The Museum Director has ultimate responsibility for the de Saisset Museum, its operations, and its permanent collection of nearly 12,000 objects of art and history. The Director provides leadership and management of all areas of the Museum, which is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a university museum. The Director reports through the Provost division to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs of Santa Clara University. The responsibilities include the oversight of long-range planning, administration (staff, students, and volunteers), budgeting and fundraising, development of permanent collection and collections management, final selection and presentation of temporary and permanent collection exhibitions, facility maintenance and capital renovations, in addition to all educational programming and special events. The Museum Director is responsible for advocating for the Museum and the arts; and liaising with University administrators, faculty, staff, students, and the greater community. The Museum Director maintains and enriches a long-standing relationship with several Ohlone and other California Native tribes and individuals in relation to Museum programs and exhibitions, as well as the overall Santa Clara University initiatives related to the Ohlone History Working Group report and future related initiatives.
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The Museum Director serves as the direct supervisor to the Assistant Director, Collections Manager, Exhibition Projection Coordinator, and Senior Administrative Assistant.
I. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Management of Museum Staff, Students, and Volunteers
- Administration and Financial Management
- Fundraising and Donor Relations
- Exhibitions and Integrated Education Initiatives within Santa Clara University and Greater Bay Area Community
- Project Management of Capital Facility Projects
- Represent the Museum within Santa Clara University and the Community-At-Large
II. Specific Responsibilities
Management of Museum Staff, Students, and VolunteersManagement of four professional staff, approximately twenty-five students, and 35 volunteers.
Daily management of work flow and priorities with appropriate deadlines.Recruit museum volunteers to support museum initiatives and provide financial support.Comply with highest museum standards as set forth by the American Association of Museums. Maintain museum accreditation and update museum documents as appropriate.Administration and Financial ManagementManage all risk management components of museum operation : exhibition contracts, gift deeds, traveling exhibition agreements, museum security, museum facility, museum staff, and insurance agreements and requirements.
Oversee museum financial operations : museum operating budget, restricted endowments, grants, and designated financial accounts; accounts payable and receivable, and gifts.Review and approve work completed by museum staff – financial transactions, exhibition contracts, drafts of written materials such as announcements, exhibition catalogs, and related correspondence.Conduct long-range planning activities with Museum staff and other constituents on a yearly basis.With the Senior Vice Provost develop and define the Museum’s purpose and policies and ensure that assets are properly and effectively used for public purposes.Fundraising and Donor RelationsDevelop grant proposals with museum staff and process all applications through Sponsored Projects Office or SCU Development Office.
Solicit community partners and sponsors for various museum projects.Conduct annual appeal for museum memberships and cultivate new members; work with museum volunteers on annual fundraiser.Work with Museum Enhancement Board to develop greater giving capacity for the museum and provide a presence within the community-at-large.Work closely with SCU Development Office to coordinate gift prospects.Write follow-up and related materials such as cover and thank you letters, grant / foundation reports, email correspondence, and solicitation proposals.Exhibitions and Integrated Education Initiatives within Santa Clara University and Greater Bay Area CommunityProvide guidance to the Assistant Director to develop exhibition calendar and curate the temporary and permanent exhibitions.
Oversee the development of educational collaborations among varied departments across campus and identify specific assignments / coursework with faculty members.Collaborate with other University constituencies (Development Office, College of Arts and Sciences, Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Alumni Relations, Centers of Distinction, and the Office of Marketing and Communications) to develop strategies around working together and maximizing our marketing and communication efforts.Foster existing relationships within Ohlone and Native California communities, and with the South Bay and greater Bay Area arts, culture, and nonprofit scene. Develop new collaborations and partnerships with external organizations.Project Management of Capital Facility ProjectsYearly identify capital projects that need to be addressed and submitted for funding.
Manage approved capital facility projects and work closely with SCU Planning and Projects Office.Complete written reports related to financial requirements, project progress, and final project report status.Represent the Museum within Santa Clara University and Community-at-LargeGive presentations to museum visitors, campus groups, and external groups.
Meet and collaborate with museum professionals and share knowledge and resources as appropriate.Serve on University committees. Represent the Museum within the community by taking on assignments which relate to art and history.Attend regional and national conferences focused on the Museum field.III. Provides Work Direction
Assistant Director of the de Saisset Museum, Collections Manager, Exhibition Projection Coordinator, Senior Administrative Assistant
IV. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management, Museum Studies, History, or Art History or a closely related field required, Master’s or advanced degree preferred.A minimum of 8-10 years experience in a related field. Supervisory or management experience preferred.Extensive knowledge of professional museum principles, practices, and procedures, especially as they relate to strategic planning, fundraising, collections management, audience development, public programming.Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment and discretion.Demonstrates an ability to deal effectively with deadlines and time pressure.Demonstrates excellent written and interpersonal skills.Experience in fundraising and proven success with grant applications.Demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.Word processing : Microsoft Office Suite.Some evening and weekend work required.J-18808-Ljbffr
