Posting Details

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the 'Posting End Date' shown below.

Position Information

Business Title
Executive Director, Kennedy Museum of Art (One Year)

Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the online application and attach a detailed cover letter, a current resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact details, including email addresses.

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by the closing date.

This position is eligible for the following benefits:
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number
2016499T

Job Description Summary

Department Summary

The Director of Kennedy Museum of Art is responsible for the leadership and strategic vision of the museum and museum studies program. This position requires a deep understanding of museum management, collections care and development, curatorial practices, and the arts. The Executive Director must be able to collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to create impactful exhibitions and programs, and provide students with opportunities to develop skills in museum studies. The Executive Director also directs and teaches in the Museum Studies program which currently consists of cross-disciplinary undergraduate and graduate certificates. The Executive Director provides leadership for the OHIO Museum Complex, which is housed within the KMA. The Executive Director of the Kennedy Museum of Art plays a critical role in the institution's efforts to promote the arts and provide students with opportunities to develop skills in museum studies

Duties include, but are not limited to, overseeing and directing the museum's daily operations. The role manages and supports a team of museum professionals and staff members, while developing and administering the budget for both the museum and the OHIO Museum Complex. It also ensures adherence to best practices in the management of museum collections, including object acquisition, care, security, research, and scholarship. The position assesses and evaluates the effectiveness of museum exhibitions and programs and makes recommendations for continuous improvement. Additionally, the role represents the museum through active participation in local, regional, national, and global professional organizations.

The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures related to museum management and for maintaining accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums. It also ensures compliance with all university policies and procedures.

This role reports to and collaborates closely with the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, participates in university and college committees as needed, and works in partnership with the Ohio Museum Complex to support integrative museum practices. The position also seeks to expand the museum's impact on both the university and the broader community through innovative curricular collaborations.

In addition, the role develops and implements a comprehensive strategic vision for the museum and museum studies program, teaches Museum Fundamentals I and II, and provides guidance and support to faculty on incorporating museum resources into the university curriculum.

The position collaborates with the Dean and University Advancement to identify and engage donors in support of the museum. It identifies, researches, writes, and manages grant opportunities, including required reporting, and develops and sustains partnerships with external organizations to create hands-on learning opportunities and professional networking pathways for students.

This is a one-year position, and it may be renewable for up to three years.

Position Profile

Develops, coordinates, researches, and designs exhibits, tours, events, and lectures for the OHIO Museum Complex and the Kennedy Museum of Art. Manages operations and financial activities of the museum. Collaborates across University to market museum offerings. Coordinates with colleagues at other museums across the state and nation. Manages museum public relations.

Level Summary

Responsible for the management of a unit that performs diverse but related tasks. Handles work and budget planning, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to achieve team objectives. Contributes to divisional or departmental operational plans by aligning unit goals with broader institutional strategies. Accountable for meeting short-term objectives and driving continuous improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages a large team or multiple teams. Directly oversees at least 2.0 FTE employees or one or more supervisors. Has authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage performance, discharge, assign duties, reward, and discipline employees.

Fiscal Responsibilities

Oversees large budgets, including departmental and program-level budgets.

Problem Solving

Solves strategic, organizational problems and ensures continuous improvement.

Independence of Action

High degree of autonomy in decision-making, accountable for large areas.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaborates with executive leadership and external partners to drive organizational goals.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Master's degree in a related field, 8 or more years of related professional experience, and 5 or more years of supervisory experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD degree in museum studies, art history, arts administration, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 10 years of experience in museum management
• Experience with grant writing, fundraising or equivalent
• Experience managing budgets, grants, and resources effectively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively build community with faculty, staff, and external partners
• 5 years of university teaching experience

Department
Kennedy Museum Of Art

Pay Rate

minimum $95,101. Salary may be commensurate with education and experience

Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:

https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.

See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.

Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Pay Grade
21

Pay Range
$95,101.00-$163,086.00

FLSA Status
Exempt

Job Category
Administrative at-will appointment

Employment Type
full-time term

Job Family
Library Services/Museum

Job Sub Family
Museum

Job Level
M3

Job Open Date
09/02/2026

Posting End Date
09/06/2026

Planning Unit
College of Fine Arts

Work Schedule

This is a full-time position that may periodically involve nights and weekends. Work will primarily occur at the Kennedy Museum of Art, campus locations, and online. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Months
12 month

Campus
Athens, Ohio

Expected hours worked per week
40+

Expected duration of assignment
One year from start date

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Roxanne Schroeder-Arce; [email protected]