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Executive Director – CALL//City as Living Laboratory
City as Living Laboratory (CALL) is an arts-based nonprofit that partners with artists, scientists, city agencies, and communities to make environmental challenges visible and tangible—and to develop projects and programs that address these challenges. CALL believes artists can play a unique role in fostering public understanding of local environmental issues and help catalyze collective action toward healthier, more sustainable and equitable cities.
Founded by artist Mary Miss in 2011, CALL produces ambitious, place-based, artist-faciliated projects across the country. CALL follows a FRAMEWORK of iterative, exploratory activities: WALKS, WORKSHOPS, and PROJECTS. These exploratory activities integrate informal learning, grassroots activism, artistic vision, and scientific knowledge. This interdisciplinary framework provides a deep understanding of complex local structures and continually informs larger initiatives through ongoing research and feedback. Since its establishment, CALL has worked with more than 250 artists, scientists, and organizations in West Harlem, the NW Bronx, Chinatown, Corona, Queens and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Position Summary:
CALL seeks a creative and experienced Executive Director to lead City as Living Laboratory (CALL) into its next phase of growth and impact. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a nationally recognized organization operating at the intersection of art, science, and civic life.
The Executive Director will champion CALL’s mission to elevate artists as leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepen community engagement. With an entrepreneurial mindset and strong strategic vision, they will lead the expansion of CALL’s WaterWays initiative in Corona, Queens; steward established programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Northwest Bronx; and scale CALL’s FRAMEWORK nationwide—including CALL’s signature WALKS, which enable organizations across the country to undertake collaborative, cross-disciplinary exploration of local environmental systems.
This role directs day-to-day operations of a small, high-impact nonprofit while leading strategic planning, fundraising, programming, marketing, and partnerships. The Executive Director will strengthen the systems, policies, and practices needed for long-term sustainability and growth.
Working in close partnership with CALL’s Founder and Artistic Director, Mary Miss, the Executive Director will collaborate with the Board of Directors to fortify governance, expand board leadership, and cultivate key stakeholders. They will secure renewable and project-based funding, grow national partnerships, and extend CALL’s reach by scaling and disseminating its proven models for artist-led climate engagement.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Support the Artistic Director and CALL team to sustain the development, management, and assessment of current/active projects, including the Milwaukee-based WaterMarks (https://www.watermarksmke.org/), Corona Cloudburst // WaterWays (https://www.cityaslivinglab.org/initiative-waterways), and Rescuing Tibbetts (https://www.cityaslivinglab.org/rescuing-tibbetts).
As chief fundraiser, oversee fundraising activities, work with the Board and staff to cultivate important relationships, secure gifts, create a plan for annual fundraising, and continue grant applications for public/private funding.
Provide fresh thinking about marketing including the use of social media as a tool for communication, education, and public engagement.
Prepare annual budgets and report on changes with revised forecasts on a quarterly or as needed basis.
Advance assessment tools for project and program outcomes.
Manage the operations of the CALL Board of Directors.
On an ongoing basis, implement and periodically update CALL’s multiyear plan which includes Strategic Goals for Communications & PR, Programs & Projects, Strategic Resources, and Organizational Structure.
The ideal candidate will have:
7+ years of leadership in a cultural or arts nonprofit, museum, or environmental organization, with proven fundraising success;
Strong financial and operational management;
Experience with a Board of Trustees;
Deep appreciation for multi-discipline art;
Awareness of the challenges presented by the warming planet and other environmental challenges;
A passion for how artist-led collaborative programs can help build sustainable futures;
Strong written and public communication skills;
Experience working with artists on new works and creative project management;
Commitment to supporting collaborative creative processes;
Knowledge of contemporary art, particularly environmental and collaborative practices;
Knowledge of the New York City, US & international visual, design, literary, and performing arts individuals and communities:
Background in and enthusiasm for fundraising from government grants to individual cultivation, and special events;
Experience collaborating with and supervising full-time, part time and temporary staff members;
Desire and endurance to take on the commitment needed for long-term projects.
General and Operational Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years in a senior management role, preferably in the arts. An advanced degree is preferred;
Experience with social media and other forms of on-line marketing/communications.
Comfort with Client Relationship Management (CRM) software such as Donor Perfect;
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, and Quickbooks ;
Experience and proficiency with project management tools such as Asana.
Salary & Benefits:
The salary for this full-time role is $80,000-$95,000, depending on experience. The position is in-person and based in New York City at CALL’s Tribeca office. The role will involve some evening and weekend hours. Benefits include health insurance, 10 days paid vacation, paid time off for all federal holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Applications & Inquiries:
Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing why you are a strong candidate and why you’re interested in CALL.
We also request names and contact information for three professional references, indicating their relationship with the applicant. Application materials should be sent to info@cityaslivinglab.org with the subject line “CALL Executive Director.”
Supporting Documents – Requests from Finalists:
Finalists will be asked to provide a portfolio of work in PDF format including photos of relevant projects, exhibitions, and/or publications. Writing samples of grant proposals, interpretive texts, or program descriptions will also be required from candidates who advance in the search.
Apply to Join the Board
City as Living Laboratory’s Board is looking to recruit new members to support the organization’s advancement. Board members play an essential role in steering CALL’s strategy, providing expert guidance to staff, and securing the organization’s financial future. Those with either 15 years of professional leadership or a record of significant professional accomplishments are encouraged to apply, specifically if they have expertise in fiscal management, events, social media marketing, external affairs, or policy. Candidates with less professional experience who are willing to invest significant time into helping CALL plan and execute fundraising events are also welcome to apply.
Board members are asked to attend at least one in-person meeting in New York City per year, and to participate in quarterly board meetings in person or via conference call. Board members are asked to serve on at least one committee or be an active participant in a CALL initiative. Board Members also make a commitment to an annual financial contribution to the organization, either via personal donation or individual fundraising activities.
For consideration or further information, please email info@cityaslivinglab.org, and include a CV/ Resume or link to LinkedIn profile or register your interest by filling in this form.