Description:
Essential Functions:
The Museum Director will manage the following:
- Leadership and Vision: Develop and implement a strategic vision to align with the mission, core values, and long-term goals of both the Mulvane Art Museum and Washburn University. Serve as the primary ambassador for the museum, actively promoting its role in the community and region. Stay updated on developments in the field and engage in professional development.
- Operations and Financial Management: Oversee the daily operations of the museum. Direct the museum’s budget to optimize operational efficiency and align resources with strategic priorities.
- Fundraising and Development: Work closely with the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation and Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum to lead fundraising initiatives and cultivate relationships with donors, corporate sponsors, and grant providers. Current fundraising initiatives include the annual Mulvane Art Fair, a juried event that features artists from across the country working in a variety of media that draws thousands of patrons.
- Curatorial and Program Development: Work with curatorial and education staff to develop dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives. Ensure programming is accessible, diverse, and engages a broad audience. Work with collections staff to oversee the appropriate management, conservation, documentation, security, and storage of the museum’s collection, both physical and digital. Maintain best practices for museum accreditation and oversee reaccreditation through the American Alliance of Museums.
- Community Engagement: Foster partnerships with educational institutions, cultural organizations, and community groups. Lead initiatives to enhance the museum’s visibility and relevance to campus and the community.
- Education and Outreach: Work with education staff to design programs that promote lifelong learning and accessibility, ensuring programs meet the needs of diverse audiences, including college students, schools, families, and adult learners.
- Staff Development: Cultivate a positive, inclusive work environment that encourages professional growth. Supervise, mentor, and support staff, student workers, interns, and volunteers to promote high levels of performance and engagement.
- Perform additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.
This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate events, community outreach, and museum programming.
Required Qualifications:
- Graduate degree (M.A., M.F.A., or Ph.D.) in art history, visual culture, museum studies, or related field.
- Minimum three years of experience in museum management or a senior leadership role within a cultural or educational institution.
- Demonstrated dedication to inclusive practices that engage students and community members of all backgrounds.
- Visionary and strategic thinker with a passion for the arts, culture, and education.
- Financial and budget management expertise.
- Skilled in relationship building, both within the museum and university and externally.
- Effective problem-solving, communication, and organizational abilities.
- Ability to inspire, mentor, and empower a team of individuals with varied talents and backgrounds.