Deputy Director

ABOUT US 

The Luminary is a leading independent space based in St. Louis, MO that presents path-breaking platforms for artistic futures across a range of activities, including exhibitions, residencies, artist studios, KNOW/HOW Books + Print, and a range of public projects and programming.

LOCATION: St. Louis, MO

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, salary

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

The Luminary seeks an experienced and passionate Deputy Director to support the organization’s operations and programs. 

This role will focus on grants writing and management, overseeing financial systems, and fostering cross-team collaboration to support public programs. The ideal candidate will be a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a passion for contemporary art and a commitment to ensuring our programs remain accessible and engaging for our diverse audiences. They will have a solid background in nonprofit management, particularly in financial oversight and grants administration, along with a collaborative approach to enhancing public engagement and program delivery.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis through the end of this year, with a preferred start date of Feb 1st, 2025.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grants Management:

• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals and reports to foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources.
• Maintain comprehensive tracking of grants, ensuring deadlines, budgets, and reporting requirements are met.
• Build and sustain relationships with funders, donors, and other stakeholders to advance The Luminary’s financial sustainability.

Financial Oversight:

• Assist the Executive Director in managing the organization’s financial health, including annual budgeting, financial reporting, and audits.
• Collaborate with external accountants and auditors to ensure nonprofit accounting standards and compliance.
• Develop and oversee systems to manage program budgets, contracts, and financial records, aligning with The Luminary’s fiscal goals.

Support for Public Programs:

• Collaborate with the programming team to track audience engagement across our core programs: exhibitions, the international residency for artists, curators, and critics, studios, KNOW/HOW bookshop, and partnerships with community organizations.
• Develop strategies for improving the accessibility of public events, ensuring inclusivity and engagement for all audiences.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement or expansion.

Team Coordination and Support:

• Foster collaboration across departments by ensuring that programmatic, financial, and administrative goals are aligned.
• Provide mentorship and support to staff and interns, particularly in areas related to grants, financial tracking, and public engagement strategies.
• Assist the Executive Director in cultivating a positive and inclusive working environment, facilitating team communication and problem-solving when needed.

Organizational Strategy and Leadership:

• Serve as a key partner in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy and vision, contributing to planning around program growth, funding, and outreach initiatives.
• Lead efforts to increase audience diversity and ensure community-based approaches to programming.
• Represent The Luminary at public events, conferences, and other external engagements to build the organization’s visibility and networks.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 5+ years of experience in non-profit management, with a focus on grants writing, financial oversight, and program development.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with a passion for improving accessibility and engagement in arts programming.
• Experience working in contemporary art or a related cultural sector, with a deep understanding of the issues and practices shaping the field.
• A commitment to community engagement and a demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse communities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to advocate for The Luminary’s mission and programs to a range of stakeholders.
• Passion for contemporary art and a desire to contribute to an organization that supports artists, curators, and audiences through dynamic, accessible programming.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation is $60,000 annually, with flexible schedule, paid vacation, professional development stipend, and competitive healthcare plan.

REPORTS TO: 

Executive/Artistic Director

LOCATION: 

The Luminary

2701 Cherokee St

St. Louis, MO

MORE INFORMATION: 

theluminaryarts.com

TO APPLY: 

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (one grants-related, one public-facing) to kalaija@theluminaryarts.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We will only consider applicants that we receive via email. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team.  Any questions about the position can be sent to kalaija@theluminaryarts.com; we aim to respond within 72 hours. Position is open until the role is filled. 

The Luminary is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to create an equitable environment for all members of its community. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of  backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The Luminary is committed to providing employees, volunteers and participants with an environment free of discrimination and harassment. The Luminary employs individuals based on individual qualifications and job requirements without regard to that individual’s race, sex, age, religion or belief, color, national origin, ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, past or present military status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, HIV status, housing status, or any other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all personnel actions such as recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotions, training, transfer, termination, and opportunities for training. The Luminary is committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.