Director of University Museum and Historic Houses

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Position Description

The University of Mississippi seeks nominations and applications for the position of Director of The University of Mississippi’s Museum and Historic Houses. The Director reports directly to the Provost and is responsible for administering all aspects of the University Museum, Rowan Oak, and working with a Friends of the Museum auxiliary board. The successful candidate will be a creative administrator who will foster and enhance an environment in which diverse constituencies, including members of the university community and the general public can study and learn from the direct experience of the Museum’s collection of art, artifacts, and historic houses.

 

The Mission: The University of Mississippi Museum and Historic Houses enrich our cultural and academic life by providing exhibitions and programs that inspire learning, discourse, curiosity, and imagination.

 

The University Museum collections include the Millington and Barnard Collection of mid-19th century scientific instruments, the David M. Robinson Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities, southern folk and outsider art including the largest extant collection of artworks by Theora Hamblett and sculpted figures by Sultan Rogers, fine art, decorative art, and historical memorabilia. The museum’s holding number approximately 17,000 items.

 

The short descriptions of the staff roles and duties reflect a collaborative and cooperative model for serving the mission of the Museum.

 

MANAGER OF MUSEUM OPERATIONS: Manages all finances, schedules student workers for front desk and manages Gift Shop.

 

VISITOR SERVICES AND OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE: Greets and accounts for guests in museum in conjunction with student workers. Keeps an eye on galleries and facility and informs proper staff member if an issue needs to be addressed.

 

MUSEUM PREPARATOR AND BUILDING MAYOR: Builds exhibits, packs art / artifacts to ship, performs restoration to Rowan Oak. Responsible for Museum and Rowan Oak facilities and communicates issues to facilities maintenance.

 

CURATOR AND COLLECTIONS MANAGER: Chooses and designs all exhibits. In charge of storage and safety of collection.

 

ASSISTANT COLLECTIONS MANAGER/REGISTRAR: Assists Collections Manager with the storage and security of collection. Responsible for all documentation and paperwork. pertaining to collection.

 

MEMBERSHIP, EVENTS & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Manage and create content for all museum communication forums and social platforms. Overseas museum membership. Coordinate all museum events, including, but not limited to, museum rentals, opening/closing receptions, and museum fundraising events.

 

CURATOR OF EDUCATION: The Curator of Education is responsible for developing and managing educational programs that engage and inform diverse audiences about the Museum's exhibits and collections.

 

CURATOR OF ROWAN OAK: Coordinates the maintenance and operation of the home, grounds, and surrounding outbuildings, supervises and directs the curation of exhibits, assists in acquiring grants and donations, and assists scholarly research pertaining to William Faulkner and his home.

 

ASSISTANT CURATOR of ROWAN OAK: Manages the daily operations of the home, coordinates and conducts guided tours, creates exhibits and digital content, and assists in scholarly research pertaining to William Faulkner and the history of his home.

Examples of Work Performed

Daily/Weekly, the Director might:

 

1. Meet with undergraduate or graduate students who seek curricular, grad school, or careers guidance.
2. Lead discussions with individual staff members and discrete segments of the Museum.
3. Lead the monthly meetings with the Friends of the Museum Board.
4. Represent the Museum at meetings with the Provost, Dean of Liberal Arts, and chairs of Arts departments.
5. Represent the Museum to state, regional, and national museum associations. Be a voice in the field.
6. Monitor evolving Best Practices and Standards of the museum field.
7. Advocate for the Museum, Rowen Oak, and the professional staff regarding financial support for individuals and areas within the Museum to university leadership.
8. Communicate with diverse stakeholder constituencies and manage expectations.
9. Speak to media and the public as a Spokesperson for the Museum.
10. Collaborate with city and community leaders and advocate for the Museum.
11. Strategize with five-state region museum Directors as a collaborating partner.
12. De