Shirley and Ralph Shapiro Director – Fowler Museum at UCLA

Shirley and Ralph Shapiro Director Fowler Museum at UCLA

The Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) explores global arts and cultures with an emphasis on Africa, Asia, Pacific, and the Indigenous Americas, past and present.

As a public arts unit within the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture (UCLA Arts), the Fowler Museum enhances understanding and appreciation of diverse peoples, cultures, and religions of the world through dynamic exhibitions, publications, and public programs informed by interdisciplinary approaches, scholarship, and perspectives of the cultures represented.

Below, you will find a complete breakdown of everything required of potential candidates, as well as how to apply Good luck.

The Shirley and Ralph Shapiro Director (Director) will have overall operational responsibility for the Fowler Museum, staff, and activities in pursuit of its mission.

The Director will serve as the chief spokesperson, representing the museum and fostering connections within the university and across the greater Los Angeles community while also maintaining an active presence in the museum and cultural community regionally and nationally.

This individual will have responsibility for the museum’s exhibition, collection, scholarship, and programs. They will lead, mentor, and develop a collaborative team consisting of the Deputy Director, Chief Curator, Director of Exhibitions, Director of Education and Interpretation, Director of Development, and Director of Communications and Engagement while encouraging cross-departmental communication.

Roles and Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Lead the strategic planning, direction, and implementation of the Fowler Museum as a public arts unit within UCLA Arts, supporting the museum’s broader goals.
• Develop opportunities to support the Fowler Museum’s mandate as a teaching resource, providing oversight and management of senior staff.
• Prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all areas of the museum.
• Guide capital planning efforts to ensure that the museum’s short- and long-range facilities needs are met.
• Build and maintain a high-performing team, set clear direction, and mentor senior management.
• Establish systems to track progress and measure operational effectiveness.
• Work with the Deputy Director to ensure organizational structure and policies are effective.
• Represent the museum on the UCLA Chancellor’s Council on the Arts.
• Engage with a network of museum professionals, scholars, artists, and collectors.

Collections Care, Exhibitions, and Program Development

• Ensure collection management policies and procedures are developed for sustainable collection care.
• Confirm that collections care is informed by NAGPRA and other frameworks.
• Integrate the Fowler Museum’s exhibitions and programs into the mission of UCLA and UCLA Arts.
• Guide the development of institutional curatorial priorities.
• Develop relationships with foundations and grant funding institutions.
• Leverage programs to activate the museum’s mission and build diverse audiences.

Revenue Enhancement and Community Engagement

• Serve as a positive spokesperson and ambassador for the Fowler Museum.
• Interact with the Fowler Museum’s Advisory Council.
• Develop an active community presence for new initiatives and partnerships.
• Serve as the museum’s chief fundraiser.
• Cultivate and steward major donors.
• Strengthen the museum’s brand through a clear communications strategy.

Traits and Characteristics

The Director will be a versatile and visionary leader who values scholarly knowledge within arts, museum, university, and community contexts.

Key competencies include :

• Leadership The capacity to organize and motivate others.
• Diplomacy The ability to handle difficult situations and maintain positive relationships.
• Accountability The flexibility to prioritize and complete necessary tasks.
• Continuous Learning The creativity to adopt new concepts and keep abreast of new information.
• Project Management The ability to prioritize and complete competing objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum requirement is a Master of Fine Arts degree or highest degree in a relevant field. Additional requirements include :

• Demonstrated achievement in museum leadership.
• Knowledge of art, artists, and curation.
• Experience building and mentoring teams, advancing diversity, and fundraising.
• Expertise in best practices and current museum standards.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Understanding of collections care and the importance of repatriation.

To submit a cover letter including a summary of demonstrable accomplishments, curriculum vitae, and a statement on contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), please visit the UC Recruit website.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.

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