Job Description
Job Description
Position Description: Vanderbilt University's College of Arts & Science
seeks a director for the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art (VUMA). VUMA was established in 1927, and contains over 15,000 objects which
demonstrate the broad scope of Eastern and Western art, from antiquity through contemporary with strengths in East Asian art, early modern
European prints, and 20th century photography.
Vanderbilt University values immersive and experiential learning with an
emphasis on interdisciplinary and trans-institutional approaches to the visual arts. The director will work with faculty and staff across
the college to help develop and nurture student engagement with art and visual culture, and to support their interests in museums,
galleries, heritage-based exhibitions and programming, and the arts market. A qualified candidate may hold a secondary appointment on the
faculty of the Department of History of Art and Architecture where they will contribute to the new Museums & Markets minor through teaching
in the area of museum studies or their field of academic specialization, and/or by mentoring interns.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide visionary leadership, training, and supervision for a small team of staff and student workers
- Oversee the
museum's budget, manage expenditures, and identify and pursue external funding opportunities
- Set priorities for acquisitions,
collections research, management and conservation
- Oversee the development of innovative, engaging, and dynamic exhibitions,
displays, and accompanying literature and promotional materials
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to integrate
VUMA into the wider campus community, particularly key units such as the Curb Center for Arts, Enterprise, and Public Policy; departments
such as the History of Art and Architecture, Art, Cinema and Media Studies; and programs such as the Museums and Markets
minor.
- Engage Nashville communities to position VUMA as a leading arts space in the city.
- Develop a vision for educational
programs and outreach.
- Work closely with the offices of Development and Alumni Relations on sustained fundraising
efforts
- Represent VUMA in national organizations and networks to increase its visibility
Qualifications:
- A master's degree in art history, museum studies, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education is
necessary. M.F.A. or PhD preferred.
- At least five years of relevant professional experience working in a gallery or museum and/or
in a comparable management/supervisory role at a similar institutional setting
- A deep respect for the impact that cultural heritage
materials can have on education, demonstrated success in teaching, and a commitment to inclusive pedagogical practices
- Ability to
work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, researchers, alumni, and donors
- Familiarity with scholarship in
art and architectural history, curatorial studies, and related disciplines
- Familiarity with the use of CMS, MuseumPlus
preferred
Application Requirements: - Comprehensive CV/Resume
- Cover Letter
- Statement of
Leadership Philosophy (optional)
- List of at least three (3) professional references
Salary and Benefits:
Competitive, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Application Deadline: March 1,
2026
For full consideration, all materials must be submitted electronically by the application deadline. Please direct all
questions to
[email protected] .
About
Us At , our work -
regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing
knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well
as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested
in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We
want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an
equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by
law.
Job Info - Job Identification 10007768
- Posting Date 12/22/2025, 04:24 PM
- Locations
Nashville, TN, United States
- Job Schedule Full time
- Job Category Library & Museum Services
- Job Function
Special Collections & Museum Services
- Management Level Management 2
Job Tags
Full time,