Executive Director and Chief Curator – Syracuse University Art Museum, NY

Salary: $150,000.00 – $175,000.00 (Yearly Salary)

To apply please visit: https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/97926

Syracuse University seeks a dynamic and experienced arts administrator for the position of Executive Director and Chief Curator (EDCC) of the Syracuse University Art Museum (SU Art Museum). The EDCC will be a collaborative leader who articulates and advances the vision, mission, and values of the SU Art Museum and its programs while supporting the shared strategic priorities of Syracuse University. The EDCC will lead the strategic initiatives of the museum and be committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in advancing the museum’s mission.

The EDCC reports to the Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives in the Office of Academic Affairs. Job responsibilities include:

Oversee all administrative and operational activities of the museum and provide strategic and collaborative leadership and vision. Provide guidance and mentorship to seven full-time staff—Associate Director, Curator, Curator of Education and Academic Outreach, Registrar, Assistant Registrar & Provenance Researcher, Preparator, and Administrative Specialist—as well as graduate assistants, work-study students, fellows, and interns. Lead the development and implementation of the museum’s strategic plan, which supports the museum’s mission and shared strategic priorities of Syracuse University. Lead the application process for American Alliance of Museum accreditation and uphold professional best practice standards to retain accreditation status.

Articulate a compelling vision for the museum and its role as a center for teaching and research at Syracuse University. Lead and oversee the thoughtful growth and care of the University art collection. Lead and oversee a program that generates exhibitions, publications, and other types of audience engagement that advance scholarship, develop the museum field, and introduce new audiences to the power of art and its ability to increase empathy for people and experiences different from their own. Provide critical review of research and scholarly texts created by all staff. Provide oversight of the exhibition schedule for the SU Museum and Palitz Gallery at the Lubin House in New York City. Support the museum’s mission to increase awareness and appreciation for the arts through expanding connections and collaborations with university and community stakeholders.

Serve as the lead fundraiser for the museum and responsibly manage financial resources and the museum budget. Discover and engage Syracuse University alumni and donors for philanthropic gifts including both gifts-in-kind and financial. Serve as the Board Manager for the newly formed Advisory Board, including cultivating new board members. Work closely with the Advisory Board to raise the profile of the museum and Syracuse University. Research and write grants for the museum’s strategic initiatives and projects.

Implement a collections care strategy that adheres to professional museum best standards and includes policies governing conservation, documentation, security, storage, and physical and digital access of collection. Work with all appropriate departments at the University to maintain existing exhibition and storage facilities and develop new strategies for future growth.

Plan, oversee and manage the departmental budget which includes an operational budget provided by the University as well as several endowments and restricted and non-restricted funds. Approve expenditures and develop long range budget planning. Prepare museum Annual Report, as well as year-end reports for grants and funders.

Requirements

Apply highly developed creative and problem-solving skills and use high-level persuasion and negotiation skills to build on existing relationships with faculty and local, regional, national, and international communities to advance the aims of the Academic Strategic Plan at Syracuse University.

Strong vision for public impact and collaboration with both Syracuse University stakeholders and the local Syracuse community.                                           

Expertise or subject knowledge in at least one area of the museum’s collection, with proven experience developing programming that takes a global approach and highlights the diversity of people, ideas and works of art.

Demonstrated knowledge of current trends and conversations within the museum and curatorial fields, including equity-oriented practices that center community voices.

Extensive knowledge of and experience with professional practices of collection care and management.

Extensive knowledge of the American Alliance of Museum accreditation process. Preference given to experience successfully completing the accreditation process.

Experience working successfully with advisory boards, faculty councils and student groups.

Significant record of successful fundraising through philanthropy and grants.

Demonstrated managerial experience in a leadership role.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Significant (5-10 years) museum administrative experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience), including curatorial practice and exhibition planning, education programming, operations, board development, fundraising, public relations, marketing and budget management. Master’s degree in art history or related field, PhD or equivalent preferred.

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