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

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Home | Interim Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Interim Head of Education – Smart Museum of Art, Chicago Interim Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Interim Head of Education – Smart Museum of Art, Chicago

Interim Director of the Feitler Center for Academic Inquiry and Interim Head of Education Department About the Department The 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. The Smart’s permanent collection comprises nearly 18,000 objects and supports academic and artistic study. The University of Chicago is keen to support the Smart Museum’s dynamic role in expanding artistic canons, rethinking histories, and engaging diverse communities locally, nationally, and internationally. Job Summary

The 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. 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) Professional References Contact Information (3) (preferred)

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