Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

Major job duties include overseeing the NEH on the Road traveling exhibition program; identifying and cultivating exhibition prospects; coordinating exhibition development with a diverse array of professional staff and contractors; managing key budget lines and timelines; and working with curators, lenders, and host institutions.  This includes the coordination and development of the exhibition script and didactic material; acquisition and loan negotiations; overseeing the organization and implementation of the exhibition orientation sessions; as well as miscellaneous department activities organized or produced by M-AAA. The position requires flexibility and skill to undertake priorities that can change from day to day; to communicate effectively with the project team, stakeholders, management, and other relevant parties; and to handle confidential matters requiring absolute discretion.

The ideal candidate for this position will have an advanced degree, at least three years of experience in a museum or touring exhibition environment, a history of demonstrating initiative, superior writing and editing skills, the ability to coordinate and maintain priorities, and the capacity to accept constructive criticism by program partners. They must be able to project a professional organization image via in-person, phone, and mailed communications.
Mid-America Arts Alliance is headquartered in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, Missouri. M-AAA brings more art to more people in communities throughout our six-state region (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) and the nation. With an annual operating budget of over $4 million and 27 staff members we produce and manage more than 450 exhibition, performance, and professional development opportunities in more than 300 communities for more than one million people annually.

·       Act as the liaison between M-AAA, the NEH, originating institutions, and host institutions in communicating and facilitating program activity.

·       Guide originating institutions through the initial exhibition assessment and adaptation development process.

·       Prepare materials for site reviews, and manage logistics for site visits and other program meetings as needed.

·       Identify key exhibition concepts and research, write, and acquire appropriate materials necessary to convey the humanities themes of each exhibition to constituents.

·       Act as exhibition curator in the absence of an organizing curator for an exhibition.

·       Work in conjunction with the Education Curator and to implement venue orientations and consult on educational materials that accompany each exhibition.

·       Productively engage in the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective programming strategies related to humanities exhibitions.

·       Coordinate with other department staff to effectively complete duties.  This includes promoting positive staff communication and efficiency as well as enacting accountability measures when necessary.

·       Assist Constituent Services with the preparation of descriptive exhibition information for marketing and website materials.

·       Generate reports, reviews and recommendations in accordance with grant requirements.

·       Perform other duties as discussed with and assigned by the division director.

·       Effective overall management, development, and delivery of the NEH on the Road program within the established scope of the program, budgets, and timelines.

·       Evidence of high quality exhibition content that utilizes a variety of delivery mechanisms.

·       Pro-active approach to curatorial responsibilities and related department programming.

·       Effective working relationship with other staff members, NEH staff, and project partners.

·       Accurate and complete documentation of all program logistical information.

·       General performance criteria as listed on evaluation form.

·       Advanced degree in history, applied history, museum studies, or closely related humanities field.

·       Three to five years of experience in exhibition development, from concept to completion.

·       Demonstrated success in museum interpretation, i.e. experience editing scholarly work and conveying complex ideas in accessible language.

·       Successful record of project management, including planning and managing timelines and budgets.

·       General knowledge of museum theory, practice, and operations.

·       Excellent problem solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks.

·       Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

·       Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of staff and professional colleagues.

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Process:

To apply, send cover letter and resume by email to hr@maaa.org.  No phone calls please.

Mid-America Arts Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.