Museum Director | Wichita Falls, TX

Austin, TX, United States

Starting Salary

$5771.42 Monthly w/ Benefits

Job #

S024-24

Budget Position #

AM0299

Posted

03/04/2024

Description

Provides vision and leadership while working with the Advisory Board and the Provost to set direction, goals, and priorities for the museum's future. Oversees all aspects of the exhibition program and the permanent collections of the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University. Primary responsibilities include planning, managing, implementing, supervising, and evaluating all exhibition initiatives, for both temporary exhibitions and permanent collections, including exhibition design, interpretation, programs, marketing, evaluation and articulation of impact. Provides effective financial management for the museum, developing long-range financial objectives, building the annual budget, and bringing in the resources needed to mount a robust schedule of exhibitions and programs that serve the university and the community. Supervises administrative, educational, curatorial, and events staff to develop goals, plans, calendars, reports, recommendations, and budgets related to exhibitions and collections and their associated programs.

Examples

Develops and coordinates a fundraising plan to cultivate individual and corporate donors and enhance grant opportunities, in coordination with the Provost, the MSU Advancement Office, University Foundation, and the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR). Must be comfortable and proactive in working with various administrative and academic departments within the university. Effectively liaises and develops collaborations with other organizations in the Wichita Falls community. Oversees appropriate care for and stewardship of the building and collections. Manages and motivates staff, sets a strong collegial atmosphere, and enhances professionalism. Works with the Provost and university constituencies to enhance the academic role of the museum and to stimulate relevant contributions of faculty scholarship, and as time permits, to serve the larger museum community. Coordinates museum initiatives with the university, upholds MSU policies and standards and maintains a high level of museum best-practices and standards. Curatorial duties include working with Museum Collections Manager to research, plan, curate and produce exhibitions and related audience engagement programs. Oversees the acquisition, documentation, maintenance, care, and records of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Implements the Collection Management Plan and the Collection Development Plan. Constructs, oversees and updates the Museum’s strategic Exhibition Plan. Supervises the care and use of the collections by ensuring proper storage, handling, conservation, and exhibition techniques. Supervises the collections and loan records including inventories, condition reports, and cataloguing. Supervises the accessioning, identification, classification and cataloguing of objects in the Museum's collections. Supervises de-accessioning objects in the Museum's collections according to the Collection Management Plan. Monitors storage areas for collection security and environment. Reviews and advises on collection insurance values and requirements. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Condition

Must possess adequate physical condition to travel and work irregular hours and weekends. Ability to supervise and participate in set up/breakdown of exhibitions, lift large and/or heavy artwork, pedestals and tools, use various tools, and work on a ladder.

Experience

A minimum of four years relevant experience in a museum setting or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Art-museum experience and executive leadership preferred. Managerial and collaboration skills and ability to engage with faculty and staff to leverage the museum's programs, in support of the curricular goals of the university's various disciplines. Experience working within a university system is an asset. Basic familiarity with relevant technologies and social media.

Knowledge

Required working knowledge of current museum best practices, including American Alliance of Museums Core Standards. Broad subject knowledge in art history. Ability to effectively supervise staff. Knowledge of research methods and techniques. Excellent financial management skills, demonstrating success with operational budgeting, multi-stream revenue development, grant writing, and long-term financial planning. A track record of managing and stretching modest budgets is an asset. Demonstrated commitment to developing new resources. Experience with, or willingness to actively engage in, private-donor development campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving. Demonstrated commitment to civic engagement, and to creating a welcoming, rich and engaging visitor experience. Track record of exhibitions and/or programming that demonstrates creativity, innovation, awareness of current museum trends, and successful marketing. A record of expertise and/or scholarship relevant to an aspect of this museum or its collection is desirable.

Education

MA or MFA in art history, art, museum studies, or a related field. Terminal degree preferred.

Additional Requirements

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills essential to communicate effectively with a wide variety of constituencies, from professors to children. A public-facing person and enthusiastic representative for the museum, skilled at liaising with others and promoting a museum; an engaging, inspiring and confident public speaker. Desire to work with a small staff and to be hands-on and pitch in, for example, on exhibition installations or event setups. Willing to work an active schedule, including attending openings and after-hours events some evenings and weekends, and available to travel as needed.

Standard Requirements

Requires the ability to work well with diverse populations and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Application Procedures

Qualified candidates should email a substantive letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least four professional references to the WFMA Director Search Committee at  [email protected] .

Application review begins April 1 st , 2024; the position will remain open until an offer is made and accepted.

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