Interim Director of the Feitler Center for Academic ...

DepartmentAI Museum Director About the DepartmentThe Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Founded as the David and Alfred Smart Gallery in 1974, the museum was renamed to the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art in 1990. The Museum has long served as a model for academic art museums by combining the University’s deep-seated commitment to intense creative and intellectual engagement and open dialogue with Chicago’s entrepreneurial spirit, the South Side’s robust creative communities, and global arts perspectives that bridge lines of culture, language, and lived experience. Over 51,000 visitors annually experience the Smart, with exhibitions and programs highlighting permanent collections, works by contemporary artists, and objects on loan from institutional partners and private collectors. The Smart’s permanent collection dynamically supports academic and artistic study, inspires new ideas and creative interpretation, and provides a space for reflection and conversation for the Museum’s many audiences. Comprising nearly 18,000 objects, this growing body of artworks represents art from across the globe, from antiquity to the present day. The University of Chicago is keen to support the Smart Museum’s dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities – locally, nationally, and internationally. Job SummaryThe Interim Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry leads the Museum’s academic engagement, student and community outreach, and public programming. This position serves as a key ambassador for advancing the role of art in teaching and supports interdisciplinary pedagogy and community engagement. In collaboration with faculty, students, and community members, the Interim Director integrates object-based study into curricular and co-curricular pursuits, helping define the Smart Museum as a destination for individuals from different disciplines to engage in research, learning, and conversation through art objects. As Interim Head of Education, the position oversees the Education Department, providing strategic leadership to foster collaboration and alignment between the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and the Education team. These responsibilities constitute approximately 10 percent of the total duties of the role. This interim position will be in effect while a full search for the permanent position is conducted, with an expected end date of June 30, 2026. Responsibilities Partners with Museum Director to execute the vision, strategy, and goals for the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry. Oversees Feitler Center staff, budget, and activities, including collaborative programs with University and community partners, as well as internships and student professional development experiences. Builds and maintains relationships with faculty and students to foster innovation, experimentation, and practice connected to multidisciplinary object-based teaching and research. Advocates for the role of art in teaching and learning across campus and in the community. Supports curricular engagement with the Smart Museum by organizing and teaching or co-teaching University class visits, and works to increase the number of classes visiting the museum. Organizes curricular-driven exhibitions, as appropriate. Collaborates with colleagues across the Smart Museum to advance museum-wide goals. Provides oversight for Education staff, budget, and overall activities. Strengthens collaboration and alignment between the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and the Education team. Manages employees by assessing annual performance. Provides specialized professional expertise in program management. Implements plans for educational programs and initiatives and acts as a liaison between the program and program participants. Plans and develops program objectives and/or content. Researches and identifies trends and needs and establishes program directions accordingly. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Advanced degree in art history or a related field. Preferred Competencies Knowledge of museum best practices and current/emerging trends in the academic museum field. Excellent university-level teaching skills, emphasizing object-based and interactive methodologies. Strong research abilities to connect the collection to interdisciplinary courses. Genuine enthusiasm for collaboration and interdisciplinary engagement with faculty and students. Effective manager able to mentor staff in a diverse and active environment. Experience with strategic planning and implementing programs/events/projects. Understanding of systems of assessment and evaluation. Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external University partners and diverse audiences. Strong outreach, interpersonal, and collegial skills. Well-developed written/oral communication skills and communicate clearly and effectively. Application Documents Resume/CV (required) Cover Letter (required) Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred) When applying, the document(s) must be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Details Job Family: Administration & Management Role Impact: Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 Drug Test Required: No Health Screen Required: No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No Pay Rate Type: Salary FLSA Status: Exempt Pay Range: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible: Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University/'s Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago/'s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-30