Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OPPORTUNITY:

The Berman Museum of Art seeks candidates with an experienced, visionary, energetic, and enthusiastic commitment to liberal arts education and a cross-disciplinary approach to integrating museum programming into the living and learning environment of the college. The ideal candidate will have the ability to navigate multiple constituencies on campus and beyond while playing a vital public role in representing Ursinus College to donors, alumni, and a broad external community.

ABOUT THE BERMAN MUSEUM OF ART AT URSINUS COLLEGE:

The Philip & Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College opened in 1989 and celebrated a significant expansion in 2010 to accommodate permanent collection resources in the Henry ‘48 & June Pfeiffer Wing. The original Alumni Memorial Library, this free-standing 17,000 square foot facility also features the Berman Foundation Sculpture Terrace, a LEED certified green roof installation, which holds significant works by Lynn Chadwick and George R. Anthonisen. The Berman Museum of Art has a national reputation as a leading academic cultural institution known for its excellence in exhibitions, educational and public programming. The permanent collection, heavily focused on 18th – 21st century American Art, numbers over 8,000 objects and has key areas of strength, including Modern Japanese printmaking, a strong works on paper collection that spans art historical genres, photography, and a 60+ collection of contemporary outdoor sculpture sited throughout the campus. The Museum presents exhibitions of regional, national and international significance, mounting 8-10 installations annually. The Museum was reaccredited by the American Association of Museums in 2020.

The Berman Museum at Ursinus College is the only college/university art museum in the Philadelphia to Reading corridor and is one of two college museums in the state of Pennsylvania that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Berman Executive Director is in a unique position to link the museum to the college community as well as serve as a cultural ambassador to the public at large.

To learn more about the Berman Museum and Ursinus College, visit: http://www.ursinus.edu/berman/.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director sets the vision for the future, provides focus, and establishes priorities for a dynamic organization that connects the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and programs to the academic mission of the college and engages an external audience from the vibrant communities and urban environments in the region. S/he nurtures relationships on campus and in the community for exhibitions, research, scholarship, programming, and fundraising. This highly collaborative position intersects with all disciplines on campus and with a national network of colleagues. A relationship builder, the Executive Director uses this respected program to increase regional and national visibility, secure and steward external resources, and represents the Museum and the College as an ambassador to the field at large. The Executive Director reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the College.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Executive Director will:

Oversee daily operations of the Berman Museum to assure its protection and maintenance.
Supervise staff of three full-time professionals and additional subcontractors while providing an overarching artistic vision for the museum.
Oversee the museum’s financial management and annual operating budget.
Establish policies in consultation with the college administration and museum staff.
Work closely with the college Advancement Department to secure funding from individuals, corporations, foundations and other public and private sources to support the museum’s operations, exhibitions, programs and special projects.
Work closely with the college Marketing and Communications Department to coordinate media coverage and audience development.
Maintain best practices in accordance with the American Alliance of Museum’s standards to ensure continuation of the Berman’s accreditation.
Oversee the museum’s permanent collection through inspired acquisitions, high-quality gifts, and standard deaccession practice.
Engage the college community and general public by developing, in consult with the Creative Director, a roster of innovative exhibitions that enrich the appreciation of historical and contemporary artworks.
Serve as a local, national, and international advocate for the Berman with strong relationships with curators, scholars, artists and gallery owners.
Expand collaborative relationships within the cultural community in the Philadelphia region as a compelling, energetic and enthusiastic spokesperson.
Initiate collaborations with faculty and students by developing exhibitions from the museum’s permanent collection with the goal of fostering valuable educational experiences.
Oversee the Berman’s National Advisory Council (BNAC) and cultivates and stewards the members comprised of Ursinus faculty, community and cultural leaders, and supporters of the Berman. Collaborates with BNAC members to secure new sources of funding while expanding the Berman’s reach and stature.
Create a positive work environment for Berman Museum Staff, Ursinus student workers, and interns.
Coordinate with museum staff, lectures, artist conversations and other events.
Responsible for long term strategic planning of the Berman program in concert with the Ursinus College institutional plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have:

A Master’s or Ph.D. Degree in Art History, Arts Administration, Museum Studies, or a related field.
At least seven years of senior leadership in museum management and curatorial experience.
Fundraising success in an academic and/or museum setting.
Excellent interpersonal skills and experience mentoring staff and managing employees.
Experience with the AAM Accreditation process.

COMPENSATION:

Salary commensurate with experience. The College offers a valuable benefits program for all eligible employees. For a full description of college benefits, please refer to the HR webpage or click on this link: Employee Benefits | Human Resources | Ursinus College

URSINUS AA/EO STATEMENT:

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.

Start Date:

Fall 2021