DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

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DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 

Full Time, Exempt

Salary $59,000 – $86,000 PER YEAR

Reports to:  Executive Director

Directs Reports: Grant Writer (contract role)

 

The dynamic and enterprising Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) seeks a Director of Development at an exciting time of transition and opportunity. The Museum is positioning itself to launch a major capital campaign and build on the recent growth in contributed and earned revenues from individuals, corporate giving and foundation support.

Our Director of Development will bring the vision, drive, and experience to reach ambitious fundraising goals with an eye toward growing high-end stewardship, membership, principal and major gifts, campaigns, and opening new revenue markets. The Director of Development will be a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for the arts, an inspiring and effective guide and manager, an articulate and persuasive communicator, and a relationship-builder of the highest integrity. This is a unique opportunity to serve on the MMAM leadership team, to work with a cadre of talented colleagues, and to position a strong development program for significant growth.

The Director of Development and the Advancement Team will create an environment where the Executive Director can be most successful working with the organization’s top donors and prospects. The Executive Director will need a strong partner who can articulate both the challenges and the possibilities of funding opportunities, and will jointly work with the Board of Directors in reaching development goals.

The Director of Development will be a highly skilled and effective fundraiser and manager, with a proven track-record of securing six-figure gifts and will carry a significant portfolio of top donors and prospects, along with the charge for growing and managing a top-tier development operation in the arts and culture sector. This will require a professional who can envision new partnerships and engage new audiences, set and exceed goals and expectations, initiate and grow authentic relationships, and motivate and inspire action in others, all while raising unrestricted support, restricted support for key initiatives, and endowed funds that will build a strong foundation for the Museum’s growth.

The Director of Development will grow the advancement efforts of the Museum, working alongside the Director of Communications and Director of Operations, while overseeing and managing a contract grant writer, aiming to exponentially grow the Museum’s annual fundraising goals of $600,000 of its $1.8M operating budget. MMAM is looking for a skilled leader to join the Advancement Team who can provide a strategic vision and an integrated development plan with clear goals. The team will welcome an inspiring leader who knows how to mentor and bring out the best in everyone but is not afraid to make changes or difficult decisions.

The Director of Development must be an effective manager with a history of improving advancement systems and processes for nonprofit organizations, with preference for someone who has done this work in the arts and culture sector. Currently, there is a heavy reliance on the membership model of individual giving and a core demographic of older members and donors from the local area. To be successful in the future, the Advancement Team will need to refine practices for inspiring existing members and donors to greater levels of commitment including 5-, 6- and 7+ figure gifts and grow the donor pool region-wide (greater Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois). Attractive new programs, such as evening and weekend events, dynamic art programs, and outdoor activities are drawing a more diverse and younger population. Creative and cost-effective processes must be envisioned and implemented to move transactional givers into members and on to long-term involvement as donors. Establishing an effective long-term art acquisition fund and strategy, and engaging in a $6M-$10M campaign readiness effort will shape the next Development of Director’s efforts in the first year.

This position offers an ambitious, energetic and forward-thinking person with a passion for the arts the opportunity to partner with the Executive Director in taking the MMAM into its next great era of excellence and to continue to grow its reputation as a guide and innovator.

Fundraising, Cultivation and Stewardship (70%)

Identify, cultivate and successfully solicit major gifts from a diverse group of individuals, corporations and foundations. Ensure high-quality and appropriate stewardship of donors at all gift levels.
Increase membership at all levels and develop effective strategies for inspiring new members, retaining existing members, and creating stimulating benefits and programming.
Manage a portfolio of top donors and prospects, identifying key events and programs to invite them to as cultivation opportunities, and assist and support the Executive Director with their portfolio of top donors and prospects. Assign, monitor and evaluate the portfolios of other team members and provide support and guidance when needed.
Ready the Museum for a near-term capital campaign.
Train, mentor and support Museum colleagues and MMAM Board members in their donor and prospect engagement activities. Seek ways to maximize their personal giving and participation in philanthropic programs.

 

Planning and Management (20%)

Align advancement department activities by creating an ambitious, comprehensive, written annual development plan and calendar with clearly defined goals, objectives, timelines and assignment of responsibilities.
Create, manage, and monitor an annual development program budget and track progress through monthly and annual reports.
Work with the Director of Communications to ensure that development and marketing materials are unified and consistent with the Museum brand.
Motivate and mentor colleagues on the organization’s Advancement Team, and across the organization. As a member of the Leadership Team,  create a supportive, collaborative, productive, and healthy work environment based on respect, teamwork and clear expectations and responsibilities.
Oversee and evaluate all processes and procedures related to prospect identification, donor engagement and stewardship activities, and contributions management.
Develop and enhance the organization’s new donor technology/CRM platform (Altru), drafting and implementing policies and procedures for entering data, managing constituent data, regularly creating contact notes and running reports.
Organize and lead annual development events, including annual fundraising gala.

 

Leadership (10%) 

Provide innovative, visionary, and strategic operational planning and leadership for all Museum development activities.
Serve as an active and collaborative member of the Executive Director’s leadership team.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, be an effective partner with the MMAM’s Board of Directors regarding development goals and keep them informed with regular reports on development progress, challenges in meeting goals, data analyses and projections and stories of donor giving.
Be a passionate, visible and informed advocate for MMAM and serve as one of its key spokespersons, actively seeking opportunities to engage with the broader community (regional and statewide) and to participate in events that position the Museum for improved fundraising or visibility.

 

POSITION SPECIFICS: 

Full-time (2080 hours a year), Salaried (Exempt Status)
Flexibility to work a varied schedule including evenings and weekends.
Work location: Hybrid, with travel
Benefits: Eligible for full benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance and short term disability, simple IRA plan with employer match, retail store and program discount, PTO, paid holidays

You’ll likely demonstrate:

  •  A bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree desirable.
  • At least three years successfully driving a significant development program in a nonprofit organization, cultural or educational institution, or equivalent, with a working knowledge of all areas within development, including major gifts, annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, campaigns and research. Experience with arts-related organizations is a plus.
  • A proven record of personal achievement exceeding progressive revenue targets including: securing gifts of six figures or more, securing gifts in a campaign environment, and creating new and/or reinvigorating existing programs.
  • Ability to work successfully in a setting that prioritizes membership, development of new audiences, and effective donor discovery and engagement.
  • Proficiency in setting goals and evaluating and communicating success.
  • Experience raising funds throughout a large geographic region and/or nationwide. Specific knowledge of Minnesota and Wisconsin’s philanthropic landscape is a plus.
  • Ability to understand, extract and analyze data for effective prospect strategy and programmatic reporting and tracking.
  • Strong skills with CRM or prospect databases, Google suite, project management software, and similar apps and programs.
  • Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. Able to construct, articulate, implement and evaluate written development plans and budgets.
  • The ability to be a successful, collaborative supervisor who encourages new ideas and creativity. Along with the ability to build a strong team with a creative, healthy work environment, yet willing to make tough decisions when necessary.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; attentive listener; and engaging storyteller able to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic initiatives and achieve goals.
  • Ability to engage diplomatically with and engender the trust of donors, colleagues, board members and other stakeholders at all times.
  • Able to attract, influence, engage, and build long-term relationships with all types of donors and key stakeholders.
  • Energetic and skilled networker who enjoys community engagement, attending events and participating in activities to position the Museum for success.
  • Focus on diversity and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level or sexual orientation.
  • Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability to work nights and weekends, manage competing demands, and work independently.
  • In-state and out-of-state travel is required.
  • Motivated self-starter.
  • Demonstrated focus on MMAM’s mission, shared set of values and vision for the future.

Values – This person is a champion of:

Centering their work in Relationships and Collaboration.
Stewarding Sustainability, Equity and Hospitality.
Operating with Honesty, Transparency and Trust.
Being Bold and Brave.
Always Enterprising, Always Outstanding.

ABOUT MMAM:

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is committed to being an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.  The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs possible without undue hardship.

Mission

We create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water.

Vision 

Boldly leveraging the generative capacities of great art inspired by water, to spark wonder and create a more compassionate and connected world for all.

About

Before there ever was a Minnesota Marine Art Museum, there was a Maritime Heritage Society, a community group dedicated to preserving and sharing stories about life on the river. Their commitment set in motion the creation of a museum to showcase art inspired by water. MMAM opened in 2006 with the vision of creating a nationally recognized center for arts and culture in Southeast Minnesota. The initial collections consisted of traditional marine paintings and regional folk art. After expanding the quality and diversity of its collections, evolving the exhibition program, adding an annual roster of educational programs and temporary exhibitions, and enlarging its facility, today’s MMAM is a dynamic and surprising experience for tens of thousands of visitors a year.

MMAM operates from Mni Sota Makoce (Land Where the Waters Reflect The Clouds), the traditional homeland of the Dakota people. Residing here since time immemorial, Dakota still call Mni Sota Makoce home, with four federally recognized Dakota nations and many more Dakota people residing in what is now the state of Minnesota. Due to continued legacies of colonization, genocide and forced removal, generations of Dakota peopleremain disenfranchised from their traditional homeland.  Presently, Mni Sota Makoce has become a refuge and home for many Indigenous nations and peoples, including seven federally recognized Ojibwe nations.  We humbly encourage our audiences to reflect upon the historical legacies held in the lands they occupy.

MMAM is committed to ecological stewardship. We strive to make our communities—social, cultural, and natural— better off than we found them. Built on a former industrial site, the museum’s five-acre gardens—our 7th Gallery—are not only a source of natural beauty, they are the base of MMAM’s sustainability goals. The land has transformed to become a biodiverse ecosystem that sequesters carbon and improves climate sustainability. From the roots of the plants to the roof of the museum, MMAM is working to achieve Net Zero by 2030.

To apply (open until filled – applications accepted through: March 17):

This position is open until filled.  Please submit your resume, two professional references, and a cover letter outlining why you’re interested in this position and how your specific skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the position description to MMAM by email at hello@mmam.org.

Applications will be accepted through 8am. Monday,  March 17, 2025.

Hiring manager(s):  Scott Pollock, MMAM Executive Director and Caitlin Crouchet, MMAM Director of Communications

Museum Registrar

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The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a nationally acclaimed visual and performing arts center located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It is within walking distance of Lake Michigan and one hour from Milwaukee and Green Bay. While other museums focus on objects, JMKAC and its recently opened Art Preserve focus on relationships with artists and the community, and on preserving and exhibiting artist-built environments. Founded in 1967, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s presents works by diverse artists, from the vernacular to classically trained and from local to global perspectives. JMKAC establishes a community locally and nationally with its rotating, original contemporary art exhibitions, live performances and events, classes, workshops and an on-site preschool.

Are you an exhibitions-focused individual with registrar experience and an affinity for working with artists and artworks? Do you have a high level of drive, organization, and competency in technology used in object documentation and collection/loan processing?

The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (Sheboygan, Wisconsin), a world-renowned museum with the mission to generate a creative exchange between artists and the public seeks a Registrar to support the exhibitions and collections team by maintaining professional standards of care and risk mitigation in transit, display, and storage; documentation; legal issues as it applies to our collections, loans, and exhibitions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  1. Administer collection loan procedures, shipments, transportation, lender negotiations and security.
  2. Examine exhibition contracts and direct the insurance, shipping, security, and installation requirements and rights and reproductions of related images.
  3. Manage logistics including packing, shipping, receiving, unpacking, installation, and storage of all exhibitions.
  4. Liaise with artists and help coordinate installations and commissions.
  5. With the Collections Manager, develop, maintain, and implement the Collections Management Policy, collections storage maintenance, and the collections database.
  6. Manage, develop, and maintain the shipping and crating budgets.
  7. Oversee the logistics for loans including courier visits, travel, lodging, and expenses.
  8. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Detail oriented.
  • Flexibility
  • Problem solving.
  • Critical thinker.
  • Able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Able to handle multiple projects in various stages of development.
  • Aptitude to work across departments in a highly collaborative, goal-oriented manner.
  • Ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude in a dynamic and creative setting.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in museum studies, Arts Administration, or related field.
  • Minimum 6 years museum experience in museum registration and/or collections management.
  • Experience with fine arts insurance, knowledge of standard museum loan and registration processes.
  • Knowledge of standard best practices and procedures for art handling, transportation, installation, storage, condition reporting, preservation, and basic conservation.
  • Proficiency in collections management database software, email, word processing and spreadsheet software, Microsoft Office suite
  • Familiarity AAMD guidelines and archiving methods and practices.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to proactively prioritize and manage time and meet deadlines.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move throughout the building; use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects; and talk or hear. The employee will frequently, sit, stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, crouch, kneel and smell. The employee should be able to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities when performing this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Able to read and interpret documents, write routine correspondence, speak effectively with others.  Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers. Able to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Able to deal with problems involving few concrete variables in standard situations.

Work Environments:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position is office/art gallery based and noise level usually moderate.  May occasionally work inside or outside at events where noise level could be moderate to loud.

Hours of work include daytime hours Monday –Friday and occasionally Saturday and Sunday to meet staffing and/or event needs.

The position works at various locations depending on the schedule. This position must be able to commute between locations if needed.

Visitors’ Experience Specialist

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The successful VES will specialize in the delivery of high-quality services that ensure optimal Griot Museum experiences for all visitors. As the first, and last, point of contact with all internal and external constituents, the VES will be a high energy, passionate professional committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment actualized through excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills, prompt and efficient service, and accurate and concise information, that results in impactful memorable experiences and encourages repeat visits donations, memberships, and volunteer support for the Griot.

While the activities of this position are many and varied, the primary focus of the VES is to activate admissions process and procedures that ensure all visitors are enthusiastically greeted, welcomed and orientated; respond promptly and professionally to written, on-line and email inquiries; facilitate self-directed and/or docent-led individual tours; coordinate routine and special provisions for visitors who require accessible accommodations; maintain all public spaces to ensure they are clean, safe, aesthetically pleasing, accessible, and comfortable; maintain records and create written and oral reports; support the Motherland Museum Shop retail sales, merchandising, tracking sales and inventory, and filling on-line orders.  Will also interact with volunteers, student interns, and other staff, as required.

Archival Internship

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Archival Internship
Israelite House of David’s Archives & Collections

Founded as a religious commune in 1903, the Israelite House of David was home to over 1,000 members at its peak in the 1920s. The community supported itself
with numerous agricultural and industrial enterprises, as well as an amusement park, an exhibition baseball team, and professional touring bands. The colony
played a pivotal role in the development of Southwest Michigan. Today, the colony now operates effectively as a historic trust, with the Archives & Collections
established in 2021 to preserve the history of the House of David. Find more information at https://www.israelitehouseofdavid.org/.

The Israelite House of David Archives & Collections is accepting applications for one or two Archival Interns. The primary duty of the intern(s) will be to support the organization’s efforts to organize and digitize its Communal Studies Collection.

Project Details:

The House of David Archives & Collections has been working to organize and digitize its Communal Studies Collection, which includes artifacts, objects, and archival material from
various Shaker villages, as well from other communal societies such as the Oneida community, the Amana colonies, and others. While this project primarily focuses on our Shaker collection, interns will handle material from multiple communal societies. This project entails:

● Photographing Shaker objects and textiles
● Sorting, organizing, and storing printed and manuscript archival materials
● Digitization and cataloging of collections using Catalogit collections software
● Creation of collection guides for the Shaker collection
● Creating social media posts relating to project work
● Opportunity to write an article for publication or design a small display (Optional)

Internship Details:

● 12 week long internship
● Preferred start date of May 19, flexible
● Compensation of $15/hr with housing, $19/hr without housing
● Optional dormitory-style housing at a nearby college (3.7 mi away)
● 32 hours per week
● Optional funding to attend the 2025 Communal Studies Conference, October 9-11 in
Amana, IA – mileage, hotel, and registration included

Qualifications
● Open to undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates in/from Museum
Studies, Public History, History, Art History, Archival Science, Library and Information
Science, or related program
● Strong interest in the history of communal societies, especially the Shakers

Preferred Skills and Proficiencies
● One year working or volunteering in a cultural institution
● Experience digitizing, using collection software, preferably CatalogIt or similar system
● Knowledge of the archival field

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to our Collections Manager, Ms. Olivia Beebe, at oliviab@israelitehouseofdavid.org

Deadline: March 15, 2025
Interviews will be conducted in early April

Accessibility Note:
Shiloh and Diamond House, two historic mansions where the Archives & Collections are housed, are only accessible through multiple staircases. Neither building has an elevator. There are also multiple cats on the premises, both in the buildings and on the grounds. Please note in your cover letter if either of these would be an issue, so accommodations can be discussed.

Assistant Registrar or Associate Registrar (Dependent on Qualifications)

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Position Description: Assistant Registrar or Associate Registrar (Dependent on Qualifications)

Job Status: Full Time, Non- Exempt

Reports to: Co-Senior Curators

Work Schedule: M-F 9:00AM to 5:30 PM

 

Job Summary:
The Figge Art Museum seeks an Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar to assist the curatorial department in the stewardship of collections. This position maintains and updates the museum’s collection database system (Vernon) and monitors the museum’s collection website for completeness of information and accuracy. This individual maintains the permanent and temporary collection galleries checking the galleries daily to make sure all exhibitry (graphics, platforms, cases, and pedestals) and artwork are in sound condition and reports any issues should they arise. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar helps manage email correspondence related to acquisitions, exhibitions, and loans; releases and receives shipments of artwork when needed and answers inquiries from Figge staff and researchers in support of the museum’s mission. Art handling and installation is required of this position. Reporting to the Co-Senior Curators, the Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar plays an integral role in tracking object movement and updating and adding new object records to Vernon.

 

The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar’s responsibilities include cataloguing new acquisitions and incoming loans, assisting with the creation of acquisition files and folders and verifying the uniformity of existing collection data (e.g., confirming completeness, accuracy, accessibility) within Vernon. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar attaches digital media—including digital images, audio, and video files—to the object records in keeping with Vernon’s role as the central archive of the museum’s fine art collection data. Working closely with the curatorial team, the Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar will maintain the database ensuring consistency with national and international fine art collection data standards and nomenclature. The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar provides registrarial support to the curatorial team in the tracking, handling, movement, installation, and storage of collection objects; creates incoming and outgoing object receipts; perform daily checks of permanent collection and temporary exhibition galleries; maintains the galleries with periodic light cleaning of objects, platforms, and cases as well as assists with the installation and dismantle of exhibitions, and permanent collection exhibits on a regular basis.  Photographing works in the Figge collection for publication, publicity, or the database is also the responsibility of the position.  The Assistant Registrar/Associate Registrar coordinates the packing and shipping of objects to and from the museum. This individual will work with the Co-Senior Curators to create a plan for the storage of new acquisitions, as well as the re-allocation of collection storage space.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
o   Administers and updates Vernon’s day to day functionality and assists in the cataloguing of the museum’s collection of approximately 5000 works of fine and decorative art.

o   Tracks and logs the movement of collection objects.

o   Revises existing and/or enters new object data into Vernon

o   Writes and/or updates training materials and implements best practices for the use of Vernon by interns.

o   Provides statistical reports on collection data for grant funded projects and for the City of Davenport Art Collection upon request.

o   Performs audits of Vernon to verify accuracy of location data and to monitor object condition.

o   Oversee biennial collection inventories to ensure all collection and loan objects are in the location noted in the database.

o   Photographs works in the collection for the database, publicity, and publishing purposes.

o   Consolidates and associates other digital media and links to the database.

o   Daily: Performs gallery checks Monday-Friday, verifying the presence and condition of works on view, and also checking the temperature and relative humidity of exhibition and storage spaces.

o   Weekly: performs light dusting/cleaning in the museum’s galleries.

o   Assists curatorial staff with the handling, movement, care, and installation of objects.

o   Assists with wall patching and gallery painting during exhibition changes as needed

o   Installs exhibition graphics including object labels, text panels and general signage.

o   Generates receipts for incoming and outgoing objects.

o   Assists with maintaining the object files (paper files)

o   Organizes packing and shipping of collection works and loans, including for large traveling exhibitions organized by the museum.

Assistant Registrar Qualifications include:
·         Minimum B.A. in Museum Studies, Library Science, Art History, or related field.

·         At least one years’ experience working directly with a museum collection information management system / database such as Vernon; PastPerfect; or EmbARK.

·         Experience with the handling, cataloguing, movement, and care of fine and decorative artworks

·         Discretion in the use and handling of sensitive and/or personal information.

·         Knowledge of data standards for fine art museum collection management and for accessible, culturally inclusive data best practices

·         Knowledge of established vocabularies, standards, and linked data tools

·         Experience with collection management and digital asset management is preferred.

·         Experience working with digital cameras and image editing software including Adobe Bridge and Photoshop.

Associate Registrar Qualifications include:
·         Minimum B.A. in Museum Studies, Library Science, Art History, or related field, Master’s degree preferred.

·         At least three years’ experience working directly with a museum collection information management system / database such as Vernon; PastPerfect; or EmbARK.

·         Expertise in the handling, cataloguing, movement, and care of fine and decorative artworks

·         Discretion in the use and handling of sensitive and/or personal information.

·         Knowledge of data standards for fine art museum collection management and for accessible, culturally inclusive data best practices

·         Knowledge of established vocabularies, standards, and linked data tools

·         Experience with collection management and digital asset management is preferred.

·         Experience working with digital cameras and image editing software including Adobe Bridge and Photoshop.

 

Requirements
Requires working indoors in an office environment. High attention to detail and accuracy. The job requires considerable time sitting or standing, often for 2 -3 hours at a time, as well as reaching, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, and moving objects 40 pounds or more. The post will require time communicating by email and in person. The position also requires occasional use of tools, including screw guns, tape guns, and utility knives as well as the use of cleaning agents.

 

About Us:
The Figge Art Museum brings art and people together and enriches our community with the experience of art through education, collections, exhibitions, and preservation. Located on the Mississippi River in Downtown Davenport, the Figge is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines. Its 110,000 square foot landmark glass building, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and to the Grant Wood Archive, and combines collection and exhibition galleries, education studios, an auditorium, a café, and a bustling lobby. The Figge presents over 20 rotating exhibitions of historical and contemporary art each year as well as art classes, educational programs, special events, and outreach sessions that inspire and attract regional, national, and international audiences of all ages. The Figge has a professional staff of 30, with an annual budget of $3.6 million.

 

The Figge is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply. We aim to attract and retain talented people from all backgrounds. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and safe environment and value varied ideas, perspectives, insights, skills, and experiences within our workplace.

To Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter to info@figgeartmuseum.org. Please indicate “Assistant Registrar” or “Associate Registrar” in the subject line. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. A review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All applications will be kept confidential.

Senior Manager of Guides and Volunteers

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Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)

Senior Manager of Guides and Volunteers

Full-time, exempt

Salary: $85,000 – $90,000

Onsite; not eligible for relocation

 

 

The Job

The Senior Manager of Guides and Volunteers at the Minneapolis Institute of Art will play a key role in developing and leading a team of educators and over 150 guides/volunteers. Both staff and volunteers engage with K-12 students and adult audiences, requiring a nuanced understanding of diverse learning needs and backgrounds. This position includes designing and implementing tours and comprehensive training programs for the volunteers.

 

Critical aspects of this position include the recruitment, training, engagement and retention of a diverse pool of volunteers. The manager will prioritize building a volunteer base that reflects the variety of communities we serve, ensuring inclusivity in both the recruitment process and throughout training initiatives. This involves not only reaching out to diverse groups but also providing training that fosters an environment of respect, equity, and cultural competence. The goal is to create a supportive, dynamic environment where volunteers feel confident in their roles and equipped to make a meaningful impact on those they serve.

 

In this role, you will…

1.  LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISORY

  • Supervise and provide guidance to staff and tour guides/volunteers, ensuring high performance, professionalism and mission and strategic alignment.
  • Support staff educators in providing regular training and development sessions for guides to ensure they are knowledgeable, engaging, and consistent in delivering museum tours.
  • Collaborates with and is the main staff liaison for the Guide Council to ensure alignment with the museum’s goals and objectives. The individual serves as the primary point of contact between the Guide Council and museum management.
  • Create/maintain roles and responsibilities, guidelines and policies, performance evaluations, and provide constructive feedback for staff and guides/volunteers. Support career development for staff.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, open communication, and a commitment to the museum’s mission and strategic objectives.
  • Supports their team with handling scheduling conflicts, guide performance opportunities or issues, and ensure that staffing needs are met in a timely manner.
  • Significant time spent with staff and volunteers on tours and front of house experience. Will provide support for guide volunteer training and tours.

2.  PROJECT, PROCESS, AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT

  • Oversee all aspects of the tour guide and volunteer programs, ensuring efficient operations and high-quality visitor experiences.
  • Streamline and maintain processes for scheduling tours and assigning guides, ensuring smooth coordination and effective use of resources.
  • Develop and manage the tour guide program budget, tracking expenses and ensuring that financial goals are met.
  • Create and implement processes for evaluating and improving the efficiency of the guide scheduling system.
  • Works cross-departmentally to coordinate logistics for special tours, events, and exhibitions, ensuring timely and effective support from staff,  tour guides and volunteers.

3.  STRATEGY

  • Collaborate with the Learning and Programming team to develop and refine the museum’s tour and educational strategies, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
  • Work collaboratively with the Head of Learning and Programming on a tour guide roadmap that will provide direction and growth for the guide program that includes DEI and community engagement initiatives for staff, guides/volunteers and visitors.
  • Contribute to the creation of new tour programs and initiatives that enhance visitor experience and meet strategic institutional objectives. Reevaluate current programs and determine opportunities to streamline.
  • Monitor trends in visitor engagement and the museum industry to suggest and implement improvements to the tour program.
  • Work with marketing and public relations teams to promote tour offerings, and contribute to visitor feedback collection and analysis.

4. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

  • Assist with other duties as required or assigned, including special projects, event coordination, and museum initiatives that support the mission of the institution.
  • Represent the museum at meetings, community outreach events, or other engagements as needed.

To be successful in this role, you have…

  • Proven experience recruiting, retaining, engaging, and leading volunteers. Includes creation of processes, policy and procedures to support volunteers and programs.
  • Proven experience in understanding and applying DEIAB principles and cultural fluency to process and projects for staff, volunteers and visitors.
  • Exceptional people and process change management experience with strong organizational skills.
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and thorough understanding of trends in engagement and programming.
  • Strong project management skills including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet all deadlines and deliverables on time and within budget.
  • Solid understanding of program evaluation and research guidelines, methodologies, and tools.

Requirements:

Required:

·        Master’s degree with relevant experience. Advanced degree or certifications in art history, museum studies, or art education preferred.

·        5–7 years of proven success in the creating and delivering training for volunteers or guides, as well as the creation of tours or interpretive materials or lessons for not only K-12 audiences, but for adults and general audiences in a cultural setting.

·        5-7 years of experience in museums, cultural institutions, non profit, K-12 or higher education settings.

·        At least 5 years in a supervisory or management role focused in building and leading an engaged and collaborative team and staff. Capable of motivating and engaging paid staff.

·        Skilled in Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, volunteer management software, and project-management software (Asana preferred)

·        Ability to lift and carry objects up to 25 lbs. as part of event setup and breakdown.

·        Stamina to stand and walk for extended periods during events.

·        Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules

 

Preferred:

·        3-5 years of success in a museum-specific setting.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of art and world history.

 

 

Mia Culture

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.

 

Mia Benefits and Perks

Health and Wellness: Mia offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and vision coverage. We have a wellness and employee assistance program to support your overall wellbeing.

 

Financial Security: We provide financial peace of mind with a variety of options, including a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health expenses and a Dependent Care Account (DCA) for dependent care expenses.  Our 403(b) Retirement + Savings Plan includes a percentage of salary contribution from Mia after two years of employment (and minimum hours and age eligibility requirements are met).

 

Additional Perks: In addition to paid vacation, personal, sick days, enjoy a balanced work-life with a 37.5-hour work week and 11 paid holidays.

 

Join Mia and enjoy a workplace that values your health, financial security, and personal development, all while contributing to a vibrant cultural institution.

 

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit.

 

Posting Deadline

No set expiration date. Job postings typically stay posted until candidates are selected for phone interviews.

 

Mia is committed to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster equity, and empower an accessible and inclusive environment. Our strength lies in the diversity among the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to Mia. We consider inclusion and accessibility a driver of institutional excellence and seek out diversity of participation, thought, and action. It is our aim, therefore, that our employees, trustees, interns, and volunteers reflect and embrace these core values.

 

Mia is recognized by the Age-Friendly Institute’s Certified Age Friendly Employer (CAFE) program that identifies organizations committed to being the best places to work for employees aged 50+.

 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Bell Museum: Exhibits and Gallery Programs Manager

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Bell Museum  

Pay range: $64,515 – $72,000/ Hour

This is a full-time Academic Professional and Administrative (P&A) position.

Benefit Summary for Prospective Employees 

Working Hours: This is a 100% time position, working 40 hours a week, Monday- Friday

Working Location: This is an on site position located at the Bell Museum, UMN St Paul Campus, with occasional, limited opportunity to work from home as approved by the supervisor.

Application Deadline: Applications are due by 11:59 pm January 26, 2025. Anticipated start for this position is late March.

A resume and cover letter are required for consideration.

Applications must be submitted online. Please upload a resume and cover letter. Your cover letter of application is the central component of your application. It should discuss your central qualifications and relevant experience as it is related to the required and preferred qualifications for this job posting.

For more information or to apply, visit UMN Job Board ID: 366183 

For more information about the position, contact Kate Sigurdson at  ksigurds@umn.edu.

Position Summary:

The Exhibits and Gallery Programs Manager provides strategic leadership and management of the Bell Museum’s exhibits and gallery programs team’s work to develop and implement gallery-based experiences aimed at engaging a range of audiences, including multi-generational family groups, a core demographic for the Bell.

The Exhibits and Gallery Programs Manager oversees a small team (currently 3 staff members). This team is responsible for public-facing, gallery-based interpretive efforts, including exhibitions in temporary and permanent galleries, gallery carts and other gallery floor activities, inquiry-based hands-on learning in the Touch and See Lab and Collections Cove, opportunities to engage with nature on the outdoor Learning Landscape, and public programs such as speakers, workshops, festivals, and demonstrations, all to offer a rotating schedule of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)-based museum experiences. This team keeps the Bell’s gallery spaces active, vibrant, and lively by creating, maintaining, and updating exhibits, gallery activities, and related programming. The team serves a range of audiences through attention to physical and sensory access, cultural relevance, age and grade-appropriate content, and creating a welcoming environment for all.

This position is supervised by the Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning; the team sits within the larger Public Engagement and Science Learning team (PESL). This larger team is responsible for the Bell’s major onsite interpretive efforts. Beyond exhibitions and gallery programs, these include planetarium shows and astronomy programming, K-12 science education, and public programming. The Exhibits and Gallery Programs team works with the  PESL team to align resources, leverage opportunities, and strengthen visitor experiences for STEAM learning. Further, the PESL team collaborates closely with other teams across the Bell to serve Minnesota; meet the Bell’s mission, vision, and values; and achieve the Bell’s strategic priorities.

The successful applicant for this position will have experience in directing the work of staff and demonstrated success in working collaboratively to engage the public through exhibits, programs, or other related activities that bring together natural history, science, and art. Areas of expertise might include exhibition development, informal science education, or museum interpretation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibit and Program Development and Management (55%)

Oversee interpretive and programmatic efforts in the Bell’s gallery spaces, including maintaining and updating permanent exhibits in Minnesota Journeys, booking and implementing leased and temporary exhibitions in Nova Galleries, and offering related experiences in gallery spaces, including the Touch and See Lab, Collections Cove, and the outdoor Learning Landscape.
Develop and implement exhibitions and displays, with an eye to content that sits at the intersection of natural history, science, and art, and experiences that invite participation through a variety of learning styles, including hands-on and kinesthetic learning.
Manage the work of staff and independent graphic designers, fabricators, and other contractors to create and produce exhibits and programs.
Lead and advise team members and others in the development of a suite of programs in support of central museum experiences, such as traveling exhibitions, seasonal experiences, and other opportunities, in order to engage engage and expand the Bell’s audiences.
Conceive and adapt content and programming to serve diverse, wide-ranging audiences through attention to physical and sensory access, cultural relevance, age and grade-appropriate content, to create a welcoming environment for all.
Work with managers of other PESL teams (Planetarium and the Education Programs) and with the Director of PESL to develop and implement cross-cutting initiatives in support of the Bell’s strategic plan, emphasizing strategic new content areas (e.g., climate change, planetary health, sharing our platform, and creating opportunities for middle and high school students).
Work with teams across the Bell (Marketing and Communications, Statewide Engagement, Operations, Research and Collections, Development, and Collections and Research), to create effective visitor experiences and a welcoming and inclusive environment that meets the needs of diverse audiences.
Work closely with partners within the University, with state agencies, and with the community to translate research into high-quality museum experiences and leverage interest in public engagement with science.

Exhibits and Gallery Programs Supervision (15%)

Directly supervise a small staff of P&A and/or Civil Service employees (currently 3 positions), and several Temporary or Casual gallery assistants, through regular check ins and an annual review process. Responsibilities include hiring, addressing discipline and grievance issues, and assigning and directing work.
Oversee the supervision of dozens of undergraduate and graduate student employees who serve as museum guides.
Coach staff and support professional development and performance goals.

Exhibits and Gallery Programs Operations (15%)

Collaborate, communicate, and troubleshoot in cooperation with Bell staff within and across teams to deliver successful exhibit and program experiences.
Coordinate the development and implementation of appropriate timelines, policies, procedures, and workflows to produce and deliver exhibits and programs.
Execute and administer contracts and other agreements for leased exhibits, vendors, and other contracts.
Deliver and support programs as needed, to include gallery, adult, and family programs, as well as large-scale festivals and similar programming.

Budget, Fundraising, and Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

Participate in fundraising and philanthropic proposal development in collaboration with the Directors of PESL and Development, to create sponsorship opportunities for programmatic sustainability and to ensure deliverables are met.
Work with the Director of PESL to develop and administer expense budgets for the Exhibits and Gallery Programs team.
Conduct evaluative activities and solicit feedback to support the planning and implementation of effective, relevant, and inclusive interpretive initiatives and programs.
Represent the Bell Museum to the University community and the public, including promoting programs through media appearances and conference attendance.
Develop and steward relationships to create a pathway to engagement opportunities.
Identify and implement pathways for increasing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in exhibit and program development, review, and evaluation.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in science, education, design, or a related discipline and at least 6 or more years related work experience, or Master’s degree plus at least 2 years of experience.
3 or more years of supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to inspire a diverse team of staff and partners, including science researchers/faculty, in the creation of interpretive experiences for the public
Knowledge of best practices and trends in informal science learning, science communication, and/or museums
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and an interest in developing and testing experiences and messages for a range of audiences
Cultural competence, a commitment to practical and programmatic inclusion, and experience working in/with diverse communities
Demonstrated skill in project management, including the ability to manage multiple projects on different timelines to deliver project outcomes and meet deadlines
Enthusiasm for collaborative development processes, working within and across teams, stakeholders, and partners to navigate conflict and complexity
Available for occasional evening and weekend work, as assigned (to include 2-4 evenings or weekend days per month)
Proficiency in using Google Suite tools and MS Office products

Volunteer Coordinator

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Volunteer Coordinator Part-Time

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting and scheduling volunteers at the McHenry County Historical Society.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a college degree or equivalent experience; have Volunteer supervisory experience and be flexible in work hours; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

The Volunteer Coordinator in collaboration with the Director of Operations, Museum Curator, and Librarians will:

· Reach out to the public through social media, word of mouth, and other avenues to grow our volunteer corps.

· Determine need through collaboration with staff.

· Assign new volunteers to staff.

· Assist in supporting volunteers during events and activities.

· Organize volunteer meetings as needed.

· Organize annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and special events for National Volunteer Week in April.

· Encourage staff to communicate regularly with volunteers through calls, emails, notes, and face-to-face interactions.

· The Volunteer Coordinator will play a vital role in ensuring the success of our volunteer team that shares in our mission of engaging and educating current and future generations by preserving and sharing McHenry County history.

General duties

· Assists museum visitors and works at various Society events including festivals, fundraisers and other special programs and work every fourth or fifth Saturday.

· Assist other staff, as needed, with answering telephone calls, fielding inquiries from the public and regular operations.

· Work at the visitor’s service desk when volunteers are unavailable.

· Other duties as assigned.

Compensation:

$20hr -20 hours per week

As a part-time position there are no benefits associated with this position. Please submit your resume and cover letter to jolie@mchenrycountyhistory.org

Visitor Engagement Coordinator

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The mission of the Neville Public Museum is to bridge communities and connect generations.  The Museum achieves this through exhibitions and public programs that feature ongoing collecting and sharing the voices of our communities.

Description: The Visitor Engagement Coordinator will play a key role in planning, implementing, and managing admissions desk staff, facility events and rentals in alignment to the mission and institutional brand. This role requires close coordination with multiple staff within the museum, as well as with external partners and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record in managing events and facility rentals.

Work Schedule: Tuesday noon to 8pm, Wednesday-Saturday 9am-5pm, evening hours related to facility rentals and Museum events.

Essential Duties
Key Responsibilities:

Fiscal Management: Responsible for fiscal performance of Admissions and Facility Rentals while providing daily reporting. Ensure that established Museum cash control procedures are followed.

Coordinates with Exhibitions Manager and Collections Manager on the department’s purchasing process; completes purchase orders, verifies receipt of purchased items, records purchases and routes necessary information to the finance department and purchasing division; trains departmental employees in purchasing policies and procedures and ensures compliance with rules and regulations.

Functions as a main point of contact for museum POS System (Blackbaud Altru).
Works closely with the Foundation and Media Technician to ensure all guest-facing technology such as website, POS, and kiosks, are properly functioning and coordinated with institutional brand messaging and offers being promoted to guests.Provides Director attendance statistics as requested.

Space Management: Front Desk Oversight (contract staff): Directs daily operations for ticketing and membership. Supervises contract staff participation at events, ensuring effective coordination and execution of facility rentals and public programs.

Forecasts and establishes staffing levels necessary to operate efficiently and within budget for daytime hours and evening events; provides staffing requirements for supervisors to schedule.

Oversees end-to-end guest journey, establishing steps of service that enable positive guest experiences that are keeping with organizational goals and result in high customer satisfaction reviews.

With assistance from the Exhibitions Manager, posts contract job openings, recruits job candidates, works with third party vendor on job hiring, payroll, and termination if necessary.

With assistance from the Exhibitions Manager, ensures that an efficient orientation and training program is in place and implemented for all new hires in Visitor Engagement.

Interacts with guests regularly, serving as a representative of the Museum and providing prompt and friendly customer service when needed.

Maintains a constant pulse on daily operations and demonstrates a positive example to staff by being visible and available on grounds.

Knows and understands the employee handbook and adheres to all stated disciplinary actions and personnel policies.

Has the ability to perform as a Visitor Engagement Associate as needed.

Reviews annually with the Education Specialist and trains contract staff in accessibility protocol such as tablet use for hearing/visual impairments and more.

Content/ Social Media Moderation: Works closely with team members to create and manage social media and website content as needed to ensure integration of content across channels, collaborating closely with colleagues across departments and overseeing the delivery schedule from each content creator.

Serve as website producer ensuring consistency of website content and strategy across digital properties.
Maintains a constant pulse on daily operations and demonstrates a positive example to staff by being visible and available on grounds.

Research Support: Assist the Education Specialist and Curator with research and content production related to programs related the annual exhibition and program plan.

Security: Review annually with Collections Manager and Exhibitions Manager and train contract staff in the protocol outlined in the Museum Emergency Response Plan. Provides annual recommendations and budgetary expenses for contract staff training and development.

During regular business hours monitors security and alarm systems and functions as a secondary point-of-contact for police and fire emergencies.  On call weekends and evenings for contracted staff as needed.
Partnership Management: Analyzes and evaluates programs and program partnerships to continually improve offerings and ensure positive experiences for visitors.

Works closely with the Exhibitions Manager and Director on audience cultivation and development as well as creating promotional content within the institutional brand.

Is the staff liaison for the Neville Public Museum Geology Club, the Neville Public Museum Astronomical Society and the International Film Society.  Operates audiovisual equipment during building rentals.
Manages the Museum Volunteer Database and participates in the annual recognition of volunteers.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience: associate or bachelor’s degree in event management or hospitality & tourism management or a related field required plus 2 years’ experience in visitor/guest services in a leadership capacity; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preparator/Registrar

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University (SDSU) invites you to join our dynamic curatorial team as a Preparator/Registrar. We’re seeking a creative and detail-oriented professional to play a key role in the planning and execution of the Museum’s robust exhibitions and collections management. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exhibition Preparation: Design, install, and maintain exhibitions, working closely with the curatorial team, artists, and contractors. Responsibilities include developing exhibit plans, selecting materials, fabricating mounts, overseeing installation teams, and maintaining exhibition spaces and lighting.

Object Registration: Manage the care, documentation, and transport of museum collections and loaned art objects. Duties involve condition assessments, packing/unpacking, coordinating shipments, maintaining collection databases, overseeing storage areas, and participating in inventory and disaster management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelors degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Arts Administration, Studio Arts, Conservation, History, or a related field;
  • Minimum two years experience in the following:
  • Working with a Museum collections registration system;
  • Operating a Museum collections database, preferably Past Perfect;
  • Art exhibition installation;
  • Museum art-handling experience;
  • Implementing professional standards and procedures involved with art loans and exhibitions (incoming and outgoing);
  • Professionally framing art; and
  • Building exhibition mounts and displays.
  • Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire;
  • Must be able to lift over 40 lbs, climb a ladder, operate power tools, and operate a mechanical lift.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Carpentry and/or engineering skills preferred.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University serves the peoples and communities of the state and its visitors as South Dakota’s premier visual arts resource. With a mission to inspire creativity, connect people, and enrich lives through art, the Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets visual art to provide access and education and to foster appreciation of the visual arts. The museum’s extensive permanent collection is comprised of nearly 7,000 items ranging from paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, and ceramics, and includes significant collections of American Indian art.  Seven galleries host about 12 new exhibits every year featuring a wide variety of artworks and themes, some from the permanent collection and others from traveling exhibits and loaned objects.  Many of the exhibitions have ties to South Dakota and others bring national and international perspectives.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.

TO APPLY, YOU MUST VISIT: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/41877

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair,  Abigail Gebro, Retail and Visitor Services Coordinator, South Dakota Art Museum, Abigail.gebro@sdstate.edu, (605) 688-5423.