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Virginia Union University

Director of Art Museum

Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214


Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.

Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are

Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence.

The University Museum Curator is responsible for the acquisition, care, and display of the museum’s collections. This role includes overseeing the development of exhibitions, managing the preservation and documentation of artifacts, and fostering educational opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community. The curator plays a key role in integrating the museum’s resources into the university’s academic programs and public outreach initiatives, ensuring that the museum serves as a dynamic educational and cultural resource.

Responsibilities:

Maintain the highest standards of care for the collection, including implementing best practices in preservation and handling.Develop and update the museum’s collection policy, including the identification of potential acquisitions and deaccessions.Plan, design, and implement museum exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and reflect the university’s academic priorities.Collaborate with faculty and students to create exhibits that align with academic curricula and research interests.Coordinate the installation and de-installation of exhibitions, including the design and layout of gallery spaces.Develop and coordinate educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours, to engage students, faculty, and the public.Publish findings and contribute to the academic community through scholarly articles, books, lectures, and conference presentations.Support faculty and student research by providing access to the museum’s collections and resources.Collaborate with external institutions for joint exhibitions, research projects, and educational initiatives.Participate in university committees and initiatives that support the integration of the arts and humanities across the curriculum.Promote the museum’s activities through marketing, social media, and public relations efforts to increase visibility and engagement.Assist in fundraising initiatives, including grant writing and donor cultivation, to support the museum’s programs and collections.Develop and maintain relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders to enhance the museum’s financial sustainability.Manage the museum’s budget, staff, and volunteers, ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the museum.Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards related to museum operations, including copyright, repatriation, and cultural sensitivity issues.Oversee the museum’s digital and physical records, including the use of museum management software and digital cataloging tools.Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.Education:

Master’s degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field is required.A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in museum curation, with a strong background in collection management, exhibition design, and educational programming.Proficiency in museum management software and digital cataloging tools.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and four references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For any questions or concerns, please contact ASKHR@VUU.EDU.

VUU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other protected class. For more information about Virginia Union University, visit VUU About Page.