Assistant to the Director, Fralin Museum of Art

University of Virginia

4d•$55,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

At the Fralin Museum of Art, leadership is not only about vision—it’s about connection. We are seeking an Assistant to the Director who is energized by the behind-the-scenes work that makes meaningful cultural experiences possible and who wants to play a central role in shaping how a world-class museum operates and engages its communities. This is an opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of people, ideas, and execution—a trusted partner to the J. Sanford Miller Family Director and a connector across departments, stakeholders, and constituent communities. Why This Role Matters The Assistant to the Director serves as a bridge between strategy and action. In this role, you will help translate the Director’s priorities into well-coordinated programs, clear communications, and thoughtful engagements—both within the museum and beyond it. Your work will directly support exhibitions, programs, donor and board relationships, and the museum’s evolving role within the University of Virginia and central Virginia communities. If you are intellectually curious, deeply organized, and motivated by the arts, this role offers a rare window into museum leadership and institutional decision-making. What You’ll Do As the operational and administrative anchor for the Director’s Office, you will: Enable strong leadership communication by managing the Director’s calendar, correspondence, and travel, ensuring time and attention are aligned with institutional priorities. Support strategic thinking and decision-making through research, briefings, and data tracking related to museums, higher education, and cultural policy. Coordinate high-impact meetings and events, from internal working groups to external programs with donors, board members, and community partners. Collaborate across departments—including Development, Marketing, Operations, and Curatorial teams—to advance director-led initiatives and museum-wide priorities. Strengthen community engagement and institutional learning by supporting consultation processes and helping measure and articulate the museum’s impact. Serve as a trusted point of contact for diverse stakeholders, handling sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and empathy. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both big-picture thinking and meticulous follow-through—and who wants to contribute to a mission-driven arts organization. We’re seeking a candidate who brings curiosity, judgment, and a collaborative spirit to their work. Why Join the Fralin The Fralin Museum of Art is UVA’s museum, serving students, faculty, and the public through powerful exhibitions, dynamic programs, and an expanding culture of collaboration. Joining our team means contributing to a mission that values inquiry, inclusivity, and meaningful cultural exchange—while gaining unparalleled exposure to museum leadership and strategy.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and related experience in lieu of a degree required.
3+ years of relevant experience required.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage tasks efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
They demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, exercise discretion when handling confidential information, and approach interactions with professionalism and a customer service mindset.
This individual thrives both independently and collaboratively, contributing positively to team goals while managing responsibilities with care and sound judgment and developing an understanding of Fralin priorities and the Director’s perspective.

Nice To Haves

Experience with event management tools and design platforms (e.g., Eventbrite, Canva)
Experience with financial and administrative systems such as UVA Workday
Experience working in a museum, academic institution, or arts organization
Experience coordinating meetings, events, or complex logistics (including travel)
A high working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Responsibilities

Enable strong leadership communication by managing the Director’s calendar, correspondence, and travel, ensuring time and attention are aligned with institutional priorities.
Support strategic thinking and decision-making through research, briefings, and data tracking related to museums, higher education, and cultural policy.
Coordinate high-impact meetings and events, from internal working groups to external programs with donors, board members, and community partners.
Collaborate across departments—including Development, Marketing, Operations, and Curatorial teams—to advance director-led initiatives and museum-wide priorities.
Strengthen community engagement and institutional learning by supporting consultation processes and helping measure and articulate the museum’s impact.
Serve as a trusted point of contact for diverse stakeholders, handling sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and empathy.