Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Job Title: Artistic Director
Employment Status: Full-time Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director

Who We Are:

Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum and artist residency located in Pittsburghs Northside, founded in 1977. For nearly fifty years, we have been a pioneering force in the development of site-specific, experimental, and alternative art forms. Artists live and work on-site, creating new works that are deeply informed by and rooted in the spaces they inhabit.

Supporting artists is not only part of our mission; it is the core of our identity. We were founded by Barbara Luderowski, a sculptor and visionary who imagined a community for artists, by artists, a place where creative risk and intellectual exploration are celebrated. We provide artists across disciplines with time, space, resources, and a supportive team to take chances and grow their practice.

Our work doesnt stop at creation. We are equally committed to connecting these works meaningfully with the public. Through exhibitions, tours, community programs, and artist-led engagements, we help audiences forge personal and lasting relationships with contemporary art.

We believe that art creates connections between people, across perspectives, and within our shared environment. Our artist-centered model builds not just exhibitions but a vibrant community. In doing so, Mattress Factory remains not just a site for artistic production, but a catalyst for cultural exchange, discovery, and creative growth.

The Role:

Were looking for an Artistic Director who thrives on creating community, engaging audiences, and collaborating directly with artists as they develop new work while in residence. As Mattress Factory approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, this leader will be instrumental in charting our next chapter and deepening the creative impact and reach of our museum.

A key member of the museums Senior Leadership Team, the Artistic Director works in close collaboration with the Executive Director and oversees both the Exhibitions Department and the Education and Community Engagement Department. This role leads all artistic programming at the museum, including exhibitions, artist talks, performances, film screenings, and other mission-aligned events.

A natural collaborator, experienced manager, and thoughtful leader, the Artistic Director listens deeply, values a range of perspectives, and fosters a culture of openness, quality, ambition, and experimentation. Comfortable in a highly visible, public-facing role, they serve as the lead spokesperson for the museums artistic program and cultivate strong relationships with artists, curators, donors, collectors, civic leaders, and cultural institutions.

We are looking for a candidate with deep expertise in contemporary art, particularly in installation, site-specific practices, performance, and experimental forms. The ideal Artistic Director brings a strong and inclusive curatorial perspective and is equally comfortable leading strategic initiatives and engaging in hands-on collaboration with artists in the studio or gallery.

This is an exciting time to join the Mattress Factory. With approximately 26 staff members, 40,000 annual visitors, and an operating budget of $2.2 million, the museum is poised for transformation. We are guided by a strategic plan designed to strengthen our foundation and expand our reach as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2027. The Artistic Director will be instrumental in shaping this next chapter, honoring our legacy while helping to chart a bold new path forward.

Responsibilities:

Artistic Programming

• Set the vision and priorities for artistic programming while leading the Exhibitions Department in close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Exhibitions Director. The Exhibitions Director supports this role by serving as a project developer and curator, translating the artists' vision into impactful gallery exhibitions.
• In partnership with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Director, shape exhibition strategies, budgets, and long-term planning, fostering a shared commitment to artist-centered work and artistic innovation.
• Lead an interpretation strategy to help all visitors engage with and better understand the artworks in the museum.
• Ensure the quality, relevance, and integrity of the exhibition program, maintaining high standards of artistic excellence, scholarly rigor, inclusivity, and accessibility.
• Steer the selection of artists for programs with a focus on collaboration, artist-centered thinking, and inclusive representation of diverse creative voices and practices.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to strengthen and expand the artist residency experience, deepening its creative impact and relevance.
• Develop a dynamic vision for live programming, including performances, talks, screenings, and other events, for general audiences, museum members, and special partners and oversee all artistic programming related to exhibitions and museum artists.
• Ensure artists are fully supported throughout their residency and exhibition processes with curatorial guidance, mentorship, and resources tailored to each project.
• Champion creative thinking to support our local, national, and international artist communities, and grow Mattress Factorys role as a hub for experimentation and exchange.
• In partnership with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Director, contribute to the development of long-term artwork planning and collection strategies, including acquisition and deaccession processes.

Education:

• Lead the Education and Community Engagement Department, setting the vision and priorities for programming in collaboration with the Education and Community Engagement Director.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Education team to shape and implement educational strategies and manage related budgets.
• Oversee the development and direction of the museums educational programming, ensuring alignment with the artistic vision and deepening public engagement with contemporary art.
• Be the leading voice of the museum in interpretive content, ensuring our voice is thoughtful, compelling, and accessible.
• Help create an institutional and pedagogical voice and philosophy for the museum that is engaging and authentic.
• Develop written materials for exhibitions and programs, including interpretive texts and essays.

Advancement:

• Work with the Executive Director and Advancement Director to attract donors and manage artistic program funding strategies.
• Work with the advancement department to develop financial support for exhibitions and provide content for grant applications and funding proposals.
• Work with the advancement department to ensure the representation of the artistic program is accurate, compelling, and consistent across all marketing materials.
• Help to develop engaging experience around our artistic program for museum members.
• Be an ambassador to donors and prospective donors to support the museums artistic programs.

Institutional Leadership:

• Collaborate as a member of the museums Senior Leadership Team (comprised of the Directors of the Advancement, Education, Exhibition, Operations, and Visitor Experience Departments as well as the Executive Director), with proactive input into decisions affecting Mattress Factorys annual and long-term operating plans, including the museums strategic framework, exhibition and public program priorities, human and financial resource allocations, and holistic institutional communications.
• Serve as the lead spokesperson for the museums artistic program, representing its vision and values to internal and external audiences.
• Articulate the evolving purpose and role of the museums exhibitions within both local and global contexts.
• Foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect across departments, valuing the knowledge and expertise of colleagues in education, marketing, visitor services, development, and beyond.
• Lead the strategic development and stewardship of a cohesive, inclusive community network for current and former resident artists, staff, museum members, and key stakeholders, fostering ongoing dialogue, intellectual discourse, a sense of belonging, and collaboration.
• Partner with all departmental teams to embed community-building practices across all artistic programming, ensuring that exhibitions, residencies, and membership activities reinforce a shared sense of belonging.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

The Skills Youll Need:

• Deep familiarity with a range of contemporary artistic practices and trends in the art world.
• Exceptional communication skills, written, verbal, and public speaking; with the ability to engage a range of audiences clearly and persuasively.
• A creative thinker who embraces experimentation and takes thoughtful risks.
• A collaborative leadership style that values listening and shared decision-making.
• Strong skills in research, budgeting, and digital communication tools.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and excellent time management
• The ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• Reliable and proactive, with a strong sense of personal accountability and follow-through.
• Able to work independently and drive projects forward with minimal oversight.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Flexible and resilient, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

What Were Looking For:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in curatorial work, artistic programming and/or leadership.
• An advanced degree in the arts, humanities, or social sciencesor equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience within an arts, museum, or cultural organization.
• A passionate advocate for artists.
• A commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
• A strategic thinker with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
• A collaborative and generous team member who values cross-departmental work.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is an anticipated start salary range of $70,000 to $85,000. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance with Mattress Factory covering 100% of premiums; paid time off, 403(b) retirement plan and short- and long-term disability insurance.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily sedentary in nature and primarily conducted in person on site. Candidates must be able to travel nationally and internationally, and be available on weekends and evenings, as necessary.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume on the Mattress Factorys career plug page. Question regarding the position can be sent to David Oresick, Mattress Factory Executive Director doresick@mattress.org

Preferred application deadline: September 22, 2025

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The Mattress Factory is dedicated to building a culturally diverse staff and creating an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin in our employment practices.