Gallery Director

Posting Details

Posting Number F00099P Quick Link for Position https://jobs.uafs.edu/postings/1732 Working Title Gallery Director Position Number 21-11-0039 Department Art About the University

For more than 6,000 students each semester, the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith offers a dynamic and diverse learning community with a student-centered approach focused on the success of the individual. Small class sizes combine with innovative, hands-on learning and research experiences alongside expert faculty to ensure students receive a future-focused education at the most affordable tuition rate in the state. The university has undergone significant changes since its founding in 1928 and now offers 51 bachelor’s and associate degrees, two master’s degrees, and 36 certificate programs, all aimed at preparing students for success in the global workforce. UAFS is one of 21 academic institutions and affiliates governed by the University of Arkansas System.

The second-largest city in the state, Fort Smith is located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley. Established in 1817 as a frontier military post, Fort Smith is now a vibrant and growing city featuring a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options, including a thriving downtown arts and entertainment district. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate the Natural State’s plentiful trails, mountains, forests, parks, and waterways, both within city limits and throughout the surrounding area. The city is also within easy driving distance of Tulsa, Kansas City, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, and Memphis.

The UAFS campus is comprised of 77 buildings and facilities located on 170 beautifully manicured acres and crowned with the Donald W. Reynolds Campus Plaza, Tower, and Campus Green. Students who choose to live on campus may do so in one of two residence hall complexes, complete with a full-service dining center, or the on-campus apartment complex for married students and upperclassmen. Campus involvement is encouraged by participation in more than 100 registered student organizations, which includes academic societies, a dynamic Greek life system, intramural sports, and cultural/special interest groups. The UAFS Lions compete in NCAA Division II Lonestar Conference in men’s baseball, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball, golf, cross country, and tennis.

About the College / Department

The Department of Art at the University of Arkansas offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, and a minor in both Art History and Studio Art. The Art Department is accredited through NASAD . The Art Department is housed in the newly constructed Windgate Building of Art & Design (2015), a 58,000sq foot building with state of the art facilities—including four Mac computer labs, Senior Studio spaces, digital photography, printmaking, and letterpress studios together with spacious classrooms for graphic design, studio art and art history.

Position Summary

This is a faculty position with primary responsibilities focused on curating, exhibition planning and installation, exhibition publicity, and promotion of the Windgate Main Gallery and other campus galleries. Additional responsibilities include management and oversight of campus galleries, the supervision of gallery assistants, recruitment and collaboration with artists, resource development and management. The position will teach at least one class each year in area of expertise. The Director will work collaboratively to engage the campus and community through diverse programming, educational outreach, and community relations. The position reports to the Dean of the College of Communications, Language Arts, and Social Sciences.

Summary of Job Duties

• Initiate, develop, manage, and promote campus gallery exhibitions and activities.
• Provide stewardship and oversight of the University permanent collection: conservation, documentation, storage, research and acquisition of works.
• Engage campus and community through diverse programming, educational outreach, and community relations.
• Work with Department of Art faculty in promoting use of the Gallery.
• Teach at least one class each year in area of expertise.
• Develop and steward donor and budget resources.
• Initiate and manage grants and grant-writing projects; keep detailed records; author reports to funding agencies.
• Manage budget and day-to-day operations.
• Develop and submit annual report.
• Recruit, train, and supervise gallery assistants.
• Oversight of the Windgate gallery and campus exhibition spaces.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards in administration of duties.
• Maintain strong working relationship with faculty and staff.
• Responsible for working with community leaders to promote the Visual Arts.
• Maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• M.F.A in Studio Art or Design or a master’s degree in art history, museum studies, curatorial studies, arts management, or related field.
• Minimum two years of art gallery or museum experience.

Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.

License(s)/Certifications Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing programming and outreach associated with visual art and design education.
• Experience with contemporary art.
• Experience with Apple OS, Adobe Creative Suite.
• Teaching experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:
• Knowledge of basic conservation and care of artwork.
• Knowledge of current exhibition practices and requirements: generally recognized good practices.
• Knowledge of contemporary art. (preferred)
• Knowledge of Apple OS, Adobe Creative Suite. (preferred)
• Knowledge Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to act with tact and diplomacy in interaction with others.
• Familiarity with relevant social media platforms.
• Ability to work in a robust academic and artistic environment with excellent organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; and develop realistic action plans, meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with local and regional community partners to promote art and art education.
• Ability to connect and engage diverse groups on campus and the wider community.

Special Job Dimensions

Some travel may be required. Position requires regular use of ladders, hand tools, working with lighting fixtures, and lifting. Late afternoon/evening/weekend activities may be required. Work performed primarily in an office/classroom/studio setting. Required abilities include walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods. Visual demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly speaks and listens. Some job duties may require lifting of items up to ten (10) pounds.

Work Schedule

This is a 12-month position.

Start date is negotiable.

Salary Salary commensurate with education and experience. Benefits

Competitive benefits package.

Background Check / Pre-Employment Screening

This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal background check, sex offender registry check, financial history background check, and/or drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non- discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Does this position require a background check? Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check. Position requires employee complete Arkansas Mandated Reporter training prior to employment.
Open Date 02/05/2021 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Open until filled. For full consideration, apply by March 14, 2021.

Anticipated start date EEO Statement

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution, dedicated to attracting and supporting diverse student, faculty, and staff populations. The University welcomes applications without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

UA Fort Smith provides equal employment, admission, and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or gender identify. The University abides by all applicable employment laws.

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, the University is committed to provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees with regard to recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, training, fringe benefits and all other aspects of employment.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial College Transcripts
4. Curatorial Portfolio or Link to Portfolio

Optional Documents

1. Portfolio or Link to Portfolio
2. Unofficial College Transcripts - Additional 1
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Proof of Veteran Status

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have teaching experience?
   • Yes
   • No
2. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
3. * Do you understand that failure to complete the Employment History section of the application will result in automatic elimination?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Did you complete the Employment History section of the application?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you understand that failure to upload your unofficial transcript(s) may result in an incomplete application packet?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Did you upload your unofficial transcript(s)?
   • Yes
   • No
7. * Have you ever been fired or asked to resign from a job?
   • Yes
   • No
8. If yes, please describe.
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
9. * How did you learn of this employment opportunity?
   
   (Open Ended Question)