Executive Director

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) invites applications for a bold, visionary, and innovative leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director of the CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology (CCAT). This is a rare opportunity to shape a groundbreaking initiative at the intersection of art, technology, and global cultural innovation. The Executive Director will lead CCAT through its formative five-year grant, guiding its strategic direction, cultivating its public presence, and ensuring its seamless integration within CalArts and the larger technology and art world ecosystem. As both an internal connector and external ambassador, the Executive Director will bridge academic programs, faculty, students, and administrative functions with a dynamic network of global partners, industries, and institutions. The ideal candidate will bring deep ties to the creative industries (including film, art, music, and design), credibility within academia and among potential nonprofit partners, and experience navigating international and cross-cultural contexts, drawn possibly from interface with governments or in diplomatic arenas. 

Founded through a partnership with the CHANEL Culture Fund, CCAT aims to be a visionary hub for interdisciplinary collaboration. It brings together artists, technologists, academics, and industry leaders to foster innovation across visual, performing, media, and literary arts. At its core are two primary research nodes, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Digital Imaging, which serve as platforms for creative exploration and knowledge generation. CCAT integrates advanced tools and software into its programming, enabling artists to incorporate emerging technologies into their practices. Deeply connected to a global network of museums, universities, and tech companies, the Center facilitates collaboration and resource sharing across Southern California and beyond. Through exhibitions, presentations, and partnerships, CCAT will actively share its innovations with the public, contributing to broader cultural and technological discourse. 

Reporting to the Office of the President, the Executive Director is responsible for leading the CHANEL Center for Artists and Technology, creating a strategic vision and advancing its cutting-edge work at the intersection of art and technology in alignment with CalArts’ broader mission. They will champion the Center’s goals, intentions, and achievements while maintaining a respected presence within both domestic and international communities in their field. This role ensures programmatic excellence through rigorous evaluation, sound financial oversight, and effective administration while identifying and pursuing strategic opportunities for CCAT’s growth.

Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries electronically below.

Sarah James is leading this search with Quizayra Gonzalez and Siobhan Hanley. 

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) seeks to employ faculty and staff who can engage our diverse communities of learners at the highest levels of artistic endeavor and critical thinking. Across the range of practitioners from artists to scholars and librarians, we welcome candidates who possess a demonstrated worldview and cultural competency to support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities, and gender expressions. CalArts is an equal opportunity employer.