-term strategic goals and objectives, and leads
special projects – the capital expansion chief among them – as designated by the Director.
Consequently, it is critically important that the Deputy Director possess the sound judgment,
technical and social skills necessary to gain the trust and confidence of The Frick’s Director, staff
and the Board of Trustees. S/He communicates regularly with appropriate Board committees,
and serves as their partner for collaborative efforts. The Deputy Director works closely with
The Frick’s curatorial and programming teams, providing the guidance, tools and resources
necessary to help departments make strategic decisions which reflect and align with The Frick’s
goals and priorities.
PRIORITIES AND ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES
A supportive team player, the Deputy Director models integrity, productivity, professionalism in
the workplace. S/He will:
•
Manage directly the departments of Operations, Retail & Visitor Services, and Human
Resources; through measured engagement and analysis, promote best practices and
policies that reinforce transparency, accountability and partnership and encourage sound
financial decision making and discipline at all levels;
•
Work with Director, Trustees, staff and consultants in long-range planning; s/he will take
ownership of The Frick’s valuable human, business and capital assets and ensure the longterm health and viability of these assets through forecasts and analysis to facilitate decision
making, appropriate innovation and strategic planning in service to the mission;
•
Communicate regularly with the Board of Trustees including preparing agendas and reports
for Buildings and Grounds, and Architecture and Long-Range Planning Committees;
•
Work with the CFO to develop financial information to support operational activities,
construction budgets, and strategic initiatives and planning;
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Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Secretary
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•
Establish personnel policies in consultation with Director and Head of Human Resources;
work with the Head of Human Resources and CFO on administration of fringe benefit and
pension programs; oversee implementation of HR policies and assist in resolution of
employment-related issues; oversee and promote the highest standards for visitor services;
ensure the efficient and amiable delivery of The Frick’s box office and visitor services functions;
•
Maintain an ongoing dialogue and establish a close working relationship with the
development department;
•
Work with General Counsel on contracts, resolution of legal matters and implementation of
policies;
•
Consult with Curatorial staff on exhibition planning, care of the collections, and gallery
renovations;
•
Work with Library staff on planning and human resource issues;
•
Work with Head of Operations on care of the physical plant and review of building
maintenance and security policies; ensure the functional optimization of the physical plant by
addressing operational, aesthetic, security and safety issues in the most cost-effective manner
possible for an historic and landmarked edifice; assure that the building maintains highest
standards for cleanliness and attention to detail in both public and office spaces; oversee
planning and implementation of major construction projects;
•
Consult with Deputy Director for External Affairs on planning, public relations, and Board
development; in support of the Director, foster ongoing, positive relations with The Frick’s
key constituencies including government officials, community leaders and media
representatives through oversight of The Frick’s activities and special initiatives as assigned
on his/her behalf;
•
Work with Head of Retail and Visitor Services on publications, merchandising and staff
administration;
•
Take ownership of the proposed expansion of The Frick Collection; its design, execution,
broad-based support, communication and, of course, construction, on time and on budget;
IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate is a broadly experienced leader/manager who understands the implications
of, and has used financial information and analysis to drive sound business decisions. S/He is a
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Deputy Director, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Secretary
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seasoned professional with excellent management and team-building skills and the following
experience and qualifications:
•
Proven senior-level, analytical problem-solving and planning capability, as well as significant
management experience in a well-regarded nonprofit or commercial institution known for its
strong financial discipline, complex systems and operations;
•
Demonstrated expertise in overseeing administration and operations functions including but
not limited to human resources, security and facilities management, as well as an extensive
background with the operations of earned revenue departments – retail, admissions and box
office, restaurants, and special events/rentals;
•
Proven experience applying analytics to institutional decision making; experience in
financial analysis and forecasting, particularly related to the creation of new initiatives; a
willingness to champion department-level priorities to senior leadership and crossfunctionally to other Frick departments;
•
Expertise in human resource management, with the ability to work effectively within the
culture of The Frick; a track record of building or strengthening an organization’s human
resource capacity, building and managing strong teams and collaborating with colleagues;
•
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the presence to serve as an effective
spokesperson for The Frick in all administrative and financial matters; able to effectively relate
to The Frick’s Board, staff and community;
•
A dedicated manager who is self-motivated and can take charge, build consensus, work crossfunctionally and affect change; must impart credibility, trust, integrity and enthusiasm;
someone who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing others;
•
Emotionally mature, resourceful and upbeat; grounded, responsive and flexible in conflicts
without defaulting to anger, deference or paralysis; genuine regardless of audience or
agenda;
•
MA, MBA or other advanced degree required; New York City experience a plus; a
background and/or passion for art and art history will offer the individual an informed
perspective from which to evaluate opportunities and to weight priorities intelligently.
Applications, including cover letters and résumés, and nominations should be sent to
the attention of Sarah James and Becky Klein at Frick@PhillipsOppenheim.com.