Ackland Director

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Ackland Art Museum is both the best college or university art museum in North Carolina and a very complex organization. With nearly 30 employees, dozens of volunteers, and a budget of approximately $4.5M per year, the Ackland maintains a collection of over 21,000 works of art. It produces four big exhibitions and many smaller installations annually.

The museum receives nearly 60,000 visitors, always free of charge, who come from all 100 North Carolina counties, across the nation, and internationally each year. The Ackland serves UNC students, faculty, and the public through its special exhibitions, programs, and activities based on its permanent collection. The staff of the Ackland works with approximately 150 faculty and graduate instructors each year to provide opportunities for them to meet their teaching and research goals by bringing their classes to the museum (approximately 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students). The Ackland provides approximately 30 internships annually for both graduate and undergraduate students. It welcomes and trains a corps of 40 docents to work with K-12 schools and the public.

Featuring a year-round calendar of special exhibitions and dynamic public programs, the Ackland Art Museum on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's historic campus is a local museum with a global outlook that bridges campus and community. Admission to the Ackland is free and accessible to all. The Ackland's holdings include more than 21,000 works of art. The collection spans all cultures and time periods, showcasing the breadth of human creativity. A vital teaching resource, the museum's mission is the art of understanding. Visitors can connect with the complexity and beauty of the wider world by getting close to art - the familiar, the unexpected, the challenging.

The Ackland Director develops a strategic vision for the future of the Museum in concert with the Vice Provost for Arts and Culture, the staff of the Ackland, other arts organizations on campus, and as appropriate, outside stakeholders, and works on its execution to achieve the goals set. The Director also provides leadership and management for the Museum and its staff of 28 and annual operating budget of approximately $4.5M. The Director leads and fosters visioning for major projects, to include a proposed expansion of the Ackland Museum building which would at least double the size of the current facility and impact the arts both at the university and in the broader community. The Ackland Director works with its National Advisory Board, Academic Advisory Committee and the Local Advisory Board and other key stakeholders to outline and execute new strategic initiatives for the Museum. Working with academic campus partners, the Director leads the Ackland's interdisciplinary collaborations in the campus and community, centering art in university life, and expanding the reach of the museum.

The Ackland Director reports to the Vice Provost for Arts and Culture who prepares and transmits to the Provost an annual budget and annual assessments of the museum's and Director's accomplishments.

The Ackland Director must stay abreast of best practices in museums and the arts. The Director should be an action-focused visionary, generating excitement around the Museum as part of Carolina's overall arts strategy. In addition, this role requires a great deal of work outside of normal working hours to include events representing the Ackland Art Museum and the university.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

The Director must demonstrate many of the following qualifications and characteristics:

-strategic vision and innovative thinking;
-passion for the role of art museums in society;
-deep understanding of the role of the visual arts in university education and community life;
-an understanding of academic culture, policies, and procedures typical of major public research universities;
-ability to garner the support of volunteers and recognize their contributions;
-experience with academic outreach and community engagement;
-excellent communication and relationship skills;
-strong managerial, fiscal, and administrative abilities;
-prior experience with museum operations and best practices.

The position of Director requires significant experience and achievement in a leadership role in an art museum.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.