Springfield Art Museum, Springfield, Missouri

Vision of the Springfield Art Museum

The Springfield Art Museum recognizes the past and embraces the future as a collaborator and catalyst for the transformation of individuals and the community through art. The Art Museum is a vital partner in the economic development of the city and values collaboration. The Museum will actively cultivate the use of its facilities both interior and exterior as a cultural resource for its citizens through the continued expansion of its permanent collection, creative development and expansion of exhibitions and providing educational outreach to the citizens of Southwest Missouri.

Exceptional Opportunity

The Springfield Art Museum is a beautiful facility on the edge of a tree-filled city park and close to Missouri State University. The Art Museum has a rich heritage of supporting the arts in the Ozarks. The Museum is a city-owned facility and operates under authority of a nine-member board. Incorporated in 1928, the Museum was first operated entirely by volunteers and still relies heavily on community support in a variety of ways. The Museum has had several homes along the way.

The present Museum opened in 1958. A 392-seat auditorium was completed in 1974 and extensive renovation of the Museum was completed in 1984. In 1994, the Jeannette L. Musgrave Wing with four new exhibition galleries and storage for the permanent collections was completed. In 2008, a new wing with an entry hall, galleries, gift shop and a new library was completed. The beautiful grounds of the Springfield Art Museum also include an amphitheater built in 1936 by the WPA. The Museum has been financially supported by a property tax levy since 1940.

Director of Art Museum

The Art Museum Board seeks an accomplished leader whose passion for art, obvious enthusiasm and engaging personality is demonstrated by a track record of influencing others to action and creating excitement about the museum’s vision. This individual will bring a leadership characterized by an ability to engage major stakeholders, develop and empower staff, build credibility, carry out plans and imbue a culture of accomplishment. We seek a leader who is an exceptional communicator and listener both internally and externally, whose passion for the purpose is clearly evident by his or her ability to clearly and enthusiastically articulate the museum’s mission.

The ideal candidate will have experience that demonstrates integrity and leadership in the management of a dynamic organization in the process of growth. Successful experience in fundraising, marketing, strategic envisioning, general management, preservation of collections, financial management and volunteer/board relations is also important. The ideal candidate will also have proven leadership in the management of a museum.

Prior success in fundraising for major gifts, corporate sponsors or large foundation grants is required. An ability to develop strong relationships with business, community and elected leaders must be demonstrated. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit organization, particularly a background of revenue enhancement and good budget management, is necessary.

The ideal candidate must show evidence of effective staff management and organizational skills in such areas as hiring, coaching, collaborating, problem solving and goal setting within a highly dedicated and multidisciplinary staff.
Minimum Requirements:

•    Demonstrated ability to provide creative leadership; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to think, act and plan in a strategic manner.
•    A firm understanding of business financial principles and budgeting in order to manage and grow existing and new revenue streams. Competence in the use of computer applications for word processing, internet, and electronic mail.
•    Experience establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with other organizations.
•    Demonstrated success in fund-raising; solid experience in identifying, cultivating and soliciting contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
•    Must have the ability to create traditional media, print media and social media campaigns that drive traffic to the museum.
•    Requires a Master’s Degree in a related field, such as Art, Art History, or Museum Studies in Art; including a minimum of four years progressive, professional experience in an art museum, with at least two years employment in a management capacity.

Qualified candidates interested in learning more about this exciting opportunity or how to apply for this position can visit the City’s Job page for Director of Art Museum