The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) was recognized as the top public university art museum in the country in 2016 by Best College Reviews. UMMA is a place where minds are enriched and communities come together to discover, contemplate, and enjoy the art of our world. One of UMMA’s most important roles is its contribution to the academic mission of the University of Michigan. From the research and study uses of the extraordinary works of art in its collections, to the teaching implications of all its temporary exhibitions, the Museum plays an increasingly central role in the academic life of the University, even as it connects to broad regional and national community audiences.
UMMA serves a campus and regional audience of nearly 250,000 onsite visitors each year, with a similar number of visitors via touring exhibitions, publications, social media, and web resources. UMMA’s collections, representing over 150 years of art collecting, include more than 21,000 objects, span the Western tradition from medieval times to the present and have deep holdings in American, Asian, and African Art. Works by Whistler and Picasso, Chinese and Japanese paintings and ceramics, Korean ceramics, and sculpture from central Africa are among the finest in North America.
The next Director of UMMA will be a persuasive and inventive leader who is inspired by the unique mission of a public university art museum and can inspire others as well. S/he should possess the intellectual vigor and vision, as well as the sterling reputation and personal magnetism, that are necessary to galvanize support for the Museum. The successful candidate will be a strategic and energetic individual who is collaborative, diplomatic, and visionary. Top candidates will demonstrate evidence of progressively increasing organizational leadership within complex environments where relationship building and influencing skills are key to success. UMMA seeks candidates with senior-level management experience in an art museum setting, arts institution, or similar organizations, with a record of strong institutional and financial management. Other key qualities include a talent and enthusiasm for outreach and fundraising, and a commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive staff and student body. An advanced degree in an art-related field required; a Ph.D. or research credentials is desirable, as is equivalent professional and leadership experience in a comparable setting.
The next Director of UMMA will be fortunate to lead a superb museum in one of the great research universities of the world. With a state-of the-art facility, located at the very center of the University, the Director will be free to concentrate on advancing a vision for UMMA that will continue to increase the quality, visibility, and accessibility of its programming and collections. The strength of the collections combined with the intellectual and scholarly assets available to UMMA throughout the University community, UMMA’s collaborative and experienced staff, and the enthusiasm and support provided by groups and individuals outside the University make the UMMA directorship a unique opportunity in the museum world. The next Director will need to have the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to leverage these strengths to address UMMA’s opportunities going forward.
UMMA has retained the executive search firm of Korn Ferry to assist in the search. Please email nominations and applications (resume and cover letter) to: Naree W.S. Viner, Principal, at: ummadirector@kornferry.com
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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