Careers

The Arts & Culture Programs Coordinator (ACPC) is responsible for the successful planning and execution of a nationally recognized series of revenue-generating cultural festivals, performance series, dialogues and discussions, and other public-facing activities at the American Swedish Institute. Events include planning and production responsibilities for ASI’s Julmarknad Handcraft Market, Winter Solstice Celebration, First Look exhibition openings, Midsommar Celebration, Midwinter Folk Music Festival, specialty dinner experiences, and Free Thursdays at ASI. The Arts & Culture Programs Coordinator will help to grow the reach, impact, and relevance of these and other events among both established and emerging ASI audiences.

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The American Swedish Institute, a vibrant arts and cultural organization that connects globally and engages locally through innovative programs, events, and exhibits, seeks an inclusive and experienced leader to be the next President and CEO (CEO). As defined by its mission, ASI is “a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden.” ASI is a vital community resource and global in its scope.

Founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrant and newspaper publisher Swan Turnblad, his wife Christina and daughter Lillian, ASI has been a mainstay for cultural education and engagement in Minneapolis and beyond. Since its inception, ASI has resided in the historic Turnblad Mansion in the Phillips West neighborhood of Minneapolis and serves as the iconic landmark museum in the region. ASI added the LEED Gold certified Nelson Cultural Center in 2012, enabling expanded programming (new gallery, studio classroom and event hall), the critically acclaimed Nordic-inspired FIKA café, and a retail shop specializing in Nordic-designed products.

Following the successful tenure of Bruce Karstadt, who will be retiring in 2023 after more than 30 years of leadership at ASI, the next CEO will join an organization that has significantly increased in size, scale, and impact. ASI is a leading cultural institution, and its prominence draws national and international audiences. Today, ASI has an operating budget north of $4.5 million, a staff of 35, and a dedicated team of 120 volunteers. The CEO will continue ASI’s trajectory by providing strategic leadership in collaboration with the Board, staff, volunteers, and partnering organizations. The next CEO will lead a dynamic internationally recognized cultural center and museum dedicated to engaging, inclusive programming that invites meaningful exploration of diverse experiences.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will have a sophisticated and compelling vision for local and global engagement and will be a genuine relationship builder dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. This role requires a values-driven leader who is committed to maintaining a collegial and affirming workplace environment and supporting innovation and excellence. The CEO will have an entrepreneurial approach to forming partnerships and fundraising to support ASI’s sustainable future, capital campaign, and overall growth.

ASI has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist the President and CEO Search Committee in its identification and review of candidates. Inquiries, referrals, and resumes accompanied by a letter of interest should be directed in confidence electronically below.

Ben Tobin is leading this search with Ryan Leichenauer and Maria Connor.

The American Swedish Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All our employment practices, benefits and programs will be administered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, status with respect to receipt of public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

More details about the search (including application and nomination information) can be found on our search firm Isaacson, Miller’s website here.