Director, Western Gallery

The Western Gallery, the contemporary art museum at Western Washington University, engages its regional audience with exhibitions, public programs, gallery encounters, and more. It programs a world-class campus sculpture collection—now 36 strong and growing—with artists including Isamu Noguchi, Do Ho Suh, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Fred Wilson, and Richard Serra. Twice the campus sculpture collection has been identified among the top ten university public art collections in the country.

With 4,500 square feet of gallery space and a staff of three, Western Gallery presents interpretive, interdisciplinary programs and acts as a center for the discussion and exchange of ideas on contemporary art. With generous state and private support, it is a catalyst for learning, embracing the campus and public communities through experiences that explore our world today.

About the Position

Western Washington University seeks a dynamic leader to oversee all aspects of the Western Gallery and Outdoor Sculpture Collection. The Director will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to create engaging programming that fosters dialogue and learning across disciplines. Additionally, the Director will manage budgets, secure funding through grants and fundraising initiatives, and engage with key stakeholders to promote the gallery’s mission and enhance its visibility. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts ("CFPA"), the Director will serve as the primary advocate for the gallery’s programs and represent the university in regional and national arts networks.

Manages all aspects of the Western Gallery including budget, strategic planning, and general operations.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Recruits, trains, supervises and evaluates gallery staff including Preservation and Museum Specialist and Museum Educator, and works with the staff to oversee work study students and gallery interns.
• Provides artistic direction, exhibition development, and additional programming for the Western Gallery. The Director will also provide or oversee interpretive texts and promotional materials for all gallery activities.
• Oversees all aspects of the Outdoor Sculpture Collection including siting, maintenance, new commissions, and public awareness
• Manages the university’s collections which includes research, documentation, procuring legal documents, and oversees the registration of new works
• Works with WWU capital planning staff, state legislators and the State of Washington Art in Public Places Program to secure half percent art funding on new construction
• Collaborates with faculty and staff from College of Fine and Performing Arts ("CFPA") academic programs to integrate the gallery into the core mission of those programs
• Forms and chairs ad hoc artist selection committees for new commissions
• Chairs and works with Acquisition/Deaccessioning Committee to review (portable) works for addition to the Western Gallery Collection

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a relevant field and at least five years of progressive leadership experience in museum or gallery curation, management, and/or direction
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience supervising and mentoring staff, volunteers, and student workers and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
• Experience with public art and outdoor sculpture, including expertise in curating, conservation, and maintenance of site-specific works and knowledge of environmental and material preservation challenges
• Proven track record of curating, producing, and publicizing impactful exhibitions and multidisciplinary programming that engage diverse audiences
• Demonstrated expertise in securing external funding through successful grant writing, donor cultivation, sponsorships, and effective financial and operational budget management
• Experience overseeing and stewarding permanent, temporary, and circulating collections, including acquisitions, cataloging, and conservation
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment by collaborating with artists, audiences, and the greater-campus community to create culturally relevant, accessible and engaging programming
• Proven ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with donors, patrons, alumni, and stakeholders, fostering community support and partnerships
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively advocate for gallery initiatives, engage with media, and deliver compelling public presentations

Application review begins April 28, 2025; position is open until filled.

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu

WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay).

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