Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

The Folger Shakespeare Library (the Folger) seeks a seasoned and strategic director with energy and vision to lead the organization into its second century. This is an opportunity to join an organization with a proud history, a distinguished reputation, and transformational ambitions. The Folger boasts the world’s largest collection of printed works of William Shakespeare, rare materials from the early modern period, and physical and electronic resources related to the understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare and his time. It offers advanced scholarly programs, national outreach to K-12 students and professionals, Shakespeare-inspired performances and programming, and family programs, all of the highest quality. Indeed, it is at the intersection of these activities where the Folger finds its strength and distinction. Each year, millions visit in person and virtually.

The Director will join the Folger at an auspicious time: in 2024 the institution will conclude a $80.5 million comprehensive capital project more than 10 years in planning and four years in construction. The next Director will have the singular opportunity to guide, support, and shape the Folger as visitors return to the building for the first time since 2020. The reimagined Folger will have 12,000 square feet of new space, two new exhibition halls, a learning lab, and collaborative research spaces, as well as accessible entrances, a café, and a new gift shop. This renovation represents an expansion of the Folger’s scope and ambition: to continue to serve and support the scholars and researchers who flock to the Folger to access its rich collections, and simultaneously to increase the Folger’s level of engagement with the general public, the diverse communities of Washington, DC and the surrounding region, and visitors from across the nation and around the globe.

The Folger seeks a director with the imagination, passion, and leadership ability to guide the organization as it retains its position of excellence as a resource for scholars, students, artists, and audiences; builds and expands its programs and offerings; and becomes more inclusive, experiential, and accessible to general and specialized audiences. The next Director will bring vision, a strategic mindset, an orientation toward collaboration and generosity, curiosity about and determination to advance all activities contained within the Folger, a transparent and communicative leadership style, and a sophisticated understanding of the operational and financial requirements necessary to fulfill the organization’s commitments and aspirations.

The Folger Shakespeare Library has retained Isaacson, Miller, the national executive search firm, to support the search committee in this recruitment. This is a permanent, full-time position in Washington, DC with a targeted starting base salary range of $485,000 – $585,000. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be sent electronically to Isaacson, Miller.

The Folger Shakespeare Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and actively works to enhance its diversity.

The advertised pay scale reflects the good faith base salary range for this role; it is not a promise of a particular wage for any specific employee. The specific base compensation offered to a candidate may be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, special qualifications, and other factors.

Please see the Folger Shakespeare Library’s values for more information.