Following the retirement of the current Director, Frame Contemporary Art Finland is looking for a skilled and visionary Director to run the operational and financial management of Frame Foundation.
We are looking for a Director with a strong knowledge of the contemporary art sector, experience in financial management, and the ability to foster collaboration and networks both in Finland and internationally.
The position of Director will be filled for a five-year period from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2029, after which there is a possibility of a continuation.
Frame Contemporary Art Finland (Frame Foundation) is an advocate and information centre for contemporary art in Finland. Frame supports international initiatives and facilitates professional partnerships between Finnish and contemporary art professionals abroad. Frame is the commissioner and producer of the Pavilion of Finland at the Venice Art Biennale. Frame has a permanent staff of 5 people and additional temporary employees.
Job description
The Director has a diverse job description. As Director of Frame Foundation, you will be responsible for the strategic development in line with the Foundation’s purpose, the preparation and implementation of annual action plans and budgets, the financial and human resources management of the Foundation and leading the operational initiatives in close cooperation with the staff.
As Director you will
- Be accountable for the realisation of the Foundation’s purpose, and be responsible for internal and external reporting and risk management;
- Promote international initiatives within Finnish contemporary art;
- Promote and develop the visual arts sector in Finland;
- Draw up an annual action plan and be responsible for its implementation together with the staff;
- Draw up and be responsible for the implementation of the budget and the management of the Foundation’s assets;
- Be responsible for the Foundation’s fundraising activities (in particular projects such as the Venice Biennale);
- Be responsible for the Foundation’s human resources management and act as the principal manager of the staff;
- Chair the Foundation’s Grants Committee and be responsible for preparing grant reports for the Ministry of Education and Culture;
- Be the commissioner of the Finnish Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale;
- Work with a wide range of domestic and international stakeholders and do advocacy work;
- Be responsible for the Foundation’s sustainability programme and its development;
- Act as a presenter and secretary for the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
We expect you to have:
- A strong knowledge of Finnish and international contemporary art
- At least five years of experience related to international initiatives of arts and culture
- A higher university degree
- Strong skills in managing and developing an expert organisation
- Experience in HR and staff management
- Proven skills and experience in long-term financial management in a private or public organisation
- Good knowledge of Finnish and English is essential for succeeding in the role. Swedish and other language skills are an advantage.
We hold the following as an advantage:
- Experience in foundation and contract management
- Good communication and social skills. We value experience in diverse stakeholder work and networks with Finnish and international arts and culture professionals and actors.
- Successful fundraising and advocacy work are seen as advantages.
- Ability to promote the role of arts and culture in society.
- Experience in promoting the social, environmental and economic sustainability of an organisation.
The work involves traveling.
Frame offers
- An international working environment at the core of the contemporary art scene
- Interesting, challenging and meaningful tasks
- A supportive and collegial work community;
- A comfortable office space and appropriate working equipment
Salary and working hours
The position is full-time, starting on 1 August 2024, with a monthly salary of EUR 5,500–6,000.
About Frame
Frame’s office is located in the centre of Helsinki and there is a possibility for partial distance work. The working languages of the organisation are Finnish and English. Frame’s office is not fully accessible. For more information on the accessibility of the office here.
Frame’s work is based on the principles of equity, respect for the freedom of expression and recognising the various ways in which art professionals work. Frame takes sustainability into account in all its activities. Frame’s values are based on our role as an expert organisation for contemporary art. Our core values are vision, integrity and responsibility.
Frame promotes equality in all its activities. We welcome applicants of different ages, gender and backgrounds who meet the requirements for the position. All applications will be treated confidentially.
How to apply
Send us an application in Finnish (about one page), describing why you are applying for this role and what your strengths would be in the role. Include the name of the person or persons who can provide a reference for you.
Please submit your application and CV in one PDF file by Sunday 31 December 2023 at 24:00 Finnish time to toimitusjohtaja@frame-finland.fi. In the subject line of the email, please add “Toimitusjohtaja 2023” and name the PDF file as Surname_Firstname.
Interviews for the position will take place between January and February 2024 and the selection will be made during March 2024.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit a pre-task to be announced at a later stage. Candidates selected for interviews will be provided with further information about the interview in advance. Interviewers will be members of the Frame Board, a staff representative and potential external experts. Several rounds of interviews may be organised.
This call for applications is published in Finnish and English.
For further information:
Jaakko Lindgren
Chairman of the Board
+358 40 095 8755
Contact by telephone:
Thu 7 Dec at 2–5 pm
Mon 11 Dec at 12:30–3 pm
Fri 15 Dec at 2–4 pm