Director and Curator, Dishman Art Museum

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Manage and review the museum's operating budget annually.
• Secure external funding through grant writing, donor cultivation, and work with Advancement on fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain timely, professional, and amicable correspondence with stakeholders, including university students, staff, faculty, and administration.
• Oversee building maintenance, security, and adherence to facility policies.
• Ensure compliance with university emergency preparedness and safety regulations.
• Create and foster educational activities for Lamar University and the Southeast Texas community in collaboration with the Department of Art & Design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an art-related field.
• At least three years of experience as a museum curator (including selecting and installing exhibitions) and/or director OR a graduate degree in an art-related field.
• Knowledge of standards and best practices for museums and galleries or similar organizations.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including evenings and weekends.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

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.