Description
Please see our full position profile for more information.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the largest sculpture parks in the United States and an internationally recognized nonprofit arts organization. Located on 94 acres in St. Louis County, for 50 years Laumeier has invited people to experience contemporary art in unexpected ways, outdoors, and in community with one another. The park is home to more than 70 large-scale permanent sculptures, with works by Alexander Liberman, Donald Judd, Niki de Saint Phalle, Beverly Pepper, Marie Watt, and many others, alongside temporary exhibitions, education programs, and beloved public events.
Laumeier draws more than 360,000 visitors annually, engages 450 artists and art educators, and is supported by 260 volunteers and a dedicated staff of 10 full-time and 8 part-time employees. The organization holds a collection of more than 532 works on paper in addition to its outdoor sculpture collection. Laumeier is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and operates through a unique public/private partnership with St. Louis County Parks. With a $2.4 million operating budget, a $2.1 million endowment, and $725,000 in in-kind contributions, the organization has a strong foundation and momentum for its next chapter.
The Opportunity
Laumeier Sculpture Park is seeking its next Executive Director, a visionary and grounded leader who can honor a rich institutional history while defining a bold and sustainable future. This is a leadership role for someone who is energized by mission and possibility.
The next Executive Director will join a dedicated staff team and an engaged 17-member board at a moment when the organization is poised for growth.
Laumeier offers strong programs, a loyal and expanding audience, and a compelling platform for fundraising and community engagement. The opportunity is to harness these strengths into a strategy that deepens financial sustainability, strengthens relationships, and elevates Laumeier's visibility and impact in St. Louis and beyond.
This search is being conducted by EMD Consulting Group. Inquiries and applications may be directed to search@emdconsulting.com.
What the Executive Director Will Do
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of Laumeier Sculpture Park and is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational health of the organization. Specific areas of responsibility include:
o Community Presence and Relationship Building: The ED is a highly visible connector and storyteller who can clearly communicate Laumeier's value and inspire others to invest in its future. Building strong relationships across staff, board, artists, and the broader St. Louis community.
o Fundraising and External Leadership: Serving as a fundraising ambassador, building and deepening relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and community partners. Leading or partnering on major gifts, campaigns, and sponsorship strategy, and expanding a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
o Public/Private Partnership Leadership: Working effectively within Laumeier's unique partnership structure with St. Louis County Parks. Bringing a collaborative spirit, strong communication skills, and genuine respect for shared goals and structures to this important relationship.
o Organizational and Team Leadership: Building trust, aligning staff around shared priorities, and creating a culture of accountability and collaboration. Empowering staff expertise, supporting clear communication, and establishing consistent direction across the organization.
o Strategic and Operational Leadership: Translating vision into actionable priorities and bringing structure and discipline to organizational systems. Managing budgets, aligning resources, and balancing earned and contributed revenue to support long-term sustainability.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Laumeier is seeking a thoughtful, decisive, and emotionally intelligent leader who listens, builds alignment, and moves work forward with clarity and confidence. The ideal candidate brings the following qualities and experience:
- A passion for art, nature, and public life, and a belief in the power of accessible cultural institutions to strengthen communities
- Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership, with a track record of organizational growth, team development, and mission-driven decision making.
- A visible and confident approach to fundraising, including experience leading or supporting major gifts, capital campaigns, feasibility studies, or significant sponsorship efforts.
- Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and execute plans that balance vision with operational discipline.
- Experience working with or reporting to a nonprofit board of directors, with the ability to engage, support, and partner with governance leadership.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire confidence among diverse stakeholders including donors, community partners, government entities, artists, and staff.
- Prior experience in a public/private partnership or government-adjacent environment is helpful but not required. Success in this dimension will depend on collaboration, communication, and a respect for shared structures and goals.
- A commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, vendors, and partners.
Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $135,000 to $160,000 and includes a competitive benefits package with employer-paid health, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance. Health care coverage is available for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.
About St. Louis: St. Louis offers an exceptional quality of life, with affordable living, unique neighborhoods, world-class cultural institutions, a celebrated culinary and music scene, vibrant outdoor recreation, and a passionate and generous philanthropic community. It is a city where strong nonprofit leadership can make a visible and lasting difference.
How to Apply: Candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume to search@emdconsulting.com. The application deadline is June 5, 2026. Candidates will be considered on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its staff, visitors, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Requirements
SEE ABOVE
