Director, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection at the University of Virginia
Job Title: Director, Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
Job Status: Full-time
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Salary: $100,000- $140,000
Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a collaborative, creative, and strategic leader to serve as the Director of the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection. Kluge-Ruhe is the only museum outside of Australia dedicated to the exhibition and study of Indigenous Australian art. We seek a Director who has a strong record of working with Indigenous communities, of recognizing individuals in those communities as authorities on their art and culture, and of amplifying Indigenous voices. Situated on the traditional lands and waters of the Monacan Nation – one of seven federally recognized Tribes in Virginia – Kluge-Ruhe belongs to a dynamic arts community within a public research university. The new Director will guide research and understanding of Indigenous arts and cultures and collaborate with partners across the University and the globe to deepen the museum’s impact and reach. We seek a Director who can inspire interest in Indigenous Australian arts and cultures and cultivate support for the museum as it enters a critical phase of development and expansion.
IDEAL EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a collaborative leadership style, broad vision and curiosity, empathy, and a demonstrated commitment to listening to and amplifying Indigenous voices. The candidate should have knowledge and experience working with Indigenous Australian arts and cultures. Bringing a track record of senior-level leadership experience in a fast-paced, ambitious organization, the candidate will have the ability to motivate staff, donors, board members, and the broader community around a shared vision. They will be a superb communicator and listener, and be eager to cultivate relationships internally and externally. An advanced degree in a relevant field of study is preferred. Desirable qualifications include:
Leadership and Management
- Demonstrated record of collaborating successfully with Indigenous communities, and a commitment to Indigenous leadership and governance.
- Accessible, human-centric, and transparent approach to management characterized by trust, respect, advocacy, and a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
- Significant experience building teams and coaching team members to perform their best.
- Ability to work collaboratively with curators, educators, and Indigenous stakeholders to establish meaningful interpretation and pursue excellence in all initiatives.
- Proven experience with hands-on project management of major programs and initiatives.
- Sincere and informed interest in the intellectual project of the University.
- Experience developing and managing institutional budgets.
- Experience in an art museum or art-making setting.
- Experience working across international boundaries and cultural divides.
Strategy and Vision
- Record of strategic planning and implementation.
- Transformational mindset and demonstrated ability to foster growth and manage change.
- Ability to focus on the long view and execute strategically.
- Talent for communicating the vision to the museum’s diverse audiences, prospective donors, and foundations.
- Interest in shaping and implementing a digital engagement strategy to extend global reach.
- Experience with board development and management.
Fundraising and Relationship Building
- An enthusiastic fundraiser who proactively builds philanthropic relationships, enjoys making a convincing case for support, and follows through to significantly increase support.
- Experience building an institution’s funding base to increase and diversify financial support from individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders.
- Heartfelt commitment to building and maintaining a strong network of Indigenous artists, curators, researchers, and scholars in Australia and beyond.
- Energetic willingness to collaborate with leadership at The Fralin Museum of Art to enhance the University’s standing in the art and museum world.
- Proven record of successful institutional partnerships.
TO APPLY OR NOMINATE
UVA’s Executive Search Group, an internal search firm in the President’s Office, is assisting in the recruitment of the next Director of the Kluge-Ruhe Collection of Aboriginal Art. To apply, Workday applications should include a letter of interest and resume. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Susan Gaines at susangaines@virginia.edu. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit UVA’s Executive Search Group website.
The University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.