What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Arts in Medicine and Wellbeing position at Crystal Bridges?
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.
Job Description:
Position Title: Director of Arts in Medicine and Wellbeing
Position Type: Full Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Division: Learning and Engagement
Department: Education
Reports to: Chief Learning and Engagement Officer
About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
The Momentary is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.
Position Summary:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary (CBMO) seek a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Arts in Medicine and Wellbeing. This position is responsible for the strategic oversight, growth, and management of the museum’s initiatives at the intersection of arts and wellbeing. These include arts integration at the Alice Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM), arts partnerships in healthcare settings, well-being programs at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, and curriculum development that integrates art and well-being.
The Director will drive the museum’s ambition to lead in this emerging field, identifying and cultivating opportunities to expand the scope and impact of arts in medicine and well-being. This role includes overseeing the implementation of evidence-based programs while ensuring alignment with CBMO’s mission to use art as a catalyst for inspiration, social connection, and healing.
This position reports to the Chief Learning and Engagement Officer and supervises one direct report, the Associate Director of Arts in Medicine, who supports arts integration into AWSOM’s curriculum.
Principal Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Growth
- Develop and implement a strategic vision for arts in medicine and well-being initiatives that align with CBMO’s mission and AWSOM’s goals.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for growth in healthcare partnerships, well-being programming, and curriculum development to expand CBMO’s impact in this space.
- Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including AWSOM, healthcare institutions, and community partners, to advance the museum’s leadership in arts and health.
Oversight of Arts Integration at AWSOM
- Provide strategic guidance to the Associate Director in supporting the development and implementation of the ARCHES curriculum.
- Ensure alignment between AWSOM’s educational objectives and CBMO’s mission, leveraging the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and unique setting.
- Collaborate with AWSOM faculty and staff to evaluate and enhance the impact of arts integration on student learning and patient care outcomes.
Development of Wellbeing Programs
- Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of well-being programs at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary that promote health, empathy, and community connection.
- Expand innovative programming that integrates the arts with mindfulness, physical health, and social well-being, utilizing the museum’s art, architecture, and natural spaces.
Healthcare Partnerships
- Lead the development of arts-based programming in healthcare settings, collaborating with institutions like Arkansas Children’s Hospital and Heartland Whole Health Institute.
- Facilitate partnerships with healthcare providers to design and implement programs that address patient, staff, and caregiver well-being.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to the Associate Director of Arts in Medicine, fostering their professional growth and ensuring successful execution of AWSOM’s initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal teams across CBMO to integrate well-being principles and content into exhibitions, programs, and initiatives.
Resource Development and Sustainability
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support and sustain initiatives in arts in medicine and well-being.
- Develop strategic plans and budgets to ensure the long-term success and scalability of programs.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to lead and grow multidisciplinary programs that integrate art with health and well-being.
- Strong understanding of museum collections, exhibitions, and their application to education, health, and community engagement.
- Proven success in building partnerships across sectors, securing funding, and fostering innovation.
- Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
Work Experience and Education:
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (Arts in Medicine, Museum Education, Medical Humanities, Public Health, or similar) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 7 years of leadership experience in arts-in-medicine, museum education, healthcare, or related fields, with a focus on strategic visioning, program development, and implementation.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record required. Willing and able to travel locally to assist with special events and meetings as needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires sitting at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds.
- Visual acuity to view artworks and written materials is required for this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee is occasionally required to independently travel in the local area.
- Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, classrooms, and in communities served. The physical arrangement of the office may require the position to work in an open environment within close proximity to other colleagues. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Occasional evening and weekend work hours are required.
All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.
Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
