Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director

Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director – Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, NY

The Opportunity

One hundred and ten years since its doors opened, the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) of the University of Rochester (UR), which features a well-balanced and historic collection spanning 5,000 years, has been evolving into a 21st-century art museum. Over the past decade, MAG has become Rochester’s most dynamic and exciting cultural institution, making important contributions to broader conversations regarding museum practice, specifically regarding the role art museums play in their communities, as well how contemporary art and artists engage with those communities.

The Mary W. and Donald R. Clark Director reports to the MAG’s Board of Managers and works closely with the Board and the staff to enhance and implement MAG’s mission, manage and augment its financial resources, and develop and implement short- and long-term strategic and business plans. The Director also collaborates closely with the University on all aspects of the MAG’s operations and is a department of the University reporting through the Office of the Provost.

MAG’s culture of equity and inclusion is at the heart of its growth and success in advancing its mission. As the permanent collection has become more diverse and reflective of the community the museum serves, so too has MAG’s Board of Managers, its staff, and its audience. Nurturing a culture of inclusion and equity is a part of MAG’s overarching strategy and every aspect of its daily operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide outstanding leadership in the advancement of MAG’s collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
2. Identify and implement opportunities to expand MAG’s reputation regionally, nationally, and internationally; oversee the development and implementation of an ambitious and extensive exhibition and program schedule.
3. Promote a culture of equity, inclusion, and excellence throughout the institution.
4. Maintain an organizational culture that is collegial in nature, attracting, retaining, and motivating a diverse, highly qualified staff and corps of volunteers.
5. Identify, cultivate, and generate significant financial support, working with the Board of Managers, University staff, and MAG staff to implement MAG’s short- and long-term advancement plans.
6. Expand ties to the philanthropic, governmental, university, and civic communities.
7. In coordination with the appropriate staff of the museum and the University, develop and present an annual operating budget as well as capital, program, and project budgets to the Board of Managers; monitor the implementation of the budget and oversee financial analysis and forecasting throughout the fiscal year.
8. Provide dynamic community leadership to enhance the visibility of MAG and its reputation as an exceptional cultural, economic, community, and university resource; bring the joy and relevance of art to MAG’s current and future constituencies.
9. Empower staff and ensure that there is a cohesive team, all working in the same direction, willing and able to share new ideas and try new ways to solve future problems.

Candidate Profile

Top candidates will possess an energetic and entrepreneurial leadership style with a passion for art as well as strong managerial experience. The director will have a solid art history background, be creative in their approach to art museums, and be considered by their peers in the museum world to be a credible, well-regarded colleague. They will be able to shape and articulate a strategic vision for MAG and possess superb skills in fundraising, financial management, audience development, and as a decision-maker. The director must be willing and able to serve as the organization’s spokesperson to all constituencies, both external and internal, increasing awareness of MAG by clearly articulating the museum’s ambitious goals and programs. They will be a bold thinker with a resourceful bent and a sense of humor, willing and able to bring ideas to the MAG while being appreciative of the museum’s history and long-standing role in the community earned over many years.

Education: An advanced degree in art or art history, museum education, arts management, or other relevant field or research area is preferred; deep professional and leadership experience in a comparable setting will also be seriously considered.

The salary range for this role is between $200,000 – $250,000. Compensation includes an excellent benefits package and is commensurate with experience.

Contact

Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. To express interest in this role please submit your materials or email Naree or Stephen directly. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

The Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.