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Director of the School of Visual Studies

Employer
University of Missouri - Columbia
Location
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Salary
Competitive Salary
Date posted
Nov 13, 2024
View more categoriesView less categories
Position Type
Faculty Positions, Arts, Art, Art History, Other Arts
Employment Type
Full Time

Job Details



Hiring Department

School of Visual Studies

Job Description

The University of Missouri invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the School of Visual Studies (SVS). SVS is housed in the College of Arts and Science (A&S), the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus, and the Director will report to the Dean of A&S.

SVS was formed in 2017 and is comprised of five programs – art, art history, digital storytelling, graphic design, and film studies. The mission of the School is to explore the visual arts in their full complexity through interdisciplinary studies in the history and theory of art and visual culture, and foundations of practice. SVS offers Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees within the five programs. Please visit https://visualstudies.missouri.edu for more information.

The new Director will have the opportunity to build from a solid foundation of collaborative and interdisciplinary research and creative activities in the School’s core areas. This individual will lead the strategic, programmatic, financial, fundraising, and management operations that support the mission and vision of SVS, its role within the University of Missouri, and our engagement with local, regional, and global stakeholders. This opportunity requires a builder, a futurist, a storyteller, and a results-oriented leader who can develop strong relationships with internal and external constituencies.

Specific duties of the Director include but are not limited to:
  • Serve as the chief academic officer for SVS.
  • Oversee operations, including budget, and strategic planning for SVS.
  • Lead and manage SVS faculty and staff.
  • Steward existing and new community engagement programs, advisory board, alumni, donor and corporate relationships while setting strategic advancement goals for SVS.
  • Advocate for the SVS to units around the university, community, and the broader academic field.
  • Maintain personal research/creative activities practice.
  • Foster an environment of welcoming inclusivity for students, staff, and faculty at the University of Missouri.
Qualifications

The new Director will hold a terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in an art-related field and have a record of research or creative works and teaching suitable for the appointment of full professor with tenure.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to experimentation and innovation including the development of interdisciplinary initiatives through teaching, research, and partnerships. Knowledge and appreciation for studio art, art history, graphic design, moving-image and digital media as well as a demonstrated commitment to building welcoming and collaborative culture are required.

Application Materials

Use the online application and be prepared to upload
  • a detailed curriculum vitae,
  • a letter of application or statement summarizing experience in higher education and arts administration, personal vision, relevant leadership experience,
  • a portfolio of research/creative works including a research statement,
  • and the names and contact information for 3 references.
This position will be closed on February 16, 2025. Nominations, applications, and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University’s strategic search partner: Anna Cramer, Senior HR Consultant, umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits .

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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Company

 Mizzou

The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 in Columbia, Mo., as the first public university west of the Mississippi River and the first state university in Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase territory. MU provides all the benefits of two universities in one — it's a major land-grant institution and Missouri's largest public research university.

Considered one of the nation's top-tier institutions, Mizzou has a reputation of excellence in teaching and research, and is the flagship campus of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of only 34 public universities, and the only public institution in Missouri, to be selected for membership in the Association of American Universities. MU offers more than 280 degree programs — including more than 75 online degree options — and is designated as comprehensive doctoral with medical/veterinary by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Mizzou is recognized nationally and receives top rankings for its programs in many areas, including journalismdispute resolutionfamily and community medicinecampus writing program and Freshman Interest Groups. As one of only six public universities in the country with medicineveterinary medicine and law all on one campus, MU provides Missouri with an educated work force of doctors, veterinarians and lawyers.

At Mizzou, we know how to make an impact—and our work reaches far beyond our campus. When you become part of our community, you’ll be part of our collective effort to teach, to learn and to drive change that results in better lives and brighter futures for the world.

Mizzou Tigers are lifelong learners, and that includes our faculty and staff members. All employees have the opportunity to pursue personal and professional growth and acquire new skills for their own benefit and the benefit of the university.

Our university seeks to support the whole employee, and that includes a competitive compensation and benefits package, support that will help you find work/life balance, a focus on career planning and plenty of opportunities to find and be recognized for your success.

We support an engaged and energized university community through competitive medical, dental and vision insurance as well as diverse programs to support whole-person wellness.

Mizzou empowers employees to make a lasting financial plan with retirement plan options, some of which are accessible to all faculty and staff, no matter their eligibility for other benefits.

Mizzou is a world-renowned educational and research institution, and our first-rate faculty, staff and students are part of something big. If you’re looking for a vibrant community that offers endless opportunities to grow and make a difference throughout our state, the nation and the world, our university may be the place for you. 

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