Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections at the Hofstra University Museum of Art

Job Title: Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections 

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Hempstead, NY

Salary: $58,000 – $58,500


About Hofstra
Hofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Enjoy the ease of going to the fitness center, taking a swim, or grabbing a bite to eat without having to leave our beautiful campus! Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We especially encourage women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply

Description

Reporting to the Director of the Hofstra Museum of Art, the Assistant Director of Exhibitions and Collections is primarily responsible for the professional oversight, management, and safekeeping of the Hofstra University Museum Collection of over 5,200 works of art and 75 outdoor sculptures, as well as any artworks loaned to the Museum. The Assistant Director will evaluate existing exhibition and collection initiatives and develop and implement new strategies to ensure alignment with Hofstra University Museum of Art (HUMA)’s mission. The Assistant Director will also support the development of educational and public programming for the University community and the public. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, flexible, creative, and have excellent oral and written communication skills. This role requires the ability to occasionally work events that are after normal business hours and/or weekends. 
The Hofstra University Museum of Art (HUMA) is an AAM accredited fine art museum, with two gallery spaces and an outdoor sculpture collection located on the 240-acre campus of Hofstra University.  HUMA is an integral part of the educational, pedagogical, and cultural life of the University as well as the greater New York metropolitan region.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Oversees elements of the Museum’s operations, as assigned by the Director, including but not limited to maintenance of all collections, object records, and storage areas and manual and computerized documentation of collection works and loaned objects. 
  • Oversees the curation, design, and installation of exhibitions for the Museum; photography of collection and loaned works; oversight of web-related materials in conjunction with exhibitions, public programming, and outreach.
  • Serves as an integral part of leadership of the Museum team.
  • Curates four exhibitions annually to include overseeing guest curators and artists. 
  • Conducts the planning, design, preparation, and installation of exhibitions. 
  • Oversees the Acquisition Committee and supports the acquisition process through research, cataloging, documentation, and paperwork preparations.
  • Serves as an ambassador for HUMA to colleagues and organizations to build collaborative relationships in support of community engagement and the museum’s mission.
  • Provides leadership and oversight for the various phases of the Hofstra University Museum of Art’s collections care.
  • Provides input for various aspects of overall and specific exhibition and institutional planning.
  • Trains and oversees curatorial and collections-oriented graduate assistants, student employees, and interns. 
  • Oversees the part-time collection manager, when applicable.           
  • Proposes, develops, and delivers public programs, both in-person and virtual.
  • Partners with the Director of Education to connect exhibitions and collection to University curriculum.
  • Collaborates with the Director on publications and publicity.
  • Performs other related duties in support of the Museums mission and activities as assigned.

Qualifications

  • M.A. or M.F.A. degree in Art History/Fine Arts/Anthropology/Museum Studies from an accredited program required.
  • At least five years of museum collection and curatorial experience with a demonstrated ability to take on increased responsibility.
  • Demonstrated ability in taking initiative and experience moving projects from conception and program design to implementation.
  • Ability and desire to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.  
  • Proven ability managing multiple priorities. 
  • Ability to handle/lift objects up to 25 pounds and standing/walking for extended periods during the day.    
  • Ability to work proactively in a team setting and thrive in a collaborative and ever-changing work environment.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends to support Museum events, as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of PastPerfect or other collection management database software preferred.
  • Commitment to and passion for the arts.
  • Strong computer skills including Adobe Suite and graphic imaging.
  • Knowledge of copyright permissions and rights and reproduction regulations and procedures. 
  • Experience with grant writing. 

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: