Director of Galleries & Community Engagement

The Director of Galleries & Community Engagement is an energetic, mission-driven community builder who leads MIAD’s gallery experiences to support learning, foster dialogue, and demonstrate the cultural value of art and design. The Director integrates curatorial vision, exhibition design, collections care, archives oversight, donor stewardship, and public programming to create meaningful connections among MIAD students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

This position oversees operations of MIAD’s publicly accessible galleries—the Frederick Layton Gallery, Brooks Stevens Gallery, and Community Hub Gallery—along with exhibition programming, management of MIAD’s Art & Design Collections, and the on-campus archives. The Director also coordinates artwork displays in campus spaces for special events and manages external gallery partnerships, including MKE Airport, M3 Insurance, and University Towers.

The Director of Galleries & Community Engagement reports to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Key Responsibilities

MIAD On-site Galleries

1. Manage exhibitions in MIAD’s publicly accessible galleries and other assigned locations.
2. Lead and collaborate with the Gallery Committee (faculty/staff) to plan, develop, and schedule future exhibitions; convene at least monthly and ensure clear communication.
3. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications, the Gallery Committee, and stakeholders to create mission-aligned public programs with educational content relevant to MIAD’s academic programming.
4. Partner with Marketing & Communications on public relations, media, and marketing materials for exhibitions and programs; serve as a media spokesperson as appropriate (e.g. local news, journalism, radio, etc.).
5. Steward current donors and cultivate new supporters; align with the Grant Manager to pursue funding for exhibitions and initiatives.
6. Strengthen community partnerships with artists, curators, cultural organizations, and community leaders through regular engagement.
7. Lead the Art & Design Collections Committee; ensure policy adherence, documentation, conservation priorities, and collection display across campus.
8. Oversee artwork selection and presentation for events using gallery spaces (e.g., Annual Gala, Senior Thesis Exhibition, Holiday Sale).
9. Oversee staffing for gallery events (e.g., opening receptions, Gallery Night/Day, public programs); engage attendees and foster connection to MIAD.
10. Represent MIAD at public events to build community relationships.
11. Curate exhibitions as needed.
12. Supervise gallery staff (currently: full-time Exhibition & Collections Manager) and student employees and interns; provide feedback and professional development.
13. Create and manage the annual galleries budget with the VPIA; develop an annual plan and provide quarterly reports.
14. Review, develop, and communicate policies and procedures for Galleries (e.g. loans, lender agreements, condition reporting, insurance/COI).
15. Record donor and constituent interactions in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge.

Off-site Galleries/Exhibitions/Projects

16. Manage off-site galleries, exhibitions, and special projects.
17. Work with VPIA to create and execute contracts for off-site exhibitions.
18. Build and maintain relationships with partner contacts; invite them to events and keep them informed about MIAD.
19. Oversee installation and deinstallation of artwork; ensure safe handling, transportation, environmental conditions, and insurance compliance.

Other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in art, design, art history, museum/curatorial studies, arts administration, or equivalent professional experience.
• Five (5)+ years of successful gallery/museum experience including:
  • Required: End-to-end exhibition production (planning, installation, deinstallation)
  • Required: Professional art handling and installation (2D/3D) and condition reporting
  • Preferred: Collections management (policy, documentation, preventive care)
  • Preferred: Registrar/loan processes (incoming/outgoing loans, preventive care)
• Supervisory experience with staff and/or student employees.
• Budget development and project management with multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience in higher education is a plus.
• Availability to work evenings/weekends for events and to travel locally between sites as needed.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Proficiency with standard office tools; ability to correspond electronically and use a work computer (Microsoft Word, Excel).
• Hands-on participation in installation and removal of exhibitions.
• Familiarity with social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook).
• Strong organization and attention to detail; ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective collaborator with faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Solid knowledge of:
• Contemporary and historic fields of visual art and design
• Art handling, installation, preparation, and presentation techniques
• Best practices in collections management, storage, and national/international shipping and insurance
• Ability to lift/move 40 pounds, use ladders/step stools, and work in a moderately noisy environment.