Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Head of Education

About the Department

As the fine arts museum of the University of Chicago, the Smart Museum of Art is a site for rigorous inquiry and exchange that encourages the examination of complex issues through the lens of art objects and artistic practice. Through strong scholarly and community collaborations and a welcoming approach to its exhibitions, collections, publications, research and teaching, and public programs, the Smart Museum plays a dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking received histories, introducing new perspectives, and engaging diverse communities — locally, nationally, and internationally.

Job Summary

The Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry is charged with conceptualizing, leading, and advancing the museum's academic engagement, student and community outreach, and public programming. This position serves as a critical ambassador for advancing the role of art in teaching at large and shapes interdisciplinary pedagogy and community engagement. Through partnerships with faculty, students, and community members, the Director integrates object-based study into curricular and co-curricular pursuits and defines the Smart Museum as a premier destination for individuals from disparate disciplines to engage in collaborative research, learning, and conversation through the lens of art objects.

With the additional role of Head of Education, this position will also oversee the Smart's K-12 and family programming. This additional role will constitute approximately 10 percent of the total responsibilities for the position.

Responsibilities

• Partners with Museum Director to set vision, strategy, and goals for the Feitler Center of Academic Inquiry. Works closely with the Director to implement the Smart Museum of Art's new strategic plan, including launching the Museum's first-ever Thinktank.
• Oversees Feitler Center staff, budget, and overall activities; collaborative programs with University and community partners; robust internships and student professional development experiences.
• Builds and maintains relationships with faculty and students to foster innovation, experimentation, and practice connected to multi-disciplinary object-based teaching and research.
• Serves as an enthusiastic connector and liaison to academic departments and administrative units within the University.
• Supports curricular engagement with the Smart Museum of Art by organizing and teaching or co-teaching University class visits.
• Partners with Director and Deputy Director in development of marketing plan and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the Smart Museum of Art to advance museum-wide goals.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, and assessing annual performance.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: College or university degree in related field.
Experience: 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in art history, visual culture, or related field.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to articulate a strong pedagogical vision for object-based teaching across a range of disciplines.
• Interest in expanding the Smart's curricular engagement to new areas of the university, especially in the sciences.
• Excellent teaching skills at a university level with an emphasis on object-based and interactive approaches.
• Strong experience in team leadership, including mentoring, performance management, and collaboration.
• Strong commitment and ability to provide outreach at all levels with well-developed interpersonal skills.