Director of University Museum and Historic Houses

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The University of Mississippi seeks nominations and applications for the position of Director of The University of Mississippi’s Museum and Historic Houses. The Director reports directly to the Provost and is responsible for administering all aspects of the University Museum, Rowan Oak, and working with a Friends of the Museum auxiliary board. The successful candidate will be a creative administrator who will foster and enhance an environment in which diverse constituencies, including members of the university community and the general public can study and learn from the direct experience of the Museum’s collection of art, artifacts, and historic houses.

The Mission: The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses enrich our cultural and academic life by providing exhibitions and programs that inspire learning, discourse, curiosity, and imagination.

The University Museum collections include the Millington and Barnard Collection of mid-19th century scientific instruments, the David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, southern folk and outsider art including the largest extant collection of artworks by Theora Hamblett and sculpted figures by Sultan Rogers, fine art, decorative art, and historical memorabilia. The museum’s holding number approximately 17,000 items.

The short descriptions of the staff roles and duties reflect a collaborative and cooperative model for serving the mission of the Museum.

MANAGER OF MUSEUM OPERATIONS: Manages all finances, schedules student workers for front desk and manages Gift Shop.

VISITOR SERVICES AND OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: Greets and accounts for guests in museum in conjunction with student workers. Keeps an eye on galleries and facility and informs proper staff member if an issue needs to be addressed.

MUSEUM PREPARATOR AND BUILDING MAYOR: Builds exhibits, packs art / artifacts to ship, performs restoration to Rowan Oak. Responsible for Museum and Rowan Oak facilities and communicates issues to facilities maintenance.

CURATOR AND COLLECTIONS MANAGER: Chooses and designs all exhibits. In charge of storage and safety of collection.

ASSISTANT COLLECTIONS MANAGER/REGISTRAR: Assists Collections Manager with the storage and security of collection. Responsible for all documentation and paperwork. pertaining to collection.

MEMBERSHIP, EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Manage and create content for all museum communication forums and social platforms. Overseas museum membership. Coordinate all museum events, including, but not limited to, museum rentals, opening/closing receptions, and museum fundraising events.

CURATOR OF EDUCATION: The Curator of Education is responsible for developing and managing educational programs that engage and inform diverse audiences about the Museum's exhibits and collections.

CURATOR OF ROWAN OAK: Coordinates the maintenance and operation of the home, grounds, and surrounding outbuildings, supervises and directs the curation of exhibits, assists in acquiring grants and donations, and assists scholarly research pertaining to William Faulkner and his home.

ASSISTANT CURATOR of ROWAN OAK: Manages the daily operations of the home, coordinates and conducts guided tours, creates exhibits and digital content, and assists in scholarly research pertaining to William Faulkner and the history of his home.

Examples of Work Performed

Daily/Weekly, the Director might:

• Meet with undergraduate or graduate students who seek curricular, grad school, or careers guidance.
• Lead discussions with individual staff members and discrete segments of the Museum.
• Lead the monthly meetings with the Friends of the Museum Board.
• Represent the Museum at meetings with the Provost, Dean of Liberal Arts, and chairs of Arts departments.
• Represent the Museum to state, regional, and national museum associations. Be a voice in the field.
• Monitor evolving Best Practices and Standards of the museum field.
• Advocate for the Museum, Rowen Oak, and the professional staff regarding financial support for individuals and areas within the Museum to university leadership.
• Communicate with diverse stakeholder constituencies and manage expectations.
• Speak to media and the public as a Spokesperson for the Museum.
• Collaborate with city and community leaders and advocate for the Museum.
• Strategize with five-state region museum Directors as a collaborating partner.
• Develop fund-raising initiatives with the Museum’s Development Officer in bi-monthly meetings.

Job Role Summary

• Directs, coordinates and administers all activities of the University Museum, involving the acquisition, display, interpretation, education experiences and publications, digital resources, and maintenance of permanent collections and temporary exhibits.
• Oversees museum fiscal matters; legal regulations; prepares annual budget; determines and approves expenditures and established priorities for spending; signatory authority for expenditures by the Friends of the Museum auxiliary board; and prepares annual reports and assessment records.
• Develops, implements, and oversees the execution of the Museum’s strategic plan.
• Directs facility use in coordination with Museum staff positions that oversee safety and security, facility policies, and maintenance of the facility.
• Supervises recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies for all personnel; prepares annual staff evaluations.
• Supports, encourages, and facilitates professional Development opportunities for the Museum staff.
• Develops and secures outside funding sources through grants, donations, and develops prospect/donor relations in coordination with the part-time Development Officer.
• Initiates contacts with other museum officials, art departments and galleries, private citizens, donors, the National Register of Historic Places, the State of Mississippi Department of Archives & History, and numerous campus entities to plan programs and special events.
• Including key staff, represents the Museum in the professional field of regional museum associations, national museum organizations, and the academic campus-based peer museums community nationally.
• Ensures standards of the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is achieved by sustaining the museum along the pathway and milestones of the AAM Continuum of Excellence.
• Support the workplace culture to support staff who assist researchers in the use of museum collections and train volunteers; coordinates with the Curator to develop dynamic exhibitions and initiatives.
• Fosters civic connections to position the Museum as a community partner and contribute to the cultural vitality of the state and region.
• Coordinates with the Curator of Rowan Oak to ensure compliance with standards set by The National Register of Historic Places.
• Chairs the Chancellor’s Standing Committee for the University Museum.

Position Details

Appointment: 12 month

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree and five years of related experience, plus a current resume and cover letter are required. This is a 12-month position. If the individual possesses qualifications suitable for appointment in an academic department, the department will be asked to evaluate the rank and track of the candidate at the time of hire. If an appointment is granted, the position will carry a teaching load not to exceed 1/1. The Director’s appointment will undergo a formal review every four years with a quadrennial review. For more information and to apply, please go online to jobs.olemiss.edu. The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer.

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

About the University of MS & Oxford, MS

Founded in 1848, the University of Mississippi (UM), affectionately known to alumni, students and friends as Ole Miss, is Mississippi's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R-1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business. The University of Mississippi, consistently named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as a “Great College to Work For,” is located in Oxford, MS, which is ranked one of the “Top 10 Best College Towns.” With more than 24,000 students, UM is the state's largest university and is ranked among the nation's fastest-growing institutions. The University of Mississippi, which has aggressively implemented many health and wellness initiatives for its more than 2,900 employees, has consistently been named one of Mississippi’s Healthiest Workplaces.

Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Oxford is a one-hour drive south of Memphis, TN and is known as the home of Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner. Over the years Oxford has also been known for offering exceptional culinary experiences and as the home of the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels, there is always something here to immerse yourself in. Oxford has also been featured as a literary and arts destination in such publications as The New York Times, Southern Living, Condé Nast Traveler, and GQ. Among other cultural activities, annual events include the Oxford Film Festival, a thriving local music scene, and the Ford Center Performing Arts Series. Oxford is a vibrant university town, filled with unique shops and galleries, eclectic restaurants and clubs, historic landmarks, and comfortable inns.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.