Assistant Director, Mulvane Art Museum

Position Title: Assistant Director, Mulvane Art Museum

Department: Mulvane Art Museum

Advertised Pay: Lower $60,000's

Campus Location: Washburn University

Application Deadline:  Application review will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants can be assured of full consideration if submitted by December 16, 2025.

Position Summary: The Assistant Director, Mulvane Art Museum works with appropriate staff to advance the Mulvane Art Museum's mission of creating inclusive pathways to learning, creativity, and connection through the visual arts. The Assistant Director oversees the museum's daily operations, supports administrative functions, ensures compliance with institutional policies, and manages program logistics. This position helps advance development and fundraising efforts. This position contributes to the creation and distribution of promotional and educational communications.

About Washburn University: Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Essential Functions:
• Manages and supports staff in the museum's daily operations, administrative functions, and visitor services.
• Works with museum staff to recruit, train, and supervise student workers, interns, fellows, and volunteers.
• Ensures that the museum operates in compliance with institutional policies, university protocol, and professional standards.
• Works with appropriate staff to ensure the museum's continued accreditation and oversees reaccreditation processes.
• Collects data to evaluate museum practices, activities, and internal procedures. Works with staff to plan and implement data-driven improvements.
• Oversees logistics of programs and events, including the annual Mulvane Art Fair.
• Assists the Director with budget management.
• Works with museum staff and Facilities Services to ensure galleries are in good repair.
• Coordinates the activities of the Friends of the Mulvane Art Museum.
• Supports the Director and the Washburn Foundation with planning and implementing development, fundraising, sponsorship, and donor cultivation strategies.
• Assists with identifying, applying for, and reporting on grants.
• Coordinates the development and distribution of promotional and educational content through print, digital, and social media.
• Works with appropriate staff and Washburn Public Relations on press communications.
• Contributes to programs, tours, and presentations that engage students, faculty, donors, and the public.
• Supports the Director with targeted academic initiatives, including the Mulvane Student Advisory Board.
• Assists staff with exhibition development and logistics.
• Serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence.
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:
• Master's degree in art history, museum studies, studio art, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in museums, art organizations, nonprofits, and/or art education.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive museum practices that engage students and community members of all backgrounds.
• Proven effective writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements:
• Occasional need to lift or maneuver objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
• One year of experience in an AAM accredited museum.
• One year of experience in fundraising/development at a museum/art organization/nonprofit.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience teaching and leading educational programs and student projects.

Exempt, Full-time, Mon-Fri,    
Background Check Required