Position Information

Posting Number 20113069

Position Title Director and Curator, Dishman Art Museum

FTE 1.0

Position Type Staff

Department Dishman Art Museum

Position Summary Information

Job Summary/Basic Function

About This Role:

Lamar University seeks a Director and Curator to provide strategic leadership and curatorial oversight for the Dishman Art Museum. Key responsibilities include managing budgets, expenses, and facility maintenance; ensuring security and preservation of the museum’s collections; overseeing exhibition curation, installation, and lighting; as well as supervising staff and student assistants. In addition to internal management, the Director leads outreach initiatives, fostering strong relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the broader arts community. The role involves close collaboration with Lamar University’s Curator of Public Art and serves on the Public Art Committee. The Director currently works with Advancement on the museum’s annual fundraiser. This position reports to the Dean of the College of Fine Arts & Communication.

What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Operations Management

• Supervise the personnel and activities of the Dishman Art Museum.

• Oversee art openings and access to the museum for both university constituents and the public.

• Develop and maintain both short-term and long-term scheduling for exhibitions.

• Curatorial Oversight & Exhibition Management

• Select, plan, and install exhibitions, including hanging and lighting, that align with the museum’s mission.

• Ensure high curatorial standards and effective presentation of artworks.

• Financial Management, Fundraising & Development

• Manage and review the museum’s operating budget annually.

• Secure external funding through grant writing, donor cultivation, and work with Advancement on fundraising initiatives.

• Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations

• Maintain timely, professional, and amicable correspondence with stakeholders, including:

• University students, staff, faculty, and administration.

• Local and regional community members.

• Museum partnerships and professional organizations.

• Facility Oversight & Compliance

• Oversee building maintenance, security, and adherence to facility policies.

• Ensure compliance with university emergency preparedness and safety regulations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Educational Programming & Outreach

• Create and foster educational activities for Lamar University and the Southeast Texas community in collaboration with the Department of Art & Design.

Key Competencies:

Knowledge

• Art history, curation, collections management, and conservation.

• Museum operations, including strategic planning and legal standards.

• Fundraising, grant writing, and donor cultivation.

• Educational programming and community engagement.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and team management.

• Persuasive communication and advocacy abilities.

• Budgeting and financial oversight.

• Project management and multitasking.

Abilities

• Strategic thinking and decision-making.

• Problem-solving and adaptability.

• Inspiring visionary leadership.

• Cooperative attitude and amicable working demeanor with stakeholders of the university, including, but not limited to, students, staff, faculty, administrators, Southeast Texas community, artists, and donors.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to lift 40 pounds and be able to perform a variety of physical tasks including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, stair climbing, and walking between buildings.

Job Conditions:

• This position operates in a professional museum environment within a university setting. Work may include extended hours, evening and weekend events, and occasional travel for exhibitions, fundraising, or professional development. The role requires frequent interaction with donors, artists, faculty, and the public

Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• Life insurance

• State of Texas Retirement plans

• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents.

• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits – Lamar University (https://www.lamar.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/hr-services/benefits/index.html)

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an art-related field.

• At least one year of experience as a museum curator (including selecting and installing exhibitions) and/or director.

• Knowledge of standards and best practices for museums and galleries or similar organizations, as well as a history of participation in relevant professional organizations and boards.

• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends.

  EEO Statement

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD, Master’s, or terminal degree in museum studies, art history, or an art-related field.

• Ability to manage collections and museum resources.

• Successful fundraising, audience development, and grant writing.

• Experience in public speaking.

• Ability to supervise and work cooperatively and effectively with museum staff, volunteers, artists, and campus and community constituencies.

• Evidence of success in developing, managing, and growing an annual operating budget.

• Strong business management skills, including planning, time management, and decision-making skills.

• Knowledge of Texas Art.

• Working knowledge of PastPerfect or other museum software, spreadsheet, database, email, calendar/scheduling, and word processing software.

  Security Sensitive Statement

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary Commensurate

Work Hours

Application Information

Posting Date 02/27/2025

Close Date 04/28/2025

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions