Director of Program Administration

The Position:

The Jewish Museum seeks a highly experienced museum professional, strategic thinker, and diplomatic partner to work with the Chief Curator in developing operational excellence related to the Museum’s collection and exhibitions. A critical position that serves as a manager and communication conduit, the role requires excellent verbal and written skills and an ability to liaise with senior leadership both within the organization and with external partners.  Managing a full roster of staff and contractors, the Director of Program Administration will oversee a diverse set of support functions, including exhibition administration, planning, design and construction, as well as collection management, archives, and registration. Candidates who enjoy the teamwork involved in executing complex projects will be fulfilled in this job; this is an exceptional opportunity for talented administrators to have a transformative effect on the inner workings of the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. 

 

Responsibilities: 

  • With the Chief Curator, lead the Museum’s long-range exhibition planning to create a well-balanced calendar that supports the Museum’s vision and institution-wide priorities.
  • Work closely with the Exhibitions Manager to ensure an appropriate pace and workflow for the exhibition schedule and related timelines, including permanent collection galleries and rotations. 
  • Communicate regularly and solicit feedback from senior leadership on suggested lineup of shows and related budgets, funding opportunities, audience engagement initiatives, and staffing needs.
  • Oversee the annual and long-range budgeting process for direct curatorial expenses related to exhibitions, collection management, conservation, visual resources and special projects. 
  • Supervise the program administration staff, including the registrars, exhibition management team, archives, and collection management team; mentor and invest in the professional development of direct reports. 
  • Oversee development and implementation of agreements and/or contracts with external vendors, including guest curators, and designers. 
  • Facilitate and maintain positive relationships with artists, foundations, museums, vendors, and consultants and intercede when needed to assist in negotiations and communications with outside parties. 
  • Advise the curatorial staff on big-picture decisions related to the exhibition design process, including graphics, lighting, AV and other technical components, fabrication, construction and installation. 
  • Ensure design decisions and gallery architecture encompass a thoughtful consideration of accessibility needs and best practices. 
  • Develop a traveling exhibition strategy that leverages institutional partnerships and supports cost sharing as well as extends the Museum’s brand to other communities, nationally and internationally. 
  • Partner with the Visitor Experience, Publications, and Education staff to enhance the Museum’s interpretation, digital learning and evaluation efforts. 
  • Create process and implement tools to increase efficiency and foster cross-departmental collaboration throughout the Museum.  
  • Work with appropriate staff to develop and oversee the implementation of an archives strategy, creating process and leveraging tools to ensure that the Museum’s digital assets and physical records are properly preserved, managed, and accessed.   
  • With the Head Registrar, strategize about the Museum’s long-term insurance needs and advise on Domestic and International Indemnity applications.
  • With the Collections Manager, strategize about the Museum’s long-term storage needs and advise on provenance matters.
  • Work with the Chief Curator to set agendas for and manage the Board Exhibition Committee; draft reports on behalf of the Committee for presentations at Board of Trustees meetings. 
  • With the Collections Manager and curatorial staff, assist with prioritization and long-range planning for conservation surveys and projects.
  • With curatorial staff, think strategically about the future use and preservation of the National Jewish Archive of Broadcasting consisting of over 4,000 television and radio programs from the 1930s to the present. 

 

Qualifications and Core Competencies:

  • 7+ years’ experience in museum administration, preferably at a major museum; MA in art history or museum-related studies, preferred.
  • Flexibility and openness related to engagement with artists and creative thinkers brought in to work with the Museum on specific projects and initiatives.
  • An astute listener and supportive leader who can leverage the skills of the staff to move the Museum forward.
  • An ability to think creatively and problem-solve, particularly around budget constraints.
  • Exceptional project management skills; ability to create and implement process that serves competing needs and lots of moving parts.
  • A comfort with and curiosity to explore new technological tools to increase efficiency and enhance the curatorial experience.
  • A desire to build and maintain strong relationships with other institutions to foster partnerships and out-of-the-box collaboration.
  • Ability to read architectural drawings and a comprehensive understanding of facilities and building infrastructure preferred.

 

Send Resume with Cover Letter To:

Associate Director, Human Resources

The Jewish Museum

1109 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10128

Email: jobs@thejm.org 

Fax: 212.423.3232

 

The Jewish Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.