Fleisher Art Memorial

About Fleisher Art Memorial

Founded by industrialist Samuel S. Fleisher in 1898 as one of the nation’s first community-based art centers, Fleisher Art Memorial is renowned for its long-standing mission of making art accessible regardless of economic means, background, or artistic experience. In establishing what was originally known as the Graphic Sketch Club, Fleisher sought to create a place where anyone, especially those that otherwise lacked access to creative enrichment, could be inspired by art. The endeavor grew so popular that he ultimately acquired three rowhomes, a former school, and a former church to accommodate classes and exhibitions. After Fleisher’s death in 1944, his estate was left in trust to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the perpetuation of his vision. In his memory, the Club was renamed the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial and became an independent nonprofit in 1983.

Located in Southeast Philadelphia, Fleisher remains a thriving community arts center, providing free and low-cost studio art classes along with opportunities for emerging and seasoned artists to exhibit their work. Extensive arts education and community-based programming also reflects the organization’s commitment to strengthening communities by developing, sharing, and promoting creative resources.

Fleisher currently operates with an annual budget of approximately $2 million with 25 staff members. Additionally, almost one hundred part-time teaching artists and faculty members provide classes for a student population that encompasses children and adults, amateurs and professionals, community residents as well as those from across Philadelphia. Approximately 30% of the budget comes from earned income, including tuition/studio fees, rentals, and sales of artwork. Income from the Fleisher Trust and other investments comprise another 30%, with the remainder raised in contributed funds from individuals and foundations.

Additional information about Fleisher Art Memorial can be found at www.fleisher.org. 

Position Summary

Donor Relations Manager

Reports to: Director of Development

Salary: $50-55k/year

The Donor Relations Manager is a full-time position that reports directly to and works closely with the Director of Development. The Donor Relations Manager is responsible for developing and implementing individual engagement and fundraising strategies to enhance and grow Fleisher’s current and prospective donors, resulting in $300-$400k in annual gifts. The Donor Relations Manager also provides comprehensive administrative assistance within the Development department, with a focus on office and fundraising support, effective database management and reporting, event logistics, and donor stewardship efforts (acknowledgements, printed material inventory, prepping materials for donor meetings). Establishing a Planned Giving Program is another departmental priority that the Donor Relations Manager will have the opportunity to shape and grow with the Development Director. As necessary, the Donor Relations Manager will collaborate with staff in programs, communications, facilities, and visitor services to support departmental efforts such as preparing donor assets and coordinating support for annual fundraising and donor cultivation events. Additional duties include prospect research, attendance at various board and staff meetings, and other duties as assigned. Paramount to this position is the ability to work with a high degree of independence, ability to negotiate multiple project deadlines and priorities while maintaining a clear view of how each project supports the organization’s mission.

Responsibilities

Administration:

· Manage information tracking processes regarding donor acknowledgement, recognition, ongoing communications, and continued cultivation of past and current donors and members to enhance their relationship with Fleisher.

· Assist with final reports for grants and other writing needs as needed

· Assist in the preparation of materials for presentations on individual fundraising goals and progress for board and staff.

· Assist and/or lead production of donor assets (e.g. decks, proposals, etc.); maintain and update online giving portals.

· As appropriate, provide prospects for Executive Director or Director of Development

· Answer general development phone inquiries; provide assistance and interaction with donors (via phone computer, and face-to-face)

· Track and document donor engagement activity in a database (eTapestry); monitors donor activity to provide informed engagement strategies and identify major prospects for Director of Development

· Provide budget projections and reports on individual giving to Director of Development and Business Manager

· Maintain complete electronic and hard copy records of all funding activities, including recording information in a database (eTapestry)

· Liaise with the Communications Department to ensure that appeals and campaigns are communicated appropriately, including proper recognition of donors on website, recognition walls, etc.

Donor Engagement:

· Design, document, and implement a systematic and integrated donor relations program (e.g., phone calls, solicitations, donor meetings)

· Cultivate, grow, and diversify existing donor base; identify, qualify, and solicit donors for Artist Circle (first two tiers)

· Support leadership staff and Board on intentional cultivation meetings with major donors; work closely with the Director of Development to develop strategy

· Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives

· Strategically grow Fleisher’s membership base of currently 2000 households ($100,000+ income) and cultivate grassroots, sustained, renewable giving

· Create a Planned Giving Program with the Director of Development

· Provide event support for Founder’s Award Benefit and additional stewardship/cultivation events as directed by the Director of Development

· Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies

Qualifications

· Four-year degree, or equivalent experience in relevant field

· Prior donor relations or communications experience with non-profit organizations required, experience with arts and culture preferred. A combination of education and experience is acceptable

· Prior experience with planned giving a plus

· Superb communicator: effective professional writing abilities, diplomatic correspondence skills, and confident public speaking manner

· Tact and discretion working with donors and board members

· Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask and meet deadlines

· Strong attention to detail and proofreading

· Interest or experience in community-based art is a plus, but not required

· Commitment to social justice and racial equity; prior experience in organizations with this focus is a plus but not required

· Experience with constituent management database software

· Creative, hardworking, extremely organized and efficient; strong administrative and project management skills; confident and capable in managing time and activities deliberately and efficiently; ability to work independently in a mature, self-directed way

· Experience in a professional environment demanding thoughtfulness, sophistication and confidentiality with ability to relate well to people from many different backgrounds

· Strong sense of accountability with a “can-do” attitude

· Deep commitment to lifelong learning and arts education

· Professional demeanor, especially under pressure; strong attention to detail and ability to accurately under deadline

· Ability to work occasional weekends or evenings for events required

Compensation

$50,000-55,000/year. Fleisher employees receive a competitive compensation package, including options to enroll in health, dental, life insurance, and pension plans, and access to educational and professional development opportunities.

To Apply

If this description seems like a good match for your personality, skills, and career goals, please submit your cover letter, resume, two writing samples, and three references (all in one document). No phone calls, please. Position will be open until filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. References will be called for finalists only. All submissions will be held in the strictest confidence by the search committee. Anticipated start date is June 1st, 2022.

Fleisher Art Memorial is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fair and inclusive employment practices, and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas to apply.

Driven by Fleisher’s mission of access to high quality art experiences and our institutional values, “Creative Labs” at Fleisher will aim to provide young people from grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade a safe, inclusive art program during after school hours emphasizing art as a thought process that allows young people to retain their high level of creativity and critical thinking.  

“Creative Labs” will focus on and provide a path to discovery and development of young people’s individual artistic voice while building skills in several artistic practices. Lead teaching artists will work together as a team to develop a thematically driven curriculum for the term, with the ultimate goal of guiding students to learn and refine how to express their thoughts and perspectives through art.  

Responsibilities: 

• Meeting students at their local school and safely leading them to Fleisher every afternoon 
• Managing pre-class snack/homework time with other assistant artists 
• Safely coordinate pick up and 30 minute after care 
• Assist and implement curriculum and lesson plans for children across a range of ages for a 15 week term in collaboration with the lead After School teaching artists and assistants, with input from the Youth Programs Coordinator and Programs Manager. 
• Attend monthly planning and check in meetings with teaching artists, assistants and programs staff to communicate and coordinate curriculum and other classroom issues.  
• Be on time for pick up and class time. 
• Leaves the room clean and organized with materials put away and children’s artwork placed in safe spaces. 
• Demonstrate leadership skills within the classroom. 
• Create a safe, secure, and fun environment for the students. 

Schedule
Assistant teaching artists will be contracted for up to 5 days per week, in coordination with the Philadelphia School District calendar. Pick up and homework time will occur from 3:00-4:00, with classes running from 4:00-5:30 PM. Each assistant artist will receive an additional 30 minutes of prep time per class. The program will run from August 27th, 2018-June 4th, 2019, with the first of two planning meetings occurring on July 26th, 2018 (attendance is mandatory).

Key qualifications and Requirements 

• Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent experience. 
• Two years of art-making experience with a basic artistic skill set. 
• Some experience doing classroom management or teaching groups of young people, especially elementary and middle school ages. 
• Experience assisting an artist or implementing a lesson plan 
• Ability to lead activities on occasion depending on need. 
• Flexible, can work with variety of skill levels with diverse groups of students. 
• Punctual, organized, communicates in a timely fashion with Fleisher staff. 
• Has current criminal background check and child abuse clearances or can successfully present upon time of hire. 

 Benefits: 

• $15 per hour, including 30 minute paid additional time per class for set up and clean up (as stipulated above). 
• Annual Fleisher Faculty Exhibition 
• One free Fleisher class per term 
• PMA ID badge with free admittance to many area museums 
• Professional development resources 
• Additional discounts on other Fleisher programming for yourself and immediate family members 

Bi-Lingual teaching artists are encouraged to apply! 

Fleisher is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Driven by Fleisher’s mission of access to high quality art experiences and our institutional values, “Creative Labs” at Fleisher will aim to provide young people from grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade a safe, inclusive art program during after school hours emphasizing art as a thought process that allows young people to retain their high level of creativity and critical thinking.  

“Creative Labs” will focus on and provide a path to discovery and development of young people’s individual artistic voice while building skills in several artistic practices. Lead teaching artists will work together as a team to develop a thematically driven curriculum for the term, with the ultimate goal of guiding students to learn and refine how to express their thoughts and perspectives through art.  

We are looking for teaching artists who specialize in one or more of the following areas of focus: 

• Painting and Drawing 
• Mixed Media 
• Sculpture 
• Puppetry 
• Movement 
• Creative Writing 

Responsibilities: 

• Designs and implements a well-planned curriculum and lesson plans for children across a range of ages for a 15 week term in collaboration with the team of After School teaching artists and assistants, with input from the Youth Programs Coordinator and Programs Manager. 
• Attend bi-monthly planning and check in meetings with teaching artists and programs staff to communicate and coordinate curriculum and other classroom issues.  
• Be on time for class time, including arriving at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to set up. 
• Leaves the room clean and organized with materials put away and children’s artwork placed in safe spaces. 
• Demonstrate leadership skills within the classroom. 
• Create a safe, secure, and fun environment for the students.  

Schedule 

Teaching artists will be contracted for 2-3 days per week, teaching from 4:00-5:30 PM, with each artist receiving an additional 30 minutes of prep time per class. The program will run from August 27th, 2018-June 4th, 2019, with the first of two planning meetings occurring on July 26th, 2018 (attendance is mandatory).  

Key qualifications and Requirements 

• Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent experience. 
• Experienced teaching with a solid artistic skill set, and a minimum of two years teaching experience (or equivalent experience) instructing technique to a broad population.  
• Can work within a group of diverse artists and staff 
• Up to date PA State Child Abuse Clearances and Criminal Record Check  
• Flexible, can work with a variety of diverse students, ranging in age and artistic skill set. 
• Punctual, organized, communicates in a timely fashion with Fleisher staff. 

Benefits: 

• $31 per hour, including 30 minute paid additional time per class for set up and clean up (as stipulated above). 
• Annual Fleisher Faculty Exhibition 
• One free Fleisher class per term 
• PMA ID badge with free admittance to many area museums 
• Professional development resources 
• Additional discounts on other Fleisher programming for yourself and immediate family members 

Bi-Lingual teaching artists are encouraged to apply! 

Fleisher is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Since 1997, Fleisher has partnered with K-8 public schools and social service agencies in South Philadelphia to bring hands-on art-making directly to students. Through a co-teaching model, Fleisher’s Teaching Artist works closely with a classroom teacher to design a ten-week curriculum of creative projects that enhance students’ learning in core subjects, like math, science, social studies, and language arts, while developing studio and technical skills in the visual arts. Each year, 345 students are provided with 30 hours of free arts instruction in one of 15 arts-integrated residencies, and given a sketchbook and art-making supplies to keep. At the end of the school year, their work is displayed in Fleisher’s galleries as part of a Young Artists Exhibition, visited by more than 3,500 community members. Recent residencies took place at Southwark, Jackson, Puentes de Salud, and the Cambodian Association. 

To see recent residencies, please visit fleisher.community.

Requirements and Responsibilities

The Teaching Artist (Artist) has the following responsibilities to make the artist residency a positive and engaging arts-integrated learning experience for participating children and youth: 

• Designs and implements a well-planned youth focused curriculum and lesson plans for a 10-week residency with the collaborative assistance of classroom teacher/site staff (Teacher) and Manager of Community Programs (Manager). 
• Respectful of classroom space and rules, discipline style, and other expectations of the children. 
• Communicates regularly with Teacher about kids’ needs and daily plans for residency. 
• Effectively plans and requests all materials for the project from the Manager in a timely manner. 
• Arrives at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to set up. 
• Leaves classroom or artmaking space clean and organized with materials put away and children’s artwork placed in safe spaces. 
• Informs Teacher of unexpected change of plans such as illness or other absences as soon as possible. 
• Informs Manager on necessary arrangements for pick-up of children’s artwork for end of year exhibition. 
• Answering brief weekly journal questions around the progress and impact of the residency 
• Regular attendance at Monthly Skill Share meetings and Quarterly Professional Development sessions, availability confirmed by Manager ahead of time 
• Demonstrated ability of bilingual facilitation and/or art instruction (Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, or Cantonese) is a PLUS 
• Can provide PA State Police Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History, FBI background check, and Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training Certificate. 

The artist is generally on site two times per week for 90 minute sessions each. Artists are allotted 15 hours of prep for the entire residency. Instruction and prep time are compensated at $31/hr. Meetings scheduled throughout the residency cycle will be scheduled at the Artist’s availability and will be compensated at $25/hr.

Benefits
As a member of Fleisher's faculty, teaching artists receive: 

• A Fleisher household membership for the duration of employment. 
• 30% discount for art materials purchased at the Fleisher supply store; a 10% discount at our partnering supply stores. 
• Discounted rates for rental of Fleisher facilities for meetings, lectures, and private events. 
• Free use of Fleisher studios, pending availability, by appointment for personal work. 
• Comped tuition for Fleisher classes each semester (material/model fees must be paid.) 
• Staff ID card from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, allowing free admission to the Museum, access to the Museum library and slide library, and discounts at the Museum Shop.

To apply please submit:

• Current résumé outlining teaching history
• Images of current work (maximum of 12)
• Images of work created by students (maximum of 12)
• Three professional references
• Course descriptions and curriculum outlines for courses taught
• Other supporting documentation, including evaluation or available clearances 

Please note, you cannot begin a residency through the CPA program unless you have your clearances. You do not need these documents at the time of applying, only if extended a formal invitation to work at Fleisher. Please note the FBI background may take 4-6 weeks to process.

Fleisher is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Who we are and why this is important:

The Fleisher Art Memorial is a source for inspiration, creativity, and community. Every year, more than 17,000 people experience the transformative power of art by participating in our studio classes, exhibitions, and community‐based programming. We are a non‐profit organization committed to advancing the vision of our founder, Samuel S. Fleisher, who believed that art is one of society’s greatest assets and equalizers, and from the doorway of his Graphic Sketch Club, “invited the world to come and learn art.”

Through all of our work, we strive to make art accessible to everyone regardless of age, economic means, or artistic experience. We operate one of the nation’s first community‐based arts centers, providing free and low‐cost studio art classes along with opportunities for beginning and seasoned artists to exhibit their work in a professional gallery setting. To further enhance our mission, Fleisher’s arts education programming reaches deeply into schools and community centers and has brought us national recognition and powerful opportunities to advocate for and shape arts education initiatives throughout the region and the country.

Teaching Artist Key qualifications:

· Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Fine Arts degree a plus

· Experienced teaching artist with a solid artistic skill set, and a minimum of two years teaching experience instructing technique to a broad adult population

· Experience doing community engagement work with diverse populations

· Experience developing a thoughtful, fun, creative, and culturally appropriate lesson plan and a class curriculum spanning from 5 to 10 weeks.

· Can provide clear and thoughtful feedback to students, both in group and one-on-one settings.

· Flexible and can work in a variety of studio environments with large and diverse groups of people.

· Punctual, organized, communicates in a timely fashion with Fleisher staff

· Language skills in Khmer, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese a plus

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

· Design and implement a well-planned lesson

· Communicate with relevant Manager about basic supply needs, curriculum development, model requests, and lesson plans

· Arrive 15-30 minutes before class to set up

· Manage classroom time to appropriately clean the studio space with students before end of class

· Respectful of students, partner employees, and Fleisher Staff

· Inform relevant Manager of any unexpected change of plans such as illness or other absences as soon as possible

Fleisher is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

To apply please submit:

An artist statement
Current résumé
Images of current work (maximum of 12)
Images of work created by students (maximum of 12)
Three professional references
Course descriptions and curriculum outlines for courses taught
Other supporting documentation, including evaluation and assessments of previous teaching experiences (*Optional)

Please review the following backgound check required for each program:

Community Partnerships in the Arts

- PA State Police Criminal Record Check

- PA Child Abuse History

- FBI Background check with fingerprinting

- Act 126 Training Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Certificate

Children and Youth Program

- PA Child Abuse History

- FBI Background check with fingerprinting

You cannot begin a residency through the CPA program unless you have your clearances. You do not need these documents at the time of applying, only if extended a formal invitation to work at Fleisher. Please note the FBI background may take 4-6 weeks to process.

 

Teen Lounge at Fleisher Art Memorial is now accepting workshop proposals for our Fall term (September-November)!

Teen Lounge is a free, drop-in after school arts program providing young people ages 13-19 with opportunities to meet and collaborate with working Philly artists. Past workshop topics have included sewing plush monsters, beatmaking, character design, figure drawing, wheatpaste street art, and more! Participating teens will evaluate and select your proposals through our RFP process.

Workshops meet once a week for four weeks at Fleisher Art Memorial, on either Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00pm. Proposals should offer young people an exciting opportunity to explore a theme or medium of relevance to their age group. Previous teaching experience is helpful but not required! Experimental proposals are encouraged, and teaching artists have any studios/facilities at Fleisher at their disposal including printmaking, darkroom and ceramics. 

After submitting a proposal, 15 artists will be invited to attend a mandatory Proposal Fair on Friday, July 15 4-6pm to meet Teen Lounge students and share their workshop idea (compensated w/ $25 gift card). Students will then vote to choose which projects to run. Artists are compensated at $595 for 4-week workshops.

8-12 students attending our workshops daily, from a variety of levels in art making experiences -- however, due to the drop-in structure of the program, the class group can vary from session to session. Please keep this in mind when designing your workshop!

Teen Lounge is a wheelchair accessible space.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Layla Ehsan, Teen Lounge Coordinator: lehsan@fleisher.org 

Teen Lounge seeks to be an inclusive and generative learning space for youth and adults of all identities and backgrounds - people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas are strongly encouraged to apply!