PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Michael Atkins

Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Michael Atkins

Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Arts Foundation has appointed Michael Atkins as its new Executive Director, effective Sept 1, 2024. Atkins is native to South Jersey and leverages extensive experience in multimedia production and nonprofit communications into the crucial role of executive director. He is a proud Atlantic City resident with a lifelong passion for literature, visual arts, and performing arts. 

Monica Casiello, Board President, shared, “The Board conducted a thorough search, with applicants from far and wide, yet found Michael’s unique set of qualifications and incredible dedication right here in Atlantic City. The Board and I are thrilled to bring Michael’s talents and experience to the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. This will be a perfect fit for our organization, and will lead to great things for the arts in Atlantic City. This is a pivotal moment for the organization, as we will unveil our 100th public mural this fall. Michael will lead this organization to expand and enhance our arts programming and presentation.” 

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, commented: “I draw inspiration from the rich history and vibrant culture of Atlantic City, a place where the arts and social progress have long gone hand in hand. It is my intention to expand the offerings of arts in the city, for the benefit of its residents, to exhibit local artists, and to invite artists to draw their own inspiration from this historic city. I want to thank the Board for this opportunity, and look forward to connecting with my neighbors in the weeks to come.” 

For the past two years, Atkins worked as the communications director for New Jersey Future, a statewide policy nonprofit that advocates for equitable investment in infrastructure, and a fair balance between development and preservation. Prior to relocating to New Jersey in 2021, Michael served as the communications director for Friends of the Los Angeles River, an environmental humanities nonprofit that utilizes art, poetry, and ecological education to advocate for equitable access to a rewilded river. Atkins worked in broadcast film television before entering nonprofits, whose production credits spanned independent film and documentary to reality television, during which he interviewed hundreds of subjects including congresspersons, indigenous tribal leaders, architects, authors, and artists. 

This fall the Atlantic City Arts Foundation will celebrate its 100th public mural at Cardinal Restaurant in the Orange Loop at a free public event. Throughout Fall 2024, the organization under Atkins’s leadership will conduct listening sessions and develop a strategic plan to set a direction moving forward, with sustained emphasis on community engagement, artists' opportunity, expanded programmatic offerings, and economic development. As such, they welcome the suggestions, reflections, and imaginations of residents and artists who also love Atlantic City by emailing michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org. 

Michael Atkins, Executive Director, Atlantic City Arts Foundation

###

About the Atlantic City Arts Foundation

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs and partnerships activate community pride and civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC and ARTeriors. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Learn more at www.atlanticcityartsfoundation.org/.

Media Contact

Michael Atkins
michael@atlanticcityartsfoundation.org
(609) 217-5569

CLOSED: Executive Director

Thank you for your interest, we are no longer accepting applications for this role.

Under the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the daily and overall operation of the organization, including but not limited to the management, coordination, and development of all fiscal, program, and staff activities. This multi-faceted position includes strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, building/managing a small team, fundraising and development, creation/oversight of programs, and advocacy and awareness-building for the value of arts/creativity in building Atlantic City’s future. The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide oversight for all aspects of the agency’s fiscal activities, including but not limited to budget development, cash flow management, and forecasting, invoice and bill approval, regular fiscal reporting of actuals and projections to all stakeholders, approvals, and understanding of all audit and bookkeeping activities, within Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (in conjunction with development and administrative staff)

• Provide oversight to financial contractors (bookkeepers, accountants, auditors)

• Provide program and fiscal updates as scheduled and required to the Board of Directors (primary liaison to the Board of Directors, including attendance at all relevant Board and committee meetings)

• Seek and secure various sources of funding from the local, regional, and national government, corporate, foundation, and individual sources to support operations, events, and programs; this will include grant writing, funder management, and proposal development

• Develop and implement a diversified annual fundraising plan (individual donations, events, grants, sponsorships, etc.), matching fundraising plans to cash flow projections and forecasted costs throughout the year

• Develop and implement strategy to position the arts and the organization as essential tools for economic and community development

• Work with the Board to develop enhanced Mission/Vision; revise and operationalize strategic plan; report on the status of operationalized strategic plan quarterly

• Serve as a spokesperson and liaison for the Arts/Creativity in Atlantic City (and beyond)

• Establish and maintain sound working relationships with funders, donors, and partnering groups and organizations;

• Educate and advocate for the arts to the public, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to strengthen resources

• Provide oversight and thought partnership to the Program Manager; ensuring programmatic components are fully executed and building relationships with artists, vendors, and community partners

• Provide oversight to Public Relations, Marketing, and Graphics consultants for overall content from conception to implementation; aligning messages with the overall vision

• Assisting with social media management as needed, including commenting and liking posts, responding to DMs or responding to questions that need to be answered, and updating stories 

• Working with other staff to attend neighborhood association and cultural meetings as needed and providing feedback to ED on what is happening within the community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Must have 5+ years of experience as an Executive Director or leader within an arts community or with a non-profit organization

• Must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication and ability to speak with a diverse cadre of stakeholders

• Leadership in project management, fundraising, and the ability to work with partners in public relations, marketing, and caused-based coalitions

• Financial management of a fierce and impactful non-profit, quickly growing and receiving regional attention which is strengthening its fundraising abilities to expand and be sustainable, while continuing its impact;

• Regular and timely completion of tasks, willingness to learn, and ability to effectively communicate about ACAF’s mission and programs. 

• Excellent organizational and Microsoft Office/Google Drive skills

• Ability to thrive in a nimble fast-paced environment by managing competing priorities, working collaboratively, and communicating effectively

• Eagerness to connect with others to facilitate the well-being of the arts in Atlantic City.

• Residency in or relocation to Atlantic City or a nearby town is required

Salary Range: $75,000—$80,000

To Apply: NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

---

Atlantic City Arts Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is valued at our company. All applicants receive consideration for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Compensation commensurate with experience and education. This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

PRESS RELEASE: Atlantic City Arts Foundation Appoints New Executive Director Kate O’Malley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 10, 2023

Atlantic City, N.J. –The Atlantic City Arts Foundation appointed Kate O’Malley as its new Executive Director on July 7, 2023. O’Malley joined the organization in 2020, moving quickly from an administrative role to an operations and project management lead. She brings her extensive experience within the organization, strong relationships in the Atlantic City artist, business, and non-profit communities, and a tireless commitment to ACAF’s mission to foster arts and culture in Atlantic City.

Monica Casiello, ACAF Board President, shared, “The Board and I are thrilled to promote Kate to the Executive Director position. Her passion for the arts, the community, and Atlantic City is palpable, and she has an innate understanding of the organization’s mission and potential. Appointing her to lead the organization will ensure ACAF continues to create meaningful opportunities for artists, engage the Atlantic City community through free arts & cultural programming, and inspire future generations to pursue careers in the arts.”

O’Malley has been fundamental to the ACAF’s recent growth and impact, stepping up to sustain the organization following Joyce Hagen’s 2022 departure from the role. During her tenure with ACAF, she has galvanized community support and secured significant funding to maintain organizational stability and ensure living wages for artists. As an Atlantic City resident and graduate of Stockton University, O’Malley leverages her lived experience to develop strategy and deliver maximum community impact.

“I am so proud to be named Executive Director of the Atlantic City Arts Foundation. The City of Atlantic City and its incredible arts community mean so much to me. I'm eager to lead the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and continue to grow Atlantic City into a place where arts and culture thrive. We envision an Atlantic City where local artists' careers can flourish, where our residents and the city’s rich history are elevated by and celebrated through art, and where tourists visit us to experience our thriving and unique arts scene,” O’Malley shared.

###

The Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s diverse programs & partnerships activate community pride & civic self-esteem through interaction with public art, including the city’s largest mural arts program. ACAF is dedicated to increasing public art access and fostering community art appreciation in Atlantic City, NJ. Programs include 48 Blocks Atlantic City, Chalk About AC, and ARTeriors. ACAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  

Learn more: atlanticcityartsfoundation.org | IG: @acartsfoundation | facebook.com/acartsfoundation