The Museum of Art at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) in Utica, New York, seeks an energetic, forward-thinking Deputy Director for the Museum (one of three MWPAI program divisions) to work with the President to meet the dynamic goals established for the Museum in the organization’s new strategic plan.

MWPAI is a dynamic arts center that creates transformational arts experiences that cultivate curiosity and creativity, enlighten, educate, and serve diverse audiences. MWPAI fulfills its mission through three program divisions: Museum of Art, School of Art, and Performing Arts. Founded in 1919 and opened in 1936, MWPAI is named after the three generations of one family who were inspired to create "an artistic, musical, and social center" with a commitment to this vibrant area in Central New York.
The Museum’s renowned collection includes nearly 15,000 artworks, with core strengths in late 18th-century through contemporary American fine arts and sculpture, 19th-century American decorative arts, and a large works on paper collection, among other materials. (See www.MWPAI/collections for an introduction to the collection.) The Museum is housed in a 1960 Philip Johnson-designed building and an 1850 Italianate former home, both of which are on the Federal and State Historic Registers. These structures were joined in 1995 by a Museum Education wing that houses public spaces, offices, and collection storage.

The MWPAI School of Art and Design has grown dramatically from the original community arts education program, which was first developed in 1941. In 1999 the prestigious Pratt Institute developed an affiliation with MWPAI, PrattMWP College of Art & Design is a two-year residential program for 200 full-time freshmen and sophomores who then relocate to Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn campus to complete their bachelor of fine arts degrees. The School of Art and Design also offers a strong community arts program with courses for youth, teens, and adults in the region.
The Performing Arts Division presents more than 25 live performances, featuring rising stars, legendary musicians, and touring ensembles from a variety of musical genres. Programs include recitals with commentary, cinema events, family programs, outdoor festival concerts, special events, and family activities. MWPAI also offers a summer arts festival, Art Library, an active membership program, a Museum Shop, and rental facilities for private events.
Annual attendance for all MWPAI programs is approximately 150,000. Led by an active 12-member board, MWPAI has an expansive urban campus that includes 28 buildings on 10 acres, a full- and part-time staff of 180, and an annual operating budget of $12.5 million.

Position Description: The Museum of Art Deputy Director reports to the President and is an integral member of the MWPAI senior management team. The Deputy Director will work alongside the President to oversee the Museum’s strategic initiatives (exceptional experiences, community engagement, strengthening and building capacity); curatorial, exhibition and educational programs; Registrar’s office and collections; budget; and day-to-day management. The Deputy Director functions as liaison between the President and Museum department heads. The Museum of Art Deputy Director will also be the chief staff liaison with several interdivisional MWPAI working committees. This position has potential for promotion.

Responsibilities:
• Work closely with President on all strategic planning and day-to-day operations, including supervision of personnel and development of programs in the Museum’s five departments, foster a culture of innovation while modeling effective project management skills. Supervise and manage Education, Curatorial, and Registrar/Exhibition departments.
• Model the values of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful.
• Engage with the Institute’s Board of Trustees at meetings and other activities. Provide presentations, reports and data on Museum departmental activities.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with MWPAI divisions, including Development, Marketing & Communications, School of Art, Performing Arts, Campus Safety, Facilities, and Finance, as well as visitors, volunteers, donors, vendors, contractors, and representatives of other museums nationally and internationally.
• Assume the authority of the President in matters relating to the Museum in her absence, including at Board and committee meetings.
• Help to develop, oversee, and consistently a positive annual budget of about $1.5 million in direct costs.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement the Museum’s programs, which account for more than 50% of MWPAI’s general participation.
• Work with the President and curatorial staff to create both traditional and innovative exhibition experiences for diverse Museum audiences, serving as curator for select permanent collection exhibitions and/or project coordinator for select loan exhibitions.
• Represent the Museum to the community through lectures, media appearances, and public programs.
• Work closely with all development efforts to secure sponsorships, art donations, and upper-level memberships, and to cultivate long-term donor relationships, and contribute to grant authorship.
• Help develop plans that will continue enhancing the Museum’s presence in the region and nationally through technology, including the Museum’s website, as well as publication projects and public relations initiatives.

Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, or related field, with minimum five years of museum work, including exhibitions. Academic background in American decorative arts or American fine arts a plus.

Skills: The ideal candidate will bring energy, creativity, vision, and resourcefulness to this position. Must have experience in: budget development and management, personnel management, and exhibition development. Candidate must have strong leadership, interpersonal, planning, organizational, and decision-making skills; exceptional presentation, written and verbal communication skills; and a track record of development, problem-solving, and meeting-management skills.

Ideal Personal Profile: In addition, the ideal candidate will also possess the following characteristics:
• A passion, knowledge, and dynamic energy to harness the power of the MWPAI collections to build community engagement though exhibitions and programs.
• Strong collaborative management skills to work effectively across MWPAI divisions to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships.
• The ability to motivate, mentor, and retain talented staff and delegate and empower colleagues while creating a positive and effective work environment.
• Proven talent in the development and implementation of a lively, balanced, and sustainable multi-year exhibition program.
• A strong work ethic and proficiency at prioritizing, meeting deadlines, and managing multiple priorities while exceeding expectations.

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is an equal opportunity employer.  For more information about the Institute, please visit http://www.mwpai.org  

To Apply:  Send cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to: Jeanette R. Breish, H.R. Director, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, 310 Genesee Street, Utica, New York  13502    hrjobs@mwpai.edu    315/797-0000, ext. 2108