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Job Summary
The Getty Foundation is the grantmaking arm of The J. Paul Getty Trust. The Foundation has also evolved to be one of the Getty’s primary mechanisms for building important and lasting relationships in the Los Angeles and Southern California communities.
In collaboration with the Getty Museum, Getty Research Institute, and Getty Conservation Institute, the Foundation works to strengthen the global arts ecosystem through strategic philanthropy. It supports institutions and individuals working to advance art historical research, conservation practice, and curatorial excellence, and supports efforts to train the next generation of arts leaders.
The Director of the Getty Foundation will lead a global arts philanthropy, partnering with institutional leaders and external collaborators worldwide to shape the future of conservation, art history, and public engagement with the visual arts.
Reporting to Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO, and working closely with Getty’s other Program Directors and Vice Presidents, the Foundation Director will help define the Foundation’s strategic priorities through a big-picture mindset and is responsible for overseeing and guiding the Getty’s grantmaking activities in alignment with Getty’s programmatic priorities and goals.
Learn more about the Getty Foundation at https://www.getty.edu/foundation.
Getty has partnered with DSG Global and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. To learn more about this opportunity, you may read the talent profile at DSG’s website or contact Alexandra Corvin at alexandra.corvin@dsgco.com. Only parties who express interest via DSG Global will be considered as part of the assessment and selection process.
Major Job Responsibilities
- Provide vision and a strategic framework for the Getty Foundation’s activities.
- Establish an overall strategy for grant activities and set priorities for grant making that are consistent with strategy.
- Establish a trusted partnership with the President and CEO and other Program Directors and Vice Presidents.
- Serve as a contributing member of Getty’s executive team.
- Contribute to the development of Getty-wide strategies and initiatives.
- Lead, develop, evaluate, and mentor a team of professional and support staff.
- Determine the staffing needs of the department, recommend responsible use of resources, and direct staff to ensure the success of the Foundation.
- Ensure appropriate oversight of contracts and budget for the Foundation.
- Participate in both strategic planning as well as in tactical, operational day-to-day execution of priorities.
- Represent Getty externally, as appropriate, to advance its mission and visibility.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree required, with a PhD or equivalent terminal degree desired.
- Strong intellectual background in art history, archaeology, conservation, cultural history, or a related field.
- 10+ years of Demonstrated progressive leadership experience in arts philanthropy.
- Subject-matter mastery and an understanding of best practices in the field.
- Significant experience managing complex budgets, staff, and programs with transparency and rigor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Diplomatically adept leader with deep fluency in art and philanthropy, art and art history.
- Able to be a visible ambassador for the Getty and Getty Foundation.
- Well-respected for intellectual contributions among scholars, curators, artists, and conservation professionals.
- Proven experience as an outcome-focused, disciplined leader with a proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying grounded in mission and values.
- Demonstrated expertise in the philosophy and practice of grantmaking, including consultative and trust-based approaches to philanthropy.
- Highly politically savvy and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to navigate a complex institutional culture.
- A strong, hands-on leader in guiding teams, fostering cross-institutional collaboration, and gaining community-wide trust through an engaging, leadership style.
- A persuasive communicator who can speak compellingly on behalf of Getty to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Solid experience working across cultures and geographies, with a commitment to equity and access, and will bring strong existing networks in the art world.
- Experience of operating effectively within a large, matrixed institution — comfortable with overlapping roles, shared priorities, and institutional protocols.
- Demonstrated capacity to ensure the Foundation’s operational infrastructure supports its strategic ambitions.
- Proven ability to effectively motivate and manage a talented team while earning trust across the Getty and the broader communities the Foundation serves.
Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
- 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
- Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
- Educational Assistance and professional development
- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Many positions have bi-weekly off-Fridays
- On-site fitness center at Getty Center
- Community service opportunities
To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.
